General Information on
the 2010Invitation Programmefor
SPECIAL FIELDS COUNTERPARTS
from New Zealand(2010-Agriculture)
- General Outline
(1)Outline of the 2010Invitation Programme forSpecial Fields Counterparts from New Zealand(2010-Agriculture)(SFC.NZ)
In the bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of New Zealand Hon Murray McCully on 29 April, 2009, the then Foreign Minister of Japan Hirofumi Nakasone introduced a new invitation plan for another 50 young New Zealanders to Japan in addition to the existing invitation programme, Future Business Counterparts from New Zealand, started in 2007.
The Invitation Programme forSpecial Fields Counterparts fromNew Zealand (hereinafter abbreviated asSFC.NZ) is an invitation programme,through which young New Zealand professionals, who will assume greater responsibilities in the coming years and are strongly interested in strengthening relations with Japan, would visit and experience Japan,its society, culture, and people.The aim of this unique programme is toprovide young New Zealand professionals engaged or interested in agriculture with opportunities to grasp an appropriate perception of the current situation in the field, so that they can contribute to promotion of mutual understanding between the two countriesutilizinga great deal of understanding of Japan gained throughlectures, visits tovarious sites pertaining to the main theme of the programmeand interactions with Japanese people.
(2) Under the auspices of the JENESYS Programme
SFC.NZ is formulated to be an integral part of theJENESYS Programme.
At the Second East Asia Summit (EAS), which was held in January 2007, the then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe announced a plan to implement alarge-scale youth exchange program, inviting about 6,000 young peopleto Japan mainly from the EAS member states (ASEAN, Australia, China,India, New Zealand, the ROK) every year for five years, with a view toestablishing and reinforcing a basis for Asia’s stalwart solidarity by expanding youthexchange. Based on this plan, the Government of Japan launched theJapan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS)Programme in 2007.
(3) JICE
JICE (JapanInternationalCooperationCenter) is an authorized public organization established in 1977 under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Since its inception, JICE has been closely working with Japaneseaid agenciesand government ministries as well as foreign governmentsand United Nations organizations such as UNESCO and UNDP to support the implementation of international cooperation programmes.
JICE is an official agent of this JENESYS Programme, which has undertaken all the necessary arrangements for the 2010 Invitation Programme for Special Fields Counterpartsfrom New Zealand, such as pre-departure orientation, travel procedures and the whole schedule of events in Japanunder the guidance of the Government of Japan.
- TentativeProgramme Schedule
Date / Day / Schedule
5-July / Mon / Assembly inAuckland
Pre-departure orientation
6- July / Tue / (AM) DeparturefromAuckland
(PM) ArrivalinTokyo
7-July / Wed / (AM) Briefing by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
(PM) Lecture on “Current Situation in Japanese Agriculture”
Lecture on “Agriculture and Environment”
8-July / Thu / (AM) Visit to Multinational Dairy Company in NZ
(PM) Visit to New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo
9-July / Fri / Visit to TsukubaPrefecture
-National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Service in Tsukuba
-National Institute of Fruit Tree Science (NIFTS)
10-July / Sat / (AM) Cultural Experience Programme
(PM) Cultural Tour in Tokyo
11-July / Sun / (AM) Move to Hokkaido
(PM) City Tour in Hokkaido
12-July / Mon / (AM) Lecture on “Agriculture Policy of Hokkaido”
(PM) Visit a branch of Japan Agricultural Cooperatives
13-July / Tue / Specialized programme for Dairy Group and Horticultural Group
14-July / Wed / (AM) Visit a local company running business with close partnership of New Zealand
(PM) Move back to Tokyo
15-July / Thu / (AM) Lecture on “ Future Japan-NZ Relationship in Food and Agricultural sector”
(FM) Group Discussion / Presentation
Farewell Reception
16-July / Fri / (AM) Individual Research
(PM) Depart from Tokyo
17-July / Sat. / (AM) Arrive at Auckland
(1)The above schedule is subject to change.
(2)JICE’s expert staffs will accompany participants to all the scheduled events and will provide support in terms of their living arrangements and health during and before the programme.
3. Application Process
(1)Important Dates for Your Application
2 April 2010 Application Deadline
7May 2010 Notification of Selection
5 July2010 Pre-Orientation in Auckland
6 July 2010 Departure to Japan
16 July 2010 Arrival in Auckland
(2) Application Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following requirements and must be eager to pursue a career that fosters Japan-New Zealand relations in the future.
(a) Applicants should be a youngNew Zealander who are interested or specialize in agriculture,
-A person engaged in agriculture, forestry and fisheries including the processing, distribution and marketing of these sectors
-An academic, researcher or journalist
-Politician
-Government official
(b) Applicants should, in principle, beNew Zealand citizens and at 35 years of age or below.
Those who have not participated in any other invitation programme to Japan before will be given preference.
Due tothe outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1 or Swine Flu)in Japan, those suffering from any specific illness or condition detailed in the (*) below are recommended to refrain from applying as they might develop a serious illness were they to catch this flu while travelling. However, if applicants with such a predetermined conditionstrongly wish to participate in the programme, then they, if successful, will be required to submit a“Letter of Consent ” outlining their full understanding of the risks and their affirmation that they will be responsible for any costs occasioned by the consequent illness.
