LGBTQ issues in South Korea: A conversation with Ambassador Philip Turner

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

New Zealand’s Ambassador to South Korea, Philip Turner, is leading the way on LGBTQ rights in the country. He is the first diplomat with an officially recognised same-sex spouse in Korea, the first diplomat to meet the President with a partner of the same sex, and probably the only diplomat ever to appear in a K-pop music video. Ambassador Turner spoke with Hongi about diversity in South Korea and the changing views on the LGBTQ community.

“South Korea is a fairly conservative society, especially on issues of sexual orientation,” Philip says.

“We have been here for four years and we know hardly any ‘out’ gay or lesbian couples. It’s very unusual to be out to anyone, except for immediate family, because it’s just so hard.”

Philip and his husband Hiroshi have been together for 28 years. They moved to Seoul in 2018 when Philip took up the ambassadorial post.

“When I first arrived, I went to meet President Moon Jae-in for the official credentials ceremony at the Blue House. This is where you hand over your [diplomatic] credentials and the President receives you – it’s all very formal.

“The protocol was that ambassadors could bring one family member. I thought ‘that’s great – I can bring Hiroshi’, and they said ‘no, you can’t’. Because they didn’t recognise marriage between same-sex couples, he couldn’t come to the ceremony.”

So, Philip attended the ceremony alone.

“But, we made a point, as New Zealand, of protesting this and saying that this needs to change. It’s certainly not the way that New Zealand treats people,” Philip says.

“And to their credit, the Korean government changed their mind. I suspect that President Moon had a direct hand in that decision.”

In 2019, Hiroshi was issued an A1 visa, the appropriate visa for spouses of diplomats. He was the first same-sex spouse ever to receive the visa. Philip and Hiroshi went back to the President’s residence together in 2019 to meet President Moon Jae-in, making history in the process.

“What’s particularly gratifying is that there are now at least three other LGBTQ ambassadors with recognised spouses in Korea and numerous other diplomats who have been able to bring in same-sex partners.

“Several people have said ‘thank you, if that decision had not been made, we would not be here’”. I hope it is part of a broader trend of Korea becoming more diverse and tolerant.”

Ambassador Philip Turner and Hiroshi Ikeda meeting then South Korean President Moon Jae In and First Lady Kim Jeong Sook.

Philip says that a current challenge in South Korea is the anti-discrimination bill, which has been in front of the National Assembly for two years. The bill is similar to New Zealand’s 1993 Human Rights Act and would outlaw discrimination on a range of criteria, including gender, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

“The LGBTQ part of that is particularly politically sensitive here and there is a lot of opposition.

“Even the progressive government under [President] Moon felt unable to push it through the National Assembly. It’s still sitting here, but we’ll see what happens with the new government.”

The sensitivity towards LGBTQ issues was highlighted at the Seoul Pride event this year. The organisers sought permission from the city government to host events over a week. Although their application wasn’t rejected outright, it was only granted for a single day.

“So, it was a compromise decision. That gives you an idea of how ambivalently the issue is seen by authorities,” Philip says.

However, attitudes towards the LGBTQ community are changing in South Korea. A 2019 poll by the Pew Research Centre showed that 44% of South Korean respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society. In 2007, this figure was only 18%. The increase in positive responses to this question was greater than that seen in the UK or Canada over the same period. Women in their 20s and 30s have the most progressive attitude, with 60% of respondents in this demographic agreeing that society should accept homosexuality, bisexuality and gender reassignment, according to a 2021 poll by Korea Research Ltd.

Philip says that he has noticed a change during his four-year tenure.

“When I first arrived, the protesters outnumbered the pride folk at the parades. This year, I think it was the opposite. There were more in the pride community than outside.

“And we’re now seeing pride events blossoming around Korea and most provincial cities now have a pride event every year.”

During the city of Incheon’s first pride event in 2018, thousands of protesters blocked the parade and physically harassed the participants. However, Philip says that this level of disruption is becoming less common.

Philip Turner and Hiroshi Ikeda promoting New Zealand’s participation in the 2022 Seoul Queer Culture Festival.

South Korea is also beginning to see more diverse characters on TV. For example, Itaewon Class, a popular 2020 drama series, features a transgender character and an African character. This year, the first gay dating reality show, Man’s Romance, aired on Korean TV, although not on a mainstream channel. This was followed by a second show, Marry Queer, which also features dating gay couples.

“It is starting to happen,” says Philip, “but I think not nearly so much as we would hope, or as you would see in other countries.”

Philip and Hiroshi are playing a part in advocating for the acceptance of the LGBTQ community. They hosted a reception at the New Zealand Residence before this year’s Seoul Pride event to support diversity, equality and tolerance. Nearly 200 people attended, from senior government officials through to drag queens.

Earlier this year they made an appearance in a gay-themed K-pop music video. The video stars the iconic gay South Korean actor and gay rights advocate Hong Seok-cheon (also known as ‘Top-G’) and includes a scene of the Philip and Hiroshi holding hands and dancing outside the New Zealand Residence.

“When this opportunity came up, naturally we had to seek Wellington’s approval,” Philip says.

“And they were like, ‘OK… so you want to appear in a gay-themed K-pop video? Well, let us think about that for a bit.’” But, they were very supportive of the project.

“We saw this as an opportunity to represent modern New Zealand’s attitudes to diversity in a fun way to a contemporary Korean audience.”

Philip says that they were nervous before the release of the video, but the response was very positive. It led to a number of interview requests, and he appeared on the K-pop Con-Tour TV show, produced by South Korea’s Arirang TV. The show made two hour-long programs featuring New Zealand.

New Zealand legalised same-sex marriage in 2013, the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. Philip says that New Zealand’s progressive approach to issues of diversity is viewed favourably from the outside.

“There is a lot of interest. We often get invited, as the embassy, to speak to the National Assembly, to the media, to seminars, on these sorts of issues. I think people appreciate that New Zealand is a bit of a trailblazer.”

He emphasises that New Zealand has been on a very similar journey to the journey that South Korea is now on.

“When I first joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, male homosexual acts were illegal in New Zealand… Then there were a series of milestones, including the Human Rights Act and our own comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in the early ‘90s. That set up subsequent changes, including the Civil Union Act (2004) and then, eventually, the same-sex marriage act. At each point in New Zealand’s history, these things were controversial and there was plenty of opposition.

