President’s report to the Annual General Meeting, 29 March 2007

Highlights

  • Japan Through Our Eyes (15 - 20 August 2006) – this photo exhibition was our major event of the year, commemorating 20yrs of the JET Programme. 45 photographs taken by Wellington alumni during their time in Japan were enlarged and mounted at the Thistle Gallery in Cuba St. 100 members + guests attended an opening reception, where judges awarded sponsored prizes. The exhibition received local media coverage, and was attended by approximately 500 people.
  • Membership increased to 173; with 25 new members added over the last 12 months
  • Designing a logo and upgrading the website; will ensure the chapter is more visible

Activities Our social and promotional activities were guided by our planning session and 3 objectives:

  • support and promote the JET Programme

Omedetou & Info Afternoon (May 2006) – held at the Hutt-Minoh Friendship House to allow newly-chosen JET participants to meet alumni for a Q&A at an early stage. Team teaching workshop (June 2006) – chapter members assisted newly-chosen ALTs with class techniques and ideas for lesson plans. JICC feedback was that this event performs an important and practical role in annual pre-departure orientation. Wainuiomata High School visit (November 2006) – 2 chapter members visited 3 Japanese language classes to talk about JET and Japan. The chapter sponsored a school prize (language dictionaries) for ‘most-improved Japanese language student’.

  • support and encourage friendship among JET Programme alumni

Japanese cooking class (July 2006) – held at the Asiana cooking school, 20 chapter alumni learned how to make pork gyoza (traditional method) & sweet soy pumpkin. Afterwards members enjoyed their efforts over dinner & wine Quiz night (October 2006) – our 4th annual Japan-themed quiz was held at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre; a social occasion for alumni to meet each other. Bonenkai (December 2006) – annual end-of-year dinner was held at Arashi-kushiyaki restaurant. There was a strong turn-out of 40 members, including recent returnees.

  • support and encourage friendly relations between Japan and New Zealand

Karaoke night (May 2006) – a dozen members hired a karaoke box with 10 exchange students from Meikai University in Chiba; a good chance for alumni to enjoy some natsukashi karaoke and get to know some local Japanese university students. Otari-Wilton BBQ (Feb 2007) – attended by 40 people, including 17 students from Ritsumeikan University. Feedback from VUW coordinator, our Vice-president Amber Walters, was that the students enjoyed this welcome and chance to talk with alumni. Japanese Film Night (March 2007) – jointly held with the Embassy, the Japanese film, Tony Takitani, was shown at the Film Archive theatre; the evening attracted about 60 people and included a performance from music group, Baobab, on tour from Japan.  JET alumni conferences Oceania Regional Conference (October 2006) – I represented our chapter at the annual Regional Conference, held in Canberra. Three chapters from NZ and five from Australia shared ideas on activities to support members and promote the JET Programme. Wellington hosted the conference in 2002; the South Island chapter will host in Oct 2007.

  • JETAA International Conference (November 2006) – this year it was Wellington’s turn to provide the New Zealand country representative; our social committee member, Marie-Louise Siddle, represented the three NZ chapters in Sydney. Marie-Louise has played an important coordination role between the NZ chapters over the last year.

Support On behalf of the chapter, I’d like to thank the Embassy of Japan and the staff of the Japan Information and Cultural Centre for all their support over the last year – from providing a meeting space to supporting this Annual General Meeting and our website. I’d like to express our gratitude to CLAIR for their continued support through their annual grant-in-aid. Representatives from both the Tokyo and Sydney CLAIR offices visited Wellington over the past year, and our committee was able to show that JET alumni in Wellington are making a contribution to the JET Programme and to the NZ–Japan friendship. I’m grateful for the huge contribution made by the committee over the past year including Amber Walters (Vice President), Chris Boorman (Treasurer), Perise Iupeli (Secretary, now happily back in Japan), and Marie-Louise Siddle (NZ Country Rep). The photo exhibition organisers put in a huge effort to produce a fantastic event – thanks to Emily Huntingdon (project manager), Gary Hutchings, Tara McIlroy, Matt Campbell and Hamish Low. Hamish has also made a visual impact with his amazing Japan-esque graphic designs. I’d like to thank all members for their support and contributions over the past year. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the committee, and know that the chapter will be strong for the years ahead. I’d like to wish the new committee well for the coming year. Gary BlickOutgoing PresidentJET Alumni Association (Wellington)