MEDIA RELEASE
For release: 1 November 2018
Sports Diplomacy strengthens NZ-Japan Relationship
The Speaker, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, and senior Member of Parliament, Hon Gerry Brownlee, will undertake the first
official parliamentary visit to Japan since 2013 later this week.
Although separated by vast geographical distance with distinct, unique cultures and histories; Japan is one of our most
like-minded partners in the Asia Pacific region. Japan shares our unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, the
rule of law, and the international trading system. In the current uncertain international climate it is crucial that New
Zealand invests in strengthening our relationships with other robust parliamentary democracies, who will champion our
values globally.
The short visit to Tokyo, Japan, will take place from 2 to 4 November 2018. The programme includes a formal meeting with
the Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives, His Excellency, Mr Tadamori Ōshima; watching the All Blacks vs
Brave Blossoms Test Match alongside senior Japanese Parliamentarians; engagement with Japanese political, business, and
sporting leaders. In addition to meetings with students, lecturers, and tertiary administrators to support enhanced
academic links between Japan and New Zealand. Japan is also particularly interested in the New Zealand Parliament’s
family-friendly approach and our recent success in reaching 40 percent female representation in the House of
Representatives.
The Speaker said, “International relationships are grown on the myriad efforts of volunteers, schools, businesses, local
bodies, universities, and people-to-people connections. Long-standing linkages in sport have helped to cement our warm
friendship with Japan, who is hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Olympics and Paralympics in 2020, and the World
Masters Games in 2021. Rugby and sport loom large in New Zealand’s international identity and I look forward to the
excellent opportunity this provides to promote New Zealand’s collective interests and build valuable people-to-people
connections, alongside my colleague, Hon Gerry Brownlee”.
ENDS