“Social change is not easy and all societies have their own characteristics. New Zealand today is by no means perfect, and there are still plenty of challenges and issues that we face.

“All we can really do is tell our story and hope that it will be relevant to the situation that the Koreans are going through at the moment. But, what happens in Korea is something that the Korean people will need to decide from themselves.”

Article by Hayden Peacock

Kiwi smoothie company launches in South Korea

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

A New Zealand company is launching its smoothie products in South Korea.

Seriously Healthy is launching its Serious Smoothie products, which are single-serve pouches of frozen fruit pieces, into South Korea after success in Australia and Fiji.

Founder Samuel Rosser said the products make it easier to prepare a healthy smoothie.

“We keep it as natural as possible, so we freeze freshly cut fruit. The customer then just adds the sachet frozen to the blender with liquid and blends for a healthy smoothie,” he said.

The company will send 100,000 sachets to South Korea for the launch. Rosser said he expected the product would fit with the Korean market, where consumers focused on convenience as well as health.

Seriously Healthy has partnered with Binggrae, a South Korean food and beverage company that manufactures ice cream, milk products, and snacks.

“Binggrae are at the forefront of innovation in the South Korean food industry, so it has been great to partner with them,” Rosser said.

Rosser said the launch in South Korea is the company’s top priority at the moment and might lead the expansion into other international markets.

“We’re really excited to create the brand in Korea and use this a successful test case before targeting other Asian markets. If the product works in South Korea we see Japan being the next obvious choice,” he said.

Image credit: Seriously Healthy

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키위 스무디 회사, 한국에 론칭

뉴질랜드의 한 회사가 스무디 제품을 한국에서 출시한다.
시리어슬리 헬씨(Serious Healthy)는 호주와 피지에서의 성공에 이어 1인분 파우치 안에 냉동 과일 조각이 들어있는 Serious Smoothie 제품을 한국에 선보인다.

사무엘 로저(Samuel Rosser) 설립자는 이 제품을 사용하면 건강한 스무디를 더 쉽게 만들 수 있다고 발표했다.
“갓 자른 과일을 가능한 한 자연적으로 유지해 얼렸다. 고객은 블렌더에 파우치를 물과 함께 넣고 블렌딩하기만 하면 건강한 스무디를 만들 수 있다”고 설명했다.

회사는 출시를 위해 10만 봉지를 한국으로 수출한다. 로저씨는 편의성과 건강에 중점을 둔 한국의 소비자 시장에 제품과 맞을 것이라고 기대한다고 전했다.
시리어슬리 헬씨(Serious Healthy)은 아이스크림, 유제품, 간식을 제조하는 한국의 식음료 회사 빙그레와 파트너십을 맺었다.

“한국 식품 산업 혁신의 최전선에 서있는 빙그레와 파트너십을 맺게 돼 정말 좋았다”면서 현재 한국에서의 출시가 회사의 최우선 과제이며 이를 통해 다른 해외 시장으로의 확장을 이끌어낼 수 있을 거라고 말했다.
“한국에서 브랜드를 만들게 된 점과, 다른 아시아 시장을 공략하기 전에 성공적인 테스트 케이스로 활용하게 돼 기쁘다. 제품이 한국에서 효과가 있다면 그 다음 시장은 일본이 확실시 될 것이다.

Business disruption advice made available to Korean business owners

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Korean business owners are now able to access a government resource to help deal with business disruptions.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is launching a business emergency preparedness resource that is specifically developed for the Korean business community, geared towards small businesses.
AEM worked closely with the Korean Construction Association of New Zealand and the Korean Society to develop the resource.
AEM General Manager Paul Amaral said, “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of having the right emergency and business continuity plans in place.
“Up until now, few resources have existed to support the region’s Korean business owners, especially those managing small businesses.”
The online resource has been translated into Korean with all translations being checked for accuracy and cultural relevance by Paul Kang, Vice President of the Korean Society and President of Korean Construction Association of New Zealand.
Kang says, “These new business resources from AEM will help our business owners understand how best to prepare for emergency events that could happen in New Zealand.”
The online resource, which includes advice, templates and a business continuity guide, can be found at: https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/ko/work-ready

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사업 애로 사항에 대한 한국어 정보 제공

한국인 사업주들은 곧 사업 차질 해결을 돕기 위한 정부의 자료를 얻을 수 있게 됐다.
오클랜드 비상경영체(AEM)가 국내 중소기업을 위해 특별히 개발한 비상경영자원(Business Emergency Prevention Resource)를 출시한다. AEM은 뉴질랜드 한국건설협회 및 한국학회와 긴밀히 협력하여 이번 온라인 서비스를 개발했다.
AEM 총괄 관리자 폴 아마랄(Paul Amaral)은 “이번 코로나를 거치면서 비상 사태 대비 및 사업 연속성 계획을 수립하는 것이 중요하다는 것을 실감하게 됐다. 지금까지 우리 지역의 한국인 사업주, 특히 중소기업을 관리하는 사업주를 지원할 만한 자료가 거의 없었다.”
해당 온라인 자료는 한국어로 번역되었으며 한국교민회 부회장이자 뉴질랜드 한국건설협회장인 폴 강(Paul Kang)씨가 모든 번역본의 정확성과 문화적 관련성을 점검했다.
강회장은 “사업주가 뉴질랜드에서 발생할 수있는 비상 사태에 가장 잘 대비하는 방법을 이해하는 데 도움이 될 것”이라고 전했다.
<해당자료 보기>

Interview, Philip Turner NZ Ambassador to Korea

Earlier this week, the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper interviewed New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Philip Turner. During the interview, the Ambassador discussed the war in Ukraine and said it is more important than ever that like-minded countries work together to stand up against authoritarianism. Philip also praised South Korea and congratulated the new President, Yoon Seok-youl.

New Zealand and Korea mark their 60th anniversary of relations this year. There are a number of events planned to celebrate the milestone in both New Zealand and Korea.
The modern relationship with Korea started when New Zealand sent over 6,000 troops and equipment to fight in the Korean war. Since the war, the relationship between the two countries has grown rapidly. Today, bilateral trade passed 5.6 billion NZD. The two countries signed a FTA in 2015, and with Korea joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) there is even more connectivity between the two economies.

There are also over 40,000 Koreans living permanently in New Zealand and thousands of international students and temporary visitors. There are also several thousand New Zealanders living in South Korea.

