In April 2024 it was announced by the Government of Japan that Kennedy would be honoured in the 2024 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals. This prestigious award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions toward strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and New Zealand.
Mr Ian Kennedy, Mrs Setsuko Kennedy and Ambassador Osawa
At the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Osawa delivered his congratulatory address, highlighting Mr Kennedy’s achievements which include being the former Ambassador of New Zealand to Japan, Chairman of the New Zealand Committee of the Japan New Zealand Business Council, International Advisor to the New Zealand Open, and Honorary Chairman of the “Support-our-Kids” programme, Kennedy has also written a book on Japanese/New Zealand relations for the Institute of Policy Studies (Victoria University of Wellington).
Kennedy expressed his gratitude to his family and friends and the Government of Japan, and shared his wide-ranging and inspiring experiences in nurturing the Japan-New Zealand relationship.
Kennedy expressed his gratitude to his family and friends and the Government of Japan, and shared his wide-ranging and inspiring experiences in nurturing the Japan-New Zealand relationship.
“It is a great honour to accept this award and I want to express my sincere thanks to Ambassador Osawa, the Japanese Government and to the people of Japan for this recognition.
“I am also very grateful to have my wife, Setsuko and my family and friends alongside me here today. Your support today and in the past is something that I will cherish forever” said Kennedy.
During his term of office, both New Zealand and Japan experienced major disasters in the same year – the Canterbury Earthquake in February 2011, and the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. Kennedy provided invaluable assistance to both Japan and Japanese citizens on many levels during this time and helped to forge stronger links between the two countries, including founding the “Support-our-Kids” programme in 2011 to support children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
2024 New Zealand Open Champion Takahiro Hataji speaks to media with the support of Ian Kennedy. Credit: Michael Thomas / www.photosport.nz
In his role with the New Zealand Open, Kennedy helps forge relationships with the Japanese dignitaries and businesses at both a corporate and personal level. And in 2024 as the tournament crowned its first Japanese champion, Kennedy was on hand to provide support and translation services.
New Zealand Open Chairman, John Hart, who spoke at the ceremony, highlighted Kennedy’s achievements in strengthening New Zealand’s ties to Japan, and also acknowledged Kennedy’s wife, Setsuko who have both made significant contributions to the New Zealand Open.
“We are delighted that Ian has been honoured with the Order of the Rising Sun award. Both Ian and Setsuko have been a huge part of the success the New Zealand Open has had in building relations with Japan and we are grateful for their ongoing support as the tournament continues to strengthen ties with Japan” said Hart.
