50th Anniversary Celebrations 

As you all know, 2010 is a special year for the society as we mark our 50th anniversary!  I have been the member or NZJS and on the committee for over twelve years and I've observed and initiated several changes over this time.  As we have been reviewing the society's constitution, we've also looked back at our history as the society.  The society stoodthe test of time and gained credibility as we adhere to our core aims serve the broader community.

A bit of history:

Following start of the Wellington branch in 1959, The NZ Japan Society of Auckland was established in March 1960 by the former Ambassador of Japan S. Ishiguro and A.G. Hardy Hon. Consul of Japan. Mr Hardy was known as Captain Hardy a member of the Northern Steamship Co, which was an agent of Nitto Line (later Nippon Line).  Mr Hardy was Hon. Consul for Japan for a long time until the appointment of the first Consul of Japan, Mr Isaburo Mukumoto in 1968.  The first President of the society was Mr Owen Rainger. 

The Society name reflects the aim of the society, to become two-way bridge between New Zealand and Japan.  At that time, New Zealanders were becoming conscious of the importance of getting to know neighbours in the pacific and many New Zealanders visited Japan.  The activities included study of Japanese culture, which started with a short film supplied by the Japanese embassy, followed by addresses and discussions, concluded by a light supper. The society gave members opportunities to meet visitors from Japan, lectures were given by experts in various areas, and small groups were formed to study and practice ikebana, tea ceremony, origami, bonsai.  The conversation night was held in The Auckland Teachers College (now Auckland University Epsom of campus) until 2004 when we changed the location to the current Pioneer Women's Hall on High St in the Auckland CBD.

We honour those who invested their time and resources into the running of the society.  Previous society council and members established NZJS through planning and endeavour and relationship building to build the organisation that we see today and we must never take this for granted.  To commemorate those who contributed in the past and up the present, we are currently creating a '50th anniversary DVD'.  We were all general members of the society at some point but decided to contribute at a higher level and show initiative for something you are passionate about.

The DVD is at the raw material stage filming and editing the raw material thanks to Sam (who usually sits with Shirley at the info desk at the conversation nights).  Amy, our 2010 AUT co-opt student has assisted in coordinating interviews with AUT teachers and previous AUT Co-opt Students. We have interviewed our current Japanese language class teachers Keiko and Michiyo and also past NZJS life-members & some committee members.  We are yet to interview the past AUT co-opt students and of course we want to interview some current members and NZJS Council (your turn is coming so be prepared).

I will continue update you with behind the scenes progress as we build up to our celebrations the 50th anniversary and we may even give some samples to view and articles to read.

Stephen D

Society President
PS Only four, that is 4 months to go to ToJ and our 50th Anniversary party!