Ambassador Turner also spoke in support of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. He also talked about the "New Southern Policy", and his hope that the new government will continue to progress with its plan and promote stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Turner said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hopes to visit Korea later this year. More information about the visit will be released in the near future.

Source: Donga-ilbo

Korean and New Zealand defence officials discuss bilateral ties

Senior defense officials of South Korea and New Zealand held talks in Seoul on Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation in the arms industry, security and other areas.

During the meeting, Vice Defense Minister Park Jae-min met counterpart Andrew Bridgman and discussed regional security issues, along with ways to bolster cooperation in the defense sector, the ministry said.

The two officials also agreed to make efforts to resume a regular joint military exercise that has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as soon as virus situations are stabilized.

Bridgman said New Zealand will continue to support the efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and sincerely implement sanctions against North Korea. He visited South Korea to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Seoul and Wellington.

Korean hero helping the homeless one meal at a time

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Commemorating World Korean Day on October 5, a list of Koreans who live around the world and work diligently to raise the status of Koreans as good global citizens was released.
On the list is Jung Shin-ki, a taxi driver living in Christchurch, a city on New Zealand’s South Island.
Jung Shin-ki received a national award in recognition of his work with the homeless on World Korean Day this year.
Although he works as a taxi driver, Jung Shin-ki is also chief executive officer of “Blessing Bread for Homeless.” For the last 14 years the organisation has been serving free meals every weekend to the homeless community in Christchurch.
When he recognised the problem, Jung Shin-ki adopted the belief that homeless people have the right to eat, so he took 10 hamburgers to Latimer Square in the city’s centre. Posting signs to let people know he had free food, homeless people began to approach him. It did not take long for him to run out, but he promised to return the following weekend, a promise he has kept for 14 years.
With a background in engineering, Mr Jung immigrated to New Zealand’s South Island in 1993 because he was looking for a new challenge.
Whilst supporting his family of 3 sons and 1 daughter is challenging on a taxi driver’s salary, he said, “One cold winter day in 2007, I drove a taxi through Latimer Square and saw police hitting the police line. When I approached out of curiosity, there was a homeless man who couldn’t overcome the cold and hunger. It was heartbreaking to think that he would have died.”
Temperatures in Christchurch can be freezing, with some winters experiencing snow.
Others have been inspired to help. Mr Jung has been joined by a group of dedicated workers who come from New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines.
Jung Shin-ki is determined to continue his work until the end. He wants to provide the homeless with opportunities to stand on their own two feet. He has plans to establish a foundation to support the homeless and help then create new beginnings for themselves.
The New Zealand government has also recognised his hard work and practice of love for his fellow neighbours. This year Jung Shin-ki was awarded a medal for service from the New Zealand government to go with his national award from South Korea.

노숙자 끼니를 돕는 한국인 영웅

10월 5일 세계 한인의 날을 기념하여, 세계 각국에서 생활하며 한국인의 위상을 높이기 위해 부지런히 일하는 한인들의 명단이 공개됐다.
그 목록에는 뉴질랜드 남섬의 도시인 크라이스트처치에 살고 있는 택시 운전사 정신기씨가 있다.
올해 세계 한인의 날에 노숙자들과 함께 일한 공로를 인정받아 국가상을 받았다.
택시 기사로 일하지만, 정신기는 “노숙인들을 위한 축복의 빵”의 대표이사이기도 하다. 지난 14년 동안 이 단체는 크라이스트처치의 노숙자 커뮤니티에 매주 주말 무료 급식을 제공해 왔다.
문제를 인식한 정신기는 노숙자들에게도 먹을 권리가 있다는 믿음을 받아들여 햄버거 10개를 들고 도심에 있는 Latimer 광장으로 향했다. 그가 무료 음식을 가지고 있다는 것을 알리는 표지판을 붙이자, 노숙자들이 그에게 접근하기 시작했다. 그가 이 일을 전념하는데 데 오랜 시간이 걸리지 않았지만, 지난 14년 동안 지켜온 다음 주말에 또 올 것을 약속했다.
공학에 대한 배경을 가진 정씨는 새로운 도전을 찾고 있었기 때문에 1993년 뉴질랜드의 남섬으로 이민을 갔다.
그는 택시 기사 월급으로 3남 1녀의 가족을 부양하기에 어려움이 많았다. 그러던 2007년 어느 추운 겨울날, 택시를 몰고 atimer 광장을 지나다 경찰이 폴리스라인을 치는 것을 목격했다. 호기심에 다가가 보니 추위와 배고픔을 이기지 못한 노숙자가 있었다. 죽었을 거라는 생각에 가슴이 아팠다고 말했다.
Christchurch의 기온은 매우 추워, 겨울에는 가끔 눈이 내리기도 한다.
정신기씨는 그때 다른 사람들에게 도움을 주도록 영감을 받았다. 뉴질랜드, 남아프리카, 필리핀에서 온 헌신적인 노동자들과 함께 이 일을 했다.
정성기는 끝까지 활동을 이어가겠다는 각오가 대단하다. 그는 노숙자들이 자립할 수 있는 기회를 얻기를 바란다. 그는 노숙자들을 지원하고 그들을 위한 새로운 시작을 만드는 것을 도울 재단을 설립할 계획을 가지고 있다.
뉴질랜드 정부는 또한 그의 노력과 이웃들에 대한 사랑의 실천을 인정했다. 올해 정신기는 뉴질랜드 정부로부터 대한민국으로부터 국가 훈장과 함께 메달을 받았다.

Covid restrictions ease for South Koreans

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Along with South Korea several countries, including, Australia and Thailand are allowing international travel.
South Korea is also opening some public places as other counties remain shut off due to Covid-19.
Although vaccination rates are rising the Delta variant managed to find its way into Australia despite strict border controls. Citizens of the country wanting to return can do so without the need to quarantine which is creating many joyful reunions in airports across Australia.
Travel restrictions in New Zealand are set to be lifted which will mean visitors from Tonga and Samoa will be able to enter the country without quarantining.
New measures have be implemented in South Korea as they embrace the “Living with Covid-19” campaign. Curfews for restaurants and cafes will be lifted and sports venues can now be opened to half capacity. Vaccine passports are now required for bars, nightclubs and gyms.
Thailand, a country which relies on tourism for its economy will reopen for vaccinated travellers from over 60 countries who the government considers, “low risk.” These include the United States, most of Europe and China.
The United Nations has estimated that the effect of the pandemic on tourism is $4 trillion USD.

