Richmond’s longstanding relationship with the Japanese town of Fujimi Machi was refreshed last month with a group of secondary school students visiting Waimea College.
The value of a more than 30-year bond was clear during the week-long visit of a dozen students and their chaperones from Fujimi Machi Junior High School.
The students’ visit continued a long-standing exchange relationship with Waimea College and saw them hosted by Richmond families.
The group was warmly welcomed with a pōwhiri and kai at Te Āwhina Marae, and among other activities, enjoyed a day in the Abel Tasman National Park where they walked from Anchorage to Mārahau, and spent time in classes at Waimea College.
The group was escorted by Richmond Ward Councillor and Friendly Towns Liaison Jo Ellis. She said it was incredible to see the young people from both schools forming strong, and what are often lifelong, connections with each other.
“Our visitors fully embraced their time here, and I’d like to thank those people and businesses who opened their homes and shared their knowledge so generously with our guests.”
The visit went incredibly well, and apparently when it came time to leave, the students said none of them were ready to go!