Catherine O'Connell attends JNZBC AGM - June 9th, 2026

Catherine attended the Annual General Meeting of the Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC), an organisation that has played an important role in strengthening commercial ties between Japan and New Zealand for more than 50 years.

The major announcement of the evening was the transition in leadership. Long-serving Chairman Mr Ichikawa of Sumitomo Forestry will step down on 1 July 2026, with Vice Chairman Mr Isono, President and CEO of Oji Holdings, succeeding him as Chairman.

Catherine would like to thank Mr Ichikawa for his many years of service and leadership and looks forward to supporting the Council under its new leadership.

Attention is now turning to the 52nd Japan-New Zealand Business Conference, which will be held in Sendai from 1–3 November 2026 under the theme "Shaping a Resilient Future Through Trust and Co-Creation of NZ and Japan." Catherine is delighted to be moderating one of the conference sessions and looks forward to contributing to the discussions. More details will be shared in the coming months.

Photo: From left to right, Isono san, Catherine, Ichikawa san