On 4 December, Economic Development Minister Hon Steven Joyce addressed the Korea New Zealand Business Council year-end meeting co-hosted by the Korean Embassy. Briefing on the outcome of his visit to Seoul in September, he emphasized that there is great potential for cooperation in the fields of ICT, education, R&D, innovation, and others. In particular, he said the conclusion of Korea-NZ FTA will revitalize the bilateral relationship by unlocking the unrealized potential for greater trade, investment and people flows between the two countries.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Park briefed on the current status of Korea-NZ FTA and highlighted the necessity of improving the working holiday scheme. The attendees at the function included Melissa Lee MP, Fergus Mclean, KNZBC Executive Director, KNZBC members, senior government officials, and business leaders.
I. Minister Steven Joyce addressed the KNZBC Meeting
KOREAN EMBASSY NEWSLETTER
Friday, 13 Dec, 2013
Korean Embassy
11th Floor, ASB Bank Tower, 2 Hunter Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Email: researcher1-nz@mofa.go.kr Website: http://nzl-wellington.mofa.go.kr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzkoreanembassy
On 6 December, Ambassador Park and 25 Korean business leaders visited Christchurch to meet the local business leaders and to discuss business opportunities. The meeting was co-organized by the City Council, the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (CECC), and the Korean Embassy. The members of the Korean delegation are senior Korean managers in New Zealand and ethnic Korean businessmen living in in New Zealand.
The delegation was welcomed by Mayor Lianne Dalziel and business representatives of Canterbury region. Emphasizing Christchurch’s historical close ties with Korea such as the large Korean community, mutually beneficial Sister City relationship with Songpa district, and the City as a gateway to Antarctica for the Korean Antarctic Research Program, the Mayor concluded that the first ever visit by the Korean business leaders to Christchurch provides a great opportunity to strengthen business ties between Christchurch and Korea. Participating NZ business representatives from CECC, Canterbury Development Corporation, CERA and Antarctica New Zealand gave a series of briefings on the earthquake recovery efforts, business environment and opportunities in the Canterbury region.
In his remarks, Ambassador Park highlighted the capability and track record of the Korean construction companies in contracting large scale infrastructure projects. He asked the city business representatives to give favorable consideration to the Korean firms to participate in the rebuilding of Christchurch.
Ⅱ . Korean Business leaders’ Meeting with
Christchurch Business Leaders
On 3 December, Ambassador Park visited [Callaghan Innovation] in Lower Hutt, which is in charge of promoting the commercialization of New Zealand innovation. The Ambassador discussed with Dr. Mary Quinn Chief Executive, and other key staff both countries’ strategies to implement the creative economy and how to further promote cooperation in this field. There is a lot of potential for cooperation as both countries place high priority on creating ecosystems for creative economy.
Ⅲ . Visit to Callaghan Innovation
Ⅳ. Blenheim KVA Christmas Lunch
On 24 November, Ambassador Park visited Blenheim in the South Island to attend a year-end luncheon of the Marlborough Branch of the NZ Korean Veterans’ Association. The Ambassador showed videos about main events in 2013 including PM John Key’s visit to Korea for the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. The lunch was attended by Alistair Sowman, Mayor of Marlborough, John Dodson, President of the KVA Blenheim branch along with 40 Korean War veterans and widows.
Ambassador Park hosted a Christmas dinner for the Korean-NZ Parliamentary Friendship Group at Korea House on 2 December. Guests included Melissa Lee MP, Nicky Wagner MP, Tim Macindoe, Dr Cam Calder MP, Alfred Ngaro MP, Hon Maryan Street MP, and Andrew Williams MP. The Ambassador briefed them on outcome of Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key’s visit to Korea and the current bilateral relationship including the status of the Korea-NZ FTA. He thanked the MPs for their contribution to promoting Korea-NZ relations and hoped the Group will continue their support for Korea-NZ friendship.
V . Korean-NZ Parliamentary Friendship Group
Christmas Dinner
The Korean Caravan Film Festival 2013 was held at the Film Archive in Wellington on December 6 and 7. The Korean Embassy presented two blockbuster movies, War of Arrows and The Thieves. The festival was enthusiastically received by Kiwis. The festival has been a fun way for Kiwis to learn about and enjoy Korean culture and history.
On Saturday, Eduardo Gradilone, Brazilian Ambassador to New Zealand, Michael Stephens, Trustee of the Korean Cinerama Trust, Catherine Fitzgerald, Film Producer, Michael Bennett, Film Director, and distinguished guests from the diplomatic community and film industry attended the event. After the show, they discussed the ways to enhance cooperation between their two countries in the area of film.
Ⅵ. Korean Film Premiere in Hamilton & Wellington
A Christmas dinner was held at Korea House on 22 November for NZ “K-Pop Festival” winners Emily Mwila and the Siu Twinz, “Quiz on Korea” winner Dr. Michael Smith, the Korean School Principal Sun -Min Kim and other teachers.
After tasty Korean cuisine, Emily sang the Dreamgirls OST - And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going and the K-Pop song - A Goose’s Dream. The Siu Twinz performed K-Pop dance music, Michael delivered his own small Quiz show and finally Korean School teachers sang a Korean Children’s song in harmony.
Ambassador Park thanked all participants for their contribution and active role in promoting understanding of the Korean language, culture, and history in New Zealand.
VII. Christmas Dinner for “Quiz on Korea” & “K-pop
Contest” Winners and Korean School Teachers
On 30 November, Korean Cultural Day was held with the title of “Seeds of Hope” in Catherdral Square, Christchurch. There were more than 3,000 attendees including David Cunliffe, the leader of the Labour Party, Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch, Melissa Lee MP, Judy Yun, President of the Korean Society of Christchurch, Korean War veterans, other prominent guests and citizens.
In their remarks, Mayor Dalziel and Hon Cunliffe expressed their admiration of Korea’s remarkable achievements in democracy, economy, and education over the last 60 years since the war and appreciated the contribution of the Korean community to the cultural diversity and development of the City.
It was the first such occasion to be held in the Christchurch CBD since the earthquake. The festival inspired citizens of Christchurch. The attendees enjoyed various Korean cuisine, a range of entertainment including face painting, costume party & contest and other cultural performances
Ⅷ. Korean Cultural Day in Christchurch Ⅷ. Korean Cultural Day in Christchurch
Other ethnic communities also joined the celebration with a Haka, the Laon, Irish Dance, Bagpipe, Hip Hop Dance 'Zion' Japanese Drum Takumi, Napoleon Syndrom, Buskers, and more. The festival brought all ethnic groups together and gave “Seeds of Hope” to the city. Congratulations for the wonderful “Korean Cultural Day” and thanks all for your contribution and participation.
