21 April 2021

North Asia CAPE was pleased to support the Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC) Japan Forum on Renewable Energy held at the Northern Club in Auckland on Wednesday 21 April 2021. The forum was the first in a series of ‘blended’ events, to be held in-person and online, allowing Japan-based members to participate. Live translation was offered thanks to the Japanese Committee.

We were fortunate to have Trade and Export Growth Minister Hon Damien O’Connor, Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Koichi Ito, Chief Executive of the NZ Hydrogen Council Dr Linda Wright, and Mr James Kilty, Deputy CEO of Contact Energy joining us as speakers.

We have received very positive feedback on the quality of the speakers and the substance of their presentations, and were pleased with the high quality participation in New Zealand and Japan, with 92 joining on Zoom in addition to 65 in-person in Auckland. Zoom increased our outreach and connectivity immeasurably in this instance.

The speeches by Minister O’Connor and Ambassador Ito outlined the breadth and scope of the important trade and economic relationship between New Zealand and Japan, leading in to the presentations on by Linda Wright and James Kilty on hydrogen and geothermal energy. Renewable energy was the topic and there was amazing human energy in the room!

In an online survey, participants rated the event 4.6 out of 5, with 5 being excellent/outstanding. The speakers/presentations were described as ‘engaging’, ‘interesting’ ‘fantastic’ and ‘excellent’.

We look forward to working collaboratively with JNZBC and NZ Inc on future events.