~ Article and photos from Christchurch City Council ~
Gaku Hashimoto, member of Japan’s Diet representing Kurashiki, visited New Zealand in April as a Guest of Government.
One of the youngest of Japan’s parliamentarians, he holds several vice-ministerial portfolios.
On a visit to Christchurch he met the Hon Nicky Wagner, MP Christchurch Central, and the Chief Executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) to be briefed on the Christchurch rebuild, and Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Councillors.
Members of the Kurashiki Sister City Committee arranged a tree-planting in the Kurashiki Sister City Garden in Halswell Quarry Park to mark his visit.
Mr. Hashimoto also visited the Transitional Cathedral, the CTV site and Bishopspark Retirement Home during his brief stay. Kurashiki Sister City Chairman Steve Wright, Deputy Chairman Keith Nicholson and Past Chairman David Bolam Smith hosted Mr Hashimoto on behalf of the Committee.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Councillors welcomed Gaku Hashimoto in Council Chambers
Tree planting in the Kurashiki Sister City Garden in Halswell Quarry Park, Christchurch
Members of the Kurashiki Sister City Committee and City Council Staff.