Official Visit to Japan and the Republic of Korea

On Sunday 20 October the Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne depart for an official visit to Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Dame Patsy and Sir David will represent New Zealand at the enthronement ceremony of the Emperor of Japan. In the Republic of Korea, the Governor-General will name the Royal New Zealand Navy’s new vessel Aotearoa. Dame Patsy is the sponsor of the ship.

Programme:

JAPAN

Tuesday 22 October                    

1300-1330          Enthronement of HM the Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace

1920-22.50         Court Banquet, Imperial Palace

Wednesday, 23 October            

0930-1040          Visit to Waseda University, Tokyo, where Dame Patsy will address students and take part in a Q and A

1110-1210          Visit to Nezu Museum, Tokyo, where the collection focuses on pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art.

1800-2100          Banquet hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Hotel New Otani, Tokyo

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Thursday, 24 October

1500-1600          Visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan, where 32 New Zealanders who fought in the Korean War are buried.

1800-2130          Dinner hosted by the Chief of Navy, Hyundai Hotel, to mark the naming of the Aotearoa for the Royal New Zealand Navy

Friday 25 October

0510-0800          Mauri Laying and Blessing for Aotearoa.

1025-1200          Naming Ceremony for Aotearoa.

1530-1730          Visit to Busan Museum of Art

Please direct all requests for further information to Nerina Bennett, Engagement and Communications, Government House, 021 470583.