The Conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
upon Mrs. Adrienne Staples
The Government of Japan announced on April 29th the foreign recipients of the 2017 Spring Decorations. On this occasion,
Mrs. Adrienne Staples, Councillor of the Greater Wellington Regional Council, will be bestowed the Order of the Rising
Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of her contributions towards promoting the friendship and mutual
understanding between Japan and New Zealand.
Mrs. Staples has been contributing to the deepening of ties between Japan and New Zealand, as well as promote
understanding towards Japan in New Zealand as the former Mayor of South Wairarapa. She encouraged local and national
participation in the annual memorial ceremony in remembrance of the Featherston Incident, in which both the local
Japanese and New Zealand community together remembered a common juncture in history where Japanese and New Zealand lives
were lost. She also fostered mutual exchanges and understanding between Japan and New Zealand at the grass-roots level
by strongly supporting the hosting of biannual visits by the Chor Farmer Male Voice Choir. Through such activities, Mrs.
Staples has made a significant contribution towards enhancing the mutual friendship between Japan and New Zealand.
Decoration: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Service: Promoting the friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and New Zealand
Name of recipient: Mrs. Adrienne Staples
Major Titles:
• Former Mayor of South Wairarapa
• Councillor, Greater Wellington Regional Council