NZROK Friendship Society

25/09/2026

From a public lecture to meeting students interested in Korea and the Korean language, it was an inspiring day with the Consul General of the Republic of Korea. We wrapped up the visit with a fantastic Korean BBQ dinner in Hamilton. 🇰🇷✨

23/09/2026

English conversation groups will start again at Chartwell Cooperating Church, 126 Comries Rd, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton on Tuesday, 13th October, 2026, 7.00-8.30pm. Welcome to anyone who has English as an Additional Language.

23/09/2026

At te Kōpuroa (Te Pā), the University of Waikato today, ROK Consul-General Mr Hongki Kim spoke to an audience that included four members of our NZROK FS planning group.

Dr Jinah Lee introduced Mr Kim, who then spoke about the changing role Korea has had in the world in the last three or four decades, during which he has served his nation in a number of countries, including Ecudor, Argentina, the Philippines, Japan, Iran, and Switzerland.

He interspersed his reflections with comments on personal moments from his life - both challenges and highlights. Kim Hongki was appointed Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Aotearoa New Zealand in April 2024.

18/09/2026

The NZROK Friendship Society's public meeting last night via Zoom focussed on group discussion of 'The Trials and Triumphs of Learning an Additional Language' - with expert comments from Jinah Lee (the University of Waikato) and Wang Yi (Joy) (Wintec).

Participants shared stories of their own progress and frustrations in their chosen languages - including Te Reo Maori and Korean - as well as expressing something of the rewards of being able to speak the language.

Jinah Lee provided this vivid image - generated by AI at her prompting -which depicts various aspects of learning an additional language.

14/09/2026

Tony Basil Marchioni (1933-2026) - a loyal friend to many

We are sad to hear of the death of a great friend of our NZROK Friendship Society - Tony Marchioni - pictured below. For many years Tony has been the 'go-to' person for our contact with the RSA and Waikato Korean War Veterans, attending many functions and caring for veterans in many ways. We express our deep sympathy to May and her family.

Tony died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, 12 September. The funeral service for Tony will be held at Woolertons' Funeral Home, 8 Railside Place, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, on Wednesday, 16 September, at 10.30am.

Richard Lawrence and Ko Jung Mi (NZROK Friendship Society co-chairpersons) visited May and family members yesterday and took flowers from our society.

11/09/2026

NZROK Friendship Society - public meeting via Zoom on Thursday, 17 September, 2026, 7.30pm to 8.30pm ish.

Please join us on Thursday, 17 September, for a discussion and sharing on learning an additional language as adults. We'll be in small groups on Zoom for two sessions of about 10-15 minutes sharing our experiences of learning an additional language (whether it's Korean, Te Reo Maori, English, or whatever), being candid about our successes and failures, our frustrations and triumphs.

Two expert comments people - Jinah Lee (University of Waikato) and Wang Yi (Centre for Languages, Wintec) will help us reflect, reset, plan and gain encouragement.

A warm welcome to you, whether you're an absolute beginner or fluent in an additional language.

Please click on this link below on Thursday. Welcome!

Topic: NZROK Friendship Society online - Welcome
Time: Sep 17, 2026 07:30 PM Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85290283175?pwd=ORBBdnAF6KygbnnkTE9GkQpP2f5PB2.1

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/85290283175

Meeting ID: 852 9028 3175
Passcode: 932681

09/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HRK3GwA3U/

Every citizenship ceremony in Kirikiriroa Hamilton sees the presence of Ko Jung Mi (Co-chairperson, NZROK Friendship Society) as part of the welcoming group around Mayor Tim Macindoe.

Everyone, especially Korean people, see the warm smile and familiar traditional dress - hanbok - as part of their welcome as new citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand.

24/08/2026

Friends of NZROK FS, please be aware of this open invitation to what will be a fascinating overview of 'Korea's Changing Global Role' from the ROK Consul-General in New Zealand - Mr Hongki Kim, Wednesday, 23 September, 12-1pm, at Te Kōpūroa, Te Pā, the University of Waikato. Thanks to Jinah Lee, University of Waikato, for this invitation. It's necessary to register via the link given. See you there! RL

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DDnkjQTkd/

You are warmly invited to a public lecture by Mr Hongki Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Auckland , titled “From Quito to Auckland: Korea’s Changing Global Role”
Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Venue: Te Kōpūroa (Te Pā)
Admission is free, but registration is required:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/b1JJ9c88ep

11/08/2026

Hamilton City Council Civic Awards 2026

I (RL) had the honour today of supporting Yongjoo Kim as she received a well-deserved HCC Civic Award from Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe for her services to our city. Yongjoo was also accompanied by one of her daughters and her son, who presented her with flowers.

Yongjoo is presently Principal of Hamilton Korean School, and has been a member of our NZROK Friendship Society planning group for many years. Many other aspects of her service to our community were mentioned when she was introduced.

Well done and congratulations, Yongjoo. We're proud to be in the same team as you.

16/06/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/16/starbucks-korea-shut-all-stores-tank-day-promotion

HIghlighting the need for understanding of the modern history of Korea.

The closures, so employees can watch a recorded lecture, will cost the company an estimated 2.1bn won ($1.4m) in sales