On the 15th October, NZJS assisted the ‘RWC adopt a second team project’ and through Orewa Business Association & Auckland council.  During the round robin stages of the tournament, the Silverdale rugby club hosted the team Japan, while they stayed at Gulf Harbour and, although the team Japan didn’t progress beyond the group stages, Orewa was interested in learning about Japanese culture.  Other requests were from central areas, such as Mission Bay and took the opportunity to share Japanese culture north of the bridge, a new opportunity for NZJS Auckland. 

For Haere Mai, it was our second visit to Orewa as we had participated in RWC Road-Show (a familiar event through TV1) at the beginning of the Rugby World Cup. 

Orewa is about 40 minutes from CBD with a nice village atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Although the new motorway system bypasses this beautiful part of New Zealand, many people stop there on the way north. 

The setting up of the venue was done the day before by around 20 volunteers both local and from central Auckland.  Thanks to those fantastic volunteers, the festival ran smoothly and was accident free. 

We had Origami, Shodo, a Tea Ceremony workshop & demonstration, Sushi workshop and demonstration, Kirie demonstration & sale, Yo-yo fishing, Yukata dressing & photo shooting, Shodo & Haiku competition display along with ‘Wings of Hope’ fundraising table.  We are continuing with the fundraising in order to assist victims of both Christchurch and Japan’s earthquakes.

Taiko performance and workshop was popular as the stage was full of ‘Wonna-be-drummers’. 
The sushi workshop was very popular that even though the demonstration and hands-on workshop was finished, people did not want to leave.
The tea ceremony club ‘Sado-bu’ hosted over 120 guests.  It is the record number of guests we served.

Thank you volunteers (including NZJS committee members who are ultimate volunteers) for your contribution.  We left a truly positive impression on the Orewa community, both of Japan and the generosity of our NZJS members.

‘ Otsukaresama deshita!’
Kumiko Imai-Duxfield