한국인에 대한 코로나 규제 완화

한국, 호주, 태국을 포함한 몇몇 나라들은 국제 여행을 허용하고 있다.
한국도 COVID-19로 인해 다른 나라들들이 봉쇄 정책을 고수하고 있어 일부 공공 장소만 개방하고 있다.
비록 백신 접종률이 증가하고 있지만 델타 변이는 엄격한 국경 통제에도 불구하고 호주로도 유입되었다. 귀국을 원하는 각 나라 국민들은 격리 없이 입국할 수 있게 돼 호주 전역의 공항에서 반가운 재회의 장면들이 많이 연출되고 있다.
뉴질랜드의 여행 규제 또한 풀릴 예정이어서 통가와 사모아 관광객들은 검역 없이 뉴질랜드에 입국할 수 있게 된다.
새로운 조치들은 “With Covid-19” 방향으로 전환하면서 한국에서 시행되고 있다. 식당과 카페의 통행금지가 해제되고 스포츠 경기장은 수용 인원의 절반을 기준으로 개방한다. 다만 술집, 나이트클럽, 체육관에 출입시 백신 여권이 필요하다.
관광 산업 경제 의존도가 높은 태국은 “위험도가 낮다”고 간주하는 60개국 이상의 백신 접종 여행객들을 위해 다시 문을 연다. 여기에는 미국, 대부분의 유럽, 중국이 포함된다.
유엔은 코로나가이 관광에 미치는 영향은 4조 달러라고 추산했다.

Another thriller from Korea

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

On the back of the Squid Game phenomenon, Korea’s pop culture continues to assert itself as cool.
Hellbound, the latest creation from the Asian peninsula gives viewers thrill after rush in nightmare proportions.
The creators of Hellbound have incorporated cops, drama and the supernatural to enthral fans of dark television.
The show is set in a city where the citizens are losing trust and confidence in the government, crime is becoming uncontrollable, morals are questionable and stalking on the internet is increasing.
Stories of prophetic angels with messages for people about their eternal futures in Hell are told. This is followed by demonic underworld executioners who arrive to put to death the unfortunate.
While many do not believe in the stories others do and are influenced by the charismatic leader of The New Truth Jeong Jin-soo. Video clips on YouTube are uploaded by the leader which enhances the mystery.
Jeong Jin-soo’s message is, “We have forgotten about repentance and redemption.” He tells his followers the angels deliver the messages to all who have wronged others and God requires them to become more righteous.
This causes problems for the police who are sceptical as there is no evidence for Jin-soo’s preaching.
Due to some radical behaviours of the movement, Detective Jin Kyeong-hoon has been assigned to investigate the involvement of The New Truth organisation.
Kyeong-hoon has his own back story which he battles with. His wife was murdered many years ago and he is traumatised by her murderer receiving a light sentence. To add to the complexity, his daughter is gaining supporters for The New Truth.
Hellbound’s opening scenes grab and hold your attention with demons displaying their seemingly unlimited power. From there, you’re hooked.
The writers have cleverly brought together horror which is supported by thought provoking concepts of prophesy.
Hellbound is currently streaming on Netflix.

한국의 또 다른 스릴러

오징어 게임 현상에 힘입어 한국의 대중문화는 계속해서 쿨한 행진을 선보이고 있다.
한반도의 최신 작품인 Hellbound는 시청자들에게 악몽 같은 서두로 시작해 진한 스릴을 선사한다.
Hellbound의 제작자는 제작자들은 경찰, 드라마, 초자연적 요소를 접목시켜 다크 TV의 팬심을 사로잡았다.
이 쇼는 시민들이 정부에 대한 신뢰와 신뢰를 잃고, 범죄는 걷잡을 수 없이 많아지고, 도덕성은 의심받고, 인터넷 스토킹이 증가하는 도시를 배경으로 한다.
지옥에서의 영원한 미래에 대한 메시지를 담은 예언 천사들의 이야기가 전해진다. 잇따라 죄지은 사람들을 죽이기 위해 지옥의 사자들이 도착하게 된다.
대중은 사람들이 떠드는 이야기를 믿지 않지만, 카리스마 있는 새진리회 리더 정진수에게 영향을 받는다. 그가 유튜브에 올린 영상들은 이러한 미스터리를 강화시킨다.

정진수가 전하는 메시지는 “우리는 회개와 구원을 잊고 있었다”는 것이다. 그는 추종자들에게 천사들이 죄지은 사람들에게 메시지를 전달하고 하나님은 그들이 더 정의로워지기를 요구한다고 말한다.
그러나 경찰은 진수의 설교에 대해 의문을 갖기 시작한다.
진경훈 형사는 몇몇 급진적인 움직임으로 인해 새진리회 조직의 연루를 조사하기 위해 배치됐다.
경훈은 자신만의 사연이 있다. 그의 아내는 수년 전에 살해당했고 그는 살인자가 가벼운 형을 선고받은 것에 충격을 받았다. 설상가상으로, 그의 딸은 새진리회 신도들을 모으고 있다.
Hellbound의 오프닝 장면은 무한한 힘을 보여주는 악마들로 사람들의 시선을 사로잡는다. 거기서부터 시청자들을 빠져들 것이다.
작가들은 예언에 대한 생각을 자극하면서 이를 뒷받침할 수 있는 공포를 영리하게 접목시켰다.
Hellbound는 현재 넷플릭스에서 방영 중이다.

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Due to its amazing success Squid Game, the popular Netflix TV series from South Korea will return for season two.
“There’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season,” Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show’s creator and director said. “I almost feel like you leave us no choice.”
“It’s in my head right now. I’m in the planning process currently. But I do think it’s too early to say when and how that’s going to happen. So I will promise you this, Gi-hun will be back and he’ll do something for the world.”
Although only one season has been produced, it is said to have become Netflix’s biggest-ever TV show.
The success of the dystopian survival drama global has also brought recognition for its stars on a global scale.
Former model, now actress, Jung Ho-yeon is recognised in Korea and in the United States where she regularly signs autographs for adoring fans.
Lee Jung-jae is also gaining popularity in America. “That’s amazing, right? People just go around and say hello,” said Lee. “So I really don’t know how to respond to all the love. It’s so great to be able to meet the fans who have loved and watched the show so much.”
And Park Hae-soo has made the big decision to open an Instagram account to stay in touch with his growing fan base.
“Now I really wanted to communicate with the world and everybody, so I started my Instagram account,” said Park.
The cast and creator all have dreams of working in a Hollywood production someday.

