Protests as Japanese Ambassador conducts whale-watching trip

[struggle4progress]

Posted at 12:02pm on 27 Jul 2006

... Japan's top diplomat in New Zealand, Masaki Saito, has joined a group of six Asian ambassadors on an official showcase of eco-tourism highlights, including Kaikoura's whale-watching tour.

The trip comes a month after Japan spearheaded a call by some nations for a return to commercial whaling.

Conservation Minister, Chris Carter says the visit is a great chance to demonstrate the value of this country's anti-whaling stance.

In Kaikoura, the bus carrying group was greeted by a small protest group. Wearing black balaclavas and waving flags saying "Nippon Whale Killers", about 10 protesters met the bus at the entrance to the local marae ...
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200607271202/39865670