NEWS
Wayne Edwards Awarded Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation
At a special ceremony held at Swan House on Monday 27th September 2021, attended by The Mayor of Palmerston North, IPU Senior Staff, as well as Professor Edwards’ family and close friends. The Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Mr. Koichi Ito, presented Emeritus Professor Wayne Edwards OBE with the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation Award.
Professor Edwards was recognised for his work towards the “Promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and New Zealand”, and in doing so, Professor Edwards is the only New Zealand-based recipient in this year’s list. The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, and acknowledge their contribution towards promoting friendship between Japan and other countries.
Having served over ten years as president of IPU New Zealand before retiring, Professor Edwards was front and centre at promoting the value of Japan to Kiwi students, and also provided Japanese students and parents the confidence to choose IPU New Zealand as their tertiary education destination on the other side of the world. As the Mayor of Palmerston North Grant Smith said during his speech in the ceremony “No-one is irreplaceable, but from all accounts, you run pretty close.”
This is a prestigious award, and IPU New Zealand is honoured to congratulate Professor Edwards for his achievement.
Back Row: Dr Rashid Ameer, Ms. Virginia Goldblatt MNZM, Dr. Gillian Claridge, Mr. Scott Turner, Ms. Shelley Turner, Mr. Hiro Tsumakura, Professor James Chapman, Mrs. Barbara Chapman, Mr. Stewart Holdaway, Mr Tomotaka Ishizu
Front Row: Emeritus Professor Graeme Fraser, Mrs. Judith Edwards, Emeritus Professor Wayne Edwards OBE, His Excellency Mr. Koichi Ito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to New Zealand, His Worship the Mayor Mr Grant Smith