시즌 2로 돌아오는 히트작

한국의 인기 넷플릭스 TV 시리즈인 오징어게임은 그 놀라운 성공으로 인해 곧 시즌 2로 돌아온다.
이 쇼의 제작자이자 감독인 황동혁은 “두 번째 시즌에 대한 많은 압박과 요청, 그리고 너무나 많은 사랑이 있었다”면서 “선택의 여지가 별로 없는 것 같다”는 소감을 밝혔다.
“현재 머릿속에서 구상 중이며 곧 기획에 들어가려 한다. 그러나 구체적인 사항을 말하는 것은 아직 이르다고 생각한다. 다만 시청자들에게 약속할 수 있는 것은, 기훈이는 돌아올 것이고 세상을 위해 무언가를 할 것이라는 점이다.”
오징어게임은 비록 한 시즌밖에 제작되지 않았지만, 넷플릭스 역대 가장 큰 TV 쇼로 남게되었다.
디스토피아 서바이벌 드라마의 성공은 전세계로부터 다양한 스타들의 인정을 받았다.
전 모델이자 현 배우인 정호연은 한국과 미국에서 크게 인정받고 있으며 팬들을 위해 정기적으로 사인회를 열고 있다.
이정재도 미국에서도 인기를 끌었다. 그는 “정말 놀랍다. 길에서 만나는 사람들이 인사를 건넨다. 이 큰 사랑에 어떻게 반응해야 할지 정말 모르겠다. 이렇게 많이 사랑해주시고 시청해주신 팬분들을 만날 수 있어서 행복하다”는 소감을 전했다.
박해수는 증가하는 팬들과 소통하기 위해 인스타그램 계정을 개설하기로 하는 결정을 내렸다.
출연진과 제작자 모두 언젠가 할리우드 프로덕션에서 일하는 꿈을 가지고 있다.

Kia’s “Blue Carbon” project to improve coastlines

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Korean automotive giant has announced that it will convert its entire range of vehicles sold in Europe to electric power by 2035.
The “Blue Carbon” project will focus on restoring and preserving the ecosystems off the coast of Korea. To assist, Kia plans to reduce it carbon emissions by 97 per cent by 2045.
“For us, it is not only about setting goals and reaching targets, it is about setting a vision that will inspire others to join the movement to benefit humanity and protect the environment,” says Kia boss Hosung Song.
The new vehicles to be sold in Europe are the EV6 sedan and the EV9 SUV. Both vehicles will be produced with upcycled materials developed from ocean waste.

기아차의 해안선 개선 프로젝트 ‘블루카본’

한국 자동차 대기업이 2035년까지 유럽에서 판매되는 전 차종을 전기로 전환하겠다고 밝혔다.
“Blue Carbon” 프로젝트는 한국 해안의 생태계를 복원하고 보존하는 데 중점을 둘 예정이다. 이를 지원하기 위해 기아자동차는 2045년까지 탄소 배출량을 97% 줄일 계획이다.
“이는 비단 목표를 세우고 목표에 도달하려는 것뿐만 아니라, 사람들로 하여그 인류에게 혜택을 주고 환경을 보호 운동에 참여하도록 영감을 줄 비전을 설정하는 것”이라고 송호성 기아차 사장은 밝혔다.
유럽에서 판매될 새로운 차량은 EV6 세단과 EV9 SUV이다. 두 차량 모두 해양쓰레기로부터 개발한 업사이클링 소재로 생산될 예정이다.

World leading hydrogen power for New Zealand transport

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Hyundai New Zealand will commence trial for their first hydrogen powered truck, the Xcient FCEV due to land later this month.
Hyundai New Zealand general manager, Adny Sinclair says, “As a Kiwi owned company, we are big believers of implementing alternative fuel technology here in New Zealand.”
“We have championed this through the introduction of Nexo, New Zealand’s first hydrogen powered SUV in 2019. Now with the Xcient FCEV, we have an opportunity to help fast track the large scale adoption of alternative green fuels in the New Zealand road freight sector.”
Along with Korea and Switzerland, New Zealand will be one of the first countries to gain access to these truck. New Zealand will receive five trucks over the next 12 months.
“We’re fortunate as a local distributor to have a strong working relationship with Hyundai Motor Company, who acknowledge and support our hydrogen ambitions. Hyundai Motor Company anticipated the future potential of hydrogen fuel cells at an early stage, and we have been able to benefit from that,” explained Sinclair.
Hyundai New Zealand will test the trucks in the regions with local freight companies to understand how the trucks operate in a commercial environment.

세계를 이끄는 뉴질랜드 운송의 수소 동력

현대(NZ)는 이달 말에 들어올 예정인 첫 수소연료 트럭 Xcient FCEV의 시험운행을 시작할 예정이다.
Adny Sinclair 현대(NZ) 총괄 매니저는 “뉴질랜드 소유의 회사로서 우리는 뉴질랜드에서 대체연료 기술을 구현할 수 있다고 강하게 믿고 있다”고 말했다.
이어 그는 “2019년 뉴질랜드 최초의 수소전기차 SUV NEXO를 선보이며 이미 시장을 제패했다. 이제 Xcient FCEV를 통해 뉴질랜드 화물 부문에서 녹색 대체 연료를 대규모로 신장시킬 수 있는 빠른 길을 택할 수 있게 됐다”고 전했다.
뉴질랜드는 한국과 스위스와 더불어 이 트럭을 이용할 수 있는 첫번째 국가 중 하나가 된다. 뉴질랜드는 향후 12개월 동안 다섯 대의 트럭을 받을 예정이다.
“우리는 수소의 가능성을 인지하고 지원을 아끼지 않는 현대자동차와 긴밀한 협력 관계를 맺은 현지 유통업체로서 다행이라 생각한다. 현대자동차는 수소 연료 전지의 잠재력을 조기에 예상했고, 이를 통해 그 혜택을 누릴 수 있게 됐다”고 밝혔다.
현현대(NZ)는 현지 화물회사와 함께 해당 지역의 트럭들을 테스트해 상업적인 환경에서 트럭의 작동 방식을 파악할 예정이다.

Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Fisheries Cooperation Continued

 2021.10.26

[Financial News] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 26th that it will hold the 2021 Korea-New Zealand Fisheries Expert Workshop in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries from October 26 to early November.

 Since the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect in December 2015, the two governments have signed an agriculture, forestry and fisheries cooperation agreement for joint research and expert training in the agriculture and fisheries sector, and have been conducting workshops to strengthen experts' capabilities since 2016.

 This workshop will be held online due to COVID-19. Fisheries experts and scientists belonging to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Fisheries Research Institute, and the New Zealand Department of Primary Industry will attend to share mutual knowledge and experiences in three areas (resource evaluation management, import risk analysis, and seaweed hygiene management).

 Choi Kook-il, head of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' trade and cooperation division, said, "This workshop will be an opportunity to exchange and strengthen capabilities between fisheries experts from both countries," adding, "We will continue to expand cooperative relations in the future.I'll develop it," he said.

한국-뉴질랜드, 자유무역협정(FTA) 수산협력 지속

[파이낸셜뉴스] 해양수산부는 뉴질랜드 일차산업부(Ministry for Primary Industries)와 공동으로 10월 26일부터 11월 초까지 ‘2021년 한-뉴질랜드 수산분야 전문가 워크숍’을 개최한다고 26일 밝혔다.

양국 정부는 지난 2015년 12월 ‘한-뉴질랜드 자유무역협정(FTA)' 발효 이후 농림수산분야 기술협력 공동연구, 전문가 훈련 등을 위한 농림수산협력 약정을 체결했으며, 2016년부터 전문가의 역량을 강화하기 위한 워크숍을 진행해 오고 있다.
이번 워크숍은 코로나19 지속 상황을 고려해 비대면으로 진행된다. 한국 측의 해수부, 국립수산물품질관리원, 국립수산과학원과 뉴질랜드 일차산업부에 소속된 수산전문가 및 과학자들이 참석하여 3개 분야별(자원평가관리, 수입위험분석, 이매패류 위생관리)로 상호 지식 및 경험을 공유하는 시간을 갖는다.

최국일 해수부 통상무역협력과장은 "이번 워크숍이 양국 수산전문가 간 교류와 역량 강화의 기회가 될 것"이라며 "앞으로도 협력관계를 확대.발전시켜 나가겠다"고 말했다.

New Zealand Welcomes The Republic Of Korea’s Formal Request To Join The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA)

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

New Zealand, Chile, and Singapore today welcomed the Republic of Korea’s formal accession request to commence negotiations to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) at an event in Paris.
Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor is in Europe to advance New Zealand’s negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union. He is also participating in meetings at the OECD in France and G20 in Italy.
Damien O’Connor joined Chile’s Vice Minister of Trade Rodrigo Yáñez, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and the Republic of Korea’s Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo on the side-lines of this year’s OECD Ministerial Council Meeting to discuss the request.
“New Zealand warmly welcomes the Republic of Korea’s formal request to join the DEPA. Expanding the DEPA’s membership strengthens the ability of our businesses to take part in the global digital economy and deepens our cooperation on digital trade rules,” Damien O’Connor said.
“Digital trade is a key component of New Zealand’s economic recovery from the global impact of COVID-19. The rapid growth of the global digital economy presents significant opportunities for our small businesses to compete in new markets.
“COVID has seen many consumers migrate to the digital world to overcome the day-to-day disruptions the pandemic has caused to life.”
The Republic of Korea is the first partner outside the three founding members to formally request accession to this world-leading digital agreement. After New Zealand, Chile, and Singapore agreed to accept this request, accession negotiations will now begin between DEPA Parties and the Republic of Korea.

New Zealand raises interest rates for first time in seven years

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) increased its cash rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 0.5%.
New Zealand is one of the first developed economies to reverse rate cuts put in place during the pandemic.
The RBNZ also said it plans to remove more stimulus measures as the economy continues to recover.

In August, South Korea became the first major Asian economy to raise interest rates since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The Bank of Korea increased its base rate of interest from a record low of 0.5% to 0.75%.
The move was aimed at helping curb the country’s household debt and home prices, which soared in recent months.

Happy Chuseok

Source: www.hongi.co.nz

Today is the start of the Korean holiday Chuseok. Chuseok, or ‘Mid-Autum Festival’ is one of the three most important holidays in Korea.

Korean businesses and schools will be closed for three days, the 20th, 21st and 22nd of September.

Although Chuseok’s roots are largely agricultural, in present-day Korea the festival is a time for people to visit family, eat traditional food and make offerings to deceased ancestors.

There are roughly 50,000 Koreans who call New Zealand home. Before the Covid19 border closures, New Zealand was a popular destination for Korean tourists and international students.

New Zealand wine a winner at the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting.

Source from: hongi.co.nz

New Zealand achieved well at this year’s Mundus Vini, one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. The annual event will usually receive 12,000 wine submissions, with up to 3,000 medals being presented.

New Zealand’s wine sector came in fourth in the medals table after Australia, Chile and South Africa, securing 21 Gold and 16 Silver medals.

New Zealand’s wine industry is widely regarded as a world leader and a $2 billion export industry. China, the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom are New Zealand’s biggest export markets with growing demand in South Korea.

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뉴질랜드 와인, Mundus Vini Spring Tasting에서 우승

뉴질랜드는 올해 세계에서 가장 권위 있는 와인 대회 중 하나인 뉴질랜드 와인, Mundus Vini 경쟁에서 좋은 성적을 거두었다. 매년 열리는 이 행사는 보통 12,000개의 와인을 포함하며 3,000개의 메달이 수여된다. 뉴질랜드의 와인 부문은 금메달 21개와 은메달 16개를 획득해 호주, 칠레, 남아프리카공화국에 이어 메달 순위에서 4위를 차지했다.
뉴질랜드의 와인 산업은 세계를 선두할 뿐만 아니라 20억 달러의 수출 산업으로 널리 각광받고 있다. 중국, 미국, 캐나다, 영국이 뉴질랜드 와인의 가장 큰 수출 시장이며 더불어 한국에서도 뉴질랜드 와인 수요가 증가하고 있다.