(*)Chronic lung disease (Asthma, Chronic obstructive lung disease etc.), Immunodeficiency state (T cell immunodeficiency etc.), Chronic heart disease (congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease etc.), Metabolicdisease (Diabetes), Renal dysfunction, Obesity, Myasthenia gravis etc.
As Influenza A (H1N1 or Swine Flu) poses significant risk to pregnancy, it is strongly recommended that pregnant women do not apply to this programme at this time.
(3) Documents to be Submitted
Applicants must submit the following documents (1)~(4) to the Embassy of Japan by April 2, 2010. It is preferable that all documents are submitted electronically via e-mail addressed to the Embassy of Japan and markedSFC.NZin the“subject” section. Should you have difficulty submitting all the documents electronically, you may post documents (2) ~ (4). In this case, please ensure document (1) is provided as electronic data and the other three documents (2 - 4) reach the Embassy of Japan no later than April 2, 2010.
E-mail address: japan.eco＠eoj.org.nz
Postal Address: Economic Section (SFC.NZ), Embassy of Japan
Level 18, The Majestic Centre, 100 Willis Street, Wellington6011,
New Zealand (P.O. Box 6340 Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand)
(a) Application Form
Fill in the blanks with necessary information and answers.
(b) Passport-size Photo
Submit a photo taken by a digital camera within the last six months. (Upper body, hat off.) Attach it to the application where it is designated.
(c)Copy of Passport
Make a photocopy of the photo of your passport and send it PDF, JPEG, or BMP format. If you don’t have a current passport, you may substitute it with a photocopy of an official ID (eg driver's license). If accepted to this programme, you must obtain a passport immediately and submit a photocopy of that.
(d)Letter of Permission
Print out the letter of permission and obtain your employer’s handwritten signature.Send it in PDF, JPEG, or BMP format.
(4)Notification of selection
All applicants will receive notification of acceptance, rejection or of being wait
listed by May 7, 2010. Invitation letters will be sent to up to 50 applicants.
4. Terms and Conditions
(1) Arrangements and expenses to be covered by the programme.
The Japanese Government will make the necessary arrangements and bear the total cost for the programme. Any other arrangement shall be made by participants at their own expense.
Returninternational air ticket (Auckland-Tokyo, Economy class)
* Excess baggage charge will be paid at one’s own expense.
Overseas travel accident insurance
* Please note that pregnancy-related diseases, chronic illnesses and pre-existing illnesses diagnosed by a Japanese medical doctor and cases not approved by the insurance company will NOT be covered by insurance. Individuals will be liable for such costs. (Please see 6. Notes (2)Influenza A (H1N1 or Swine flu)Domestic transportation from/to Auckland
*If you reside in a location other than Auckland, a return domestic flight tickets (From your nearest domestic airport to Auckland) will be provided.
Accommodation in Japan
Transportation in Japan
Meals in Japan
Accommodation for the daybefore the departure.
*Other personal expenses will be paid at one’s own expense.
(2)Prohibitions
The Following is not permitted:
To remain in Japan after the programme without a permission from
JENESYS secretariat.
to change the flight designated by the programme;
to change accommodation designated by the programme;
to be accompanied by someone; or
to travel to third countries on the way to Japan or back to New Zealand.
(3) Submission of Post-Programme Evaluation
Participants are requested to submit the post-programme evaluation sheetreporting on experiences gained in this programme and to cooperate in any further follow-up programmes in the future.
(4)
)quirement to Japan or back to AUstralia e Japanese Governmentrt and send it y Respect for Japanese Law and Regulations
During the stay in Japan, participants must respect the laws and regulations of Japan, and offendersare subject to penalties under Japanese law.
5. Pre-departure Orientation
Participants shall attenda pre-departure orientation that will be held in Auckland on 5th July, 2010. Further information about the pre-departure orientation will be sent to participants at a later date.
6. Notes
(1) Participants should understand thoroughly the significance of thisprogramme, which is to facilitate young professionals’ understanding of Japan.
(2) Influenza A (H1N1 or Swine Flu)
According to the past cases, when a person with a chronic illnessis infected withInfluenza A, the risk of the symptoms becoming worse is high, compared with other infected patients without chronic illnesses.
When a participant with a chronic illness receives medical treatment or medication due to symptoms caused by the chronic illness, medical expenses will not be covered by the overseas travel accident insurance provided by JICE. Therefore, the participant will be liable for all the associated medical expenses.
The participant must understand the above mentioned risk and conditions, and agree to bear all the medical expenses not covered by the insurance provided by JICE.
7. Inquiries
Contact the Embassy of Japan for any questions.
Embassy of Japan
Level 18, The Majestic Centre,
100 Willis Street, Wellington6011,
New Zealand (P.O. Box 6340 Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand)
Tel: (64-4) 473-1540
Fax: (64-4) 471-2951
E-mail:
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