Youth Delegation to Arrive from Mishima

Nine students from New Plymouth’s Japanese sister city of Mishima are about to get a first-hand experience of Kiwi life.

The delegation arrives tomorrow (Tuesday) and during their stay the students will take part in school classes as well as leisure activities.

“The aim is to give them an introduction to the lifestyle of a typical kid in Taranaki and deepen the community links between New Plymouth District and Mishima,” says International Relations Working Party Chairman Maurice Betts.

Previous youth visits from Mishima had proved popular with both the New Plymouth and Mishima students. “These student visits are a great way to broaden the understanding that New Zealand and Japanese teens have of each others’ cultures, and to spark their imaginations about their own future,” he says.

The nine junior high students (aged 13 to 16) will be in the district until Monday 30 March.

The students will attend Spotswood College with their host brother or sister on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The students will undertake a sightseeing tour on Friday, including visits to Mt Taranaki, Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park and Puke Ariki. They’ll share a farewell dinner of fish and chips with their host families to give them a real taste of life here,” says Mr Betts.