Pharmacy supporting members of the Korean community with their vaccinations

Source from HERE

Members of Auckland’s Korean community today embraced the opportunity to be vaccinated at Unichem Browns Bay – with 209 people receiving doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Arriving at a special clinic set up behind the Clyde Road pharmacy, members were welcomed by Korean Women’s Association of New Zealand member Diana Lee.

“Many of our older Korean elders can’t speak English so I’m here to help translate information and answer any questions they may have,” Lee said.

Amongst the group was 15-year-old Dilworth School student Shawn Kwon who was in attendance with this family.

Kwon, who has having his first dose, wasn’t fazed by the injection and said it didn’t hurt at all.

Despite the heavy rain, it was a good turnout, which pleased Pharmacist Christina Shin.

“It’s gone really well and we are pleased to be able to offer this service to the Korean community,” she said.

There are now 41 Auckland pharmacies participating in the vaccine rollout programme.

Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand Inc President Rhiannon Braund says the adaptable approach taken by pharmacies in providing COVID-19 vaccinations is commendable.

“It’s great to see the pharmacy profession continuing to innovate and remove access barriers for individuals and whānau, and provide an adaptable approach to help more people get their vaccinations,” Braund said.

“Pharmacy has proven to be responsive, able to upscale rapidly, and to provide safe and timely access to vaccination services for their communities.”

Unichem Browns Bay vaccination clinic is open daily (from 9am) and anyone is welcome to book an appointment. People can make a booking online at bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26.

Press Release: Northern Region Health Coordination Centre

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오클랜드 한국 교민들은 오늘 Unichem Browns Bay에서 백신 접종을 받을 수 있었으며, 총 209명이 COVID-19 백신 접종을 마쳤다.
Clyde Road 약국 뒤에 설치된 특별 진료소에 도착한 교민들은 뉴질랜드 한인여성협회 회원인 Diana Lee의 환영을 받았다.
“한국 어르신들 중 많은 분들이 영어를 할 줄 모르기 때문에 원활한 의사소통과 궁금증을 해결해드리기 위해 이곳에 왔다”라고 그녀는 말했다.
이들 중에는 가족과 함께 참석한 15세의 Dilworth 학교 학생 Shawn Kwon이 있었다. 첫 번째 접종을 마친 학생은 주사를 맞고도 당황하지 않았고 전혀 아프지 않았다고 말했다.
또한 약사 Christina Shin씨는 폭우에도 불구하고 많은 분들이 참석한 점, 일이 무사히 잘 진행된 점과 한국 교민 사회에 도움이 되어 기쁘다고 말했다.
현재 오클랜드 내 41개 약국이 백신 접종 프로그램에 참여하고 있다.
뉴질랜드 제약협회장 Rhiannon Braund는 약국에서 COVID-19 백신 접종을 할 수 있게 되어 사람들이 적절한 방법으로 보다 쉽게 예방 접종을 받을 수 있게 됐다고 말한다.
“약국 전문직 종사자들이 계속해서 혁신하며, 개인별 접근 장벽을 낮추고 더 많은 사람들이 예방 접종을 받을 수 있도록 하는 접근 방식을 취하는 것은 좋은 일이다. 약국은 대응력이 뛰어나고, 빠르게 넓혀갈 수 있으며, 이는 지역사회 방역을 위한 백신 서비스를 안전하고 적시에 제공할 수 있는 것으로 입증됐다”고 전했다.
Unichem Browns Bay 예방접종 클리닉은 매일 오전 9시부터 운영되며 누구나 예약할 수 있다. 사람들은 온라인으로 예약하거나 0800 28 29 26으로 전화하면 된다.

South Korea will submit a bill to ratify RCEP agreement.

Source from: hongi.co.nz

South Korea plans to submit a bill to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), joining New Zealand, China, Australia and the ASIAN countries.

RCEP, creates the world’s biggest trade block covering around 30% of global gross domestic product and around 2.2 billion people.

New Zealand and South Korea already have a comprehensive free trade agreement; however, connecting through RCEP could help open up greater opportunities for New Zealand’s agricultural and horticultural exports.

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한국은 뉴질랜드, 중국, 호주, 아시아 국가들이 함께 하는 지역종합경제동반자협정(RCEP, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) 비준안을 제출할 계획이다.
RCEP는 세계 국내총생산(GDP)의 약 30%와 약 22억 명의 인구를 포괄하는 세계 최대의 무역 지대를 만들고 있다.
뉴질랜드와 한국은 이미 포괄적인 자유무역협정을 체결하고 있지만, RCEP를 통해 연결되는 농업과 원예 수출 분야에서 뉴질랜드가 더 큰 기회를 얻을 것으로 보인다.

Korean wine market ripe for New Zealand exporters

Source from: hongi.co.nz

Wine imports to South Korea hit an all-time high in the first half of this year, with a growing number of people enjoying drinking at home due to the prolonged pandemic, data showed Thursday. Imports of red wine were the largest with $180.4 million, while white wine imports came to $49.3 million over the cited period.

Under the New Zealand Korea Free Trade Agreement New Zealand wine can enter Korea tariff free. Increasingly New Zealand wine producers are taking an interest in Korea. That is reflected in New Zealand wine sales which leapt in value from $5.4m to $16.4m in the year to July, much of that growth sparked by a huge rise in demand for sauvignon blanc.

To counter the border closure, eight New Zealand wineries that took part in virtual vineyard tasting tours for Korean wine writers and influencers.

Villa Maria​ was one of them and Asia Pacific marketing manager Michele​ Lam​ says Koreans traditionally favoured red wine, but our white wines are growing in popularity with younger consumers.

France was also the biggest white wine exporter to Korea, shipping $13.4 million in the first six-month period, followed by Italy, the US, New Zealand, Chile and Australia, the data showed.

