For RIFA's international understanding lecture this time, we invited Mr. Kieran O'Connell, who is from New Zealand. We learned about New Zealand's culture and history. Mr. Gaku Sato served as interpreter.

First, the history of New Zealand. Mr. O'Connell explains on the history of New Zealand in English and Mr. Sato interprets.

Everybody listens to his story intently over the confectionery of New Zealand.

Working abroad

Moving and working abroad are very common in New Zealand.

Compared to Japan

Resemblance

　The size of the country is about the same as that of Japan(a little larger than Japan), consisting of some islands. There are many volcanoes and earthquakes often occur like in Japan. *There is a mountain named Mt. Taranaki that looks like Mt. Fuji, and the movie The Last Samurai was shot in front of it for the background.

Difference　
　The greatest difference is the population.
Japan：about 128.000.000
New Zealand：about 4.000.000

　The capital city Wellington has about the same population of Otsu. I am surprised at a great number of people in big cities like Shibuya.

Life and leisure

　In spare time, spending at home is common and gardening is popular. Outdoor sports are also popular such as golf, cricket, surfing, and hiking. You can play golf at a lower price than in Japan. I guess there are many people who know the New Zealand All Blacks is the strongest in the world.

The first Japanese in New Zealand

　According to a reference, the first Japanese people arrived in New Zealand in 1984, who were a troupe of a circus, and the first Japanese person immigrated in 1890 .

Sightseeing

New Zealand mainly consists of two big islands(north and south). The island I recommend is the south from which I am.The south has several famous sights like Mt. Cook and Queens Town. The former is the most famous mountain in New Zealand and around the mountain is a national park.

　　Summer time on Oriental Parade in Wellington