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국내 와인 수입이 올 상반기 사상 최고치를 기록하면서 장기 유행으로 집에서 술을 즐기는 사람들이 늘고 있는 것으로 나타났다. 레드와인 수입은 1억840만 달러로 가장 많았고 화이트와인 수입은 4930만 달러로 집계됐다.
한-뉴국자유무역협정(KFTA)에 따라 뉴질랜드 와인은 관세 없이 한국 진입이 가능하다. 따라서 한국에 대한 뉴질랜드 와인 생산업체들의 관심이 높아지고 있다. 이는 올해 7월까지 540만 달러에서 1640만 달러로 가치가 급상승한 뉴질랜드 와인 판매에도 반영됐으며, 이는 상당 부분 소비뇽 블랑에 대한 수요가 크게 증가하면서 촉발됐다.
코로나 국경 봉쇄의 한 대응책으로 뉴질랜드 와이너리 8 곳은 한국의 와인 작가들과 인플루언서들을 위한 가상 와이너리 시음회 투어에 참여했다.
Villa Maria​도 그 중 한 업체였으며 아시아태평양 마케팅매니저 Michele Lam은 한국인들이 전통적으로 레드와인을 선호했지만, 젊은 소비자들에게 자산의 화이트 와인 인기가 높아지고 있다고 전했다.
한국은 프랑스로부터 화이트 와인을 가장 많이 수입하였는데, 이는 첫 6개월 동안 1,340만 달러를 기록하였다. 이탈리아, 미국, 뉴질랜드, 칠레, 호주 등이 그 뒤를 이었다.

NZ grower’s squash milk creates new export patch

Source: hongi.co.nz

One of New Zealand’s largest buttercup squash growers is diving into Asia’s alternative proteins market with a plant-based milk.
Kabochamilk is a collaboration between Hawke’s Bay grower Shane Newman and Sachie Nomura, a Japanese celebrity chef who also developed a world first avocado milk.
Kabocha, a Japanese variety of squash, is a staple part of the Japanese and East Asian diet and New Zealand is one of the largest exporters of kabocha to Japan and Korea.
The Ministry for Primary Industries contributed more than $95,000 through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to help boost Kabocha Milk Co’s efforts to formulate, manufacture, and market a shelf-stable kabocha milk recipe that would appeal to consumers in Japan, Korea, China, and beyond.
Newman said by tapping into the strong distribution and retail channels his family had established from over 40 years of fresh horticultural and export business, Kabochamilk was able to gain access to a large distribution network of around 5000 Asian retailers, supermarkets, and convenience store chains.
“Our Kabochamilk uses the unexported tag-3 fruit, creating a high-value, sustainable and exportable product from produce that would otherwise go to waste,” says Newman.
“It’s immensely satisfying to have hit upon a new opportunity for New Zealand’s kabocha industry.”
Newman said while all their product would go offshore, they were using local farmers, local R&D and local manufacturers, packaging, and domestic logistics companies.
The story of the kabocha being grown and produced in New Zealand is an important part of the branding, he said.
“New Zealand growers already have very high credibility among consumers, so we emphasise the product’s origin story in our marketing,” said Newman.
“The market feedback already has been extremely positive, from product concept, to taste, to brand.”
Kabochamilk is positioned as an everyday ‘milk alternative’ product that can be consumed at any time of day as a simple, tasty way of introducing healthy nutrients into the family diet.
MPI’s investment programmes director Steve Penno said Kabocha Milk Co was providing valuable employment opportunities in New Zealand’s food sector and these opportunities would continue to grow as the company expanded.
“It’s also an innovative way to extract greater yield and value for our growers from surplus produce. Currently 10 to 15 percent of kabocha grown in New Zealand is used for stock food.

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뉴질랜드 호박우유가 새로운 수출길을 열다

뉴질랜드 대규모 단호박 재배업체 중 한 기업이 식물성 우유를 들고 대체 단백질 아시아 시장에 뛰어들고 있다.
카보차우유(Kabocha milk)는 혹스베이에 살고 있는 셰인 뉴먼(Shane Newman)과 세계 최초로 아보카도 우유를 개발한 일본 유명 요리사 사치 노무라(Sachie Nomura)의 합작품이다.
일본 호박 품종인 카보차는 일본 및 동아시아 식단의 주재료이며 뉴질랜드는 일본과 한국에 카보차를 가장 많이 수출하는 나라 중 하나이다.
기초산업부는 지속가능 식품 섬유 기금을 통해 $95,000 이상을 기부해 일본, 한국, 중국 등의 소비자들에게 어필할 상온 보관 카보차우유 레시피를 만들고 이를 제조, 마케팅하는 데 힘을 보탰다.
뉴먼씨는 40년이 넘는 기간 동안 가족들이 신선한 농산물 및 수출 사업을 통해 구축한 강력한 유통 및 소매 채널을 이용했다고 전하며, 이로써 카보차우유가 약 5,000개의 아시아 소매업체, 슈퍼마켓, 편의점 체인의 대규모 유통망에 접근할 수 있었다고 말했다.
뉴먼은 “우리 카보차우유는 수출에 적합하지 않아 폐기될 뻔한 Tag-3 등급의 과일을 사용하여 높은 가치의 지속 가능하고 수출 가능한 제품을 생산하고 있다”면서, “뉴질랜드의 카보카 산업에 새로운 기회가 찾아왔다는 것은 매우 만족스러운 일”이라고 말했다.
뉴먼씨는 모든 제품은 해외로 수출되는 반면, 그 과정에서는 지역 내의 자원: 농부, R&D 및 제조업체, 포장 및 물류 회사를 이용하고 있다고 말했다.
그는 카보차가 뉴질랜드에서 재배되고 생산되는 스토리텔링은 브랜드화에 중요한 부분이라고 말했다.
뉴먼은 “뉴질랜드 재배업자들은 이미 소비자들 사이에서 신뢰도가 매우 높기 때문에 우리는 마케팅에서 제품이 어디서 생산되는지를 강조한다. 또한 이미 제품 컨셉, 맛, 브랜드에 이르기까지 매우 긍정적인 소비자 평가를 얻었다” 밝혔다.
카보차우유는 가족 식단에 건강한 영양소를 더해주는 간편하고 맛있는 방법으로써 하루 중 언제든지 섭취할 수 있는 일상적인 ‘우유 대체’ 제품으로 자리매김하고 있다.
MPI의 투자 프로그램 책임자인 스티브 페노(Steve Penno)씨는 카보차우유가 뉴질랜드 식품 분야에서 유의미한 고용 기회를 창출하고 있으며 회사가 확장됨에 따라 이러한 기회는 계속 넓혀져 나갈 것이라고 말했다.
“또한 이는 재배자들이 잉여 생산물로부터 더 많은 수확과 가치를 창출할 수 있는 혁신적인 방법이다. 현재 뉴질랜드에서 재배되는 카보차의 10~15%가 국물맛을 내는 재료로 사용된다.