Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt and Councillors welcomed teachers and students from Kumagaya Prefectural Girls’ High School to Invercargill at a mayoral reception on Tuesday.

The 20 students are being hosted by sister school, Southland Girls’ High School, and will be in Invercargill for 10 days, attending school and enjoying cultural activities.

They are one of two visiting delegations of Kumagaya students here this week.  James Hargest College is also hosting a delegation of two teachers and 20 students from several schools in Kumagaya, organised by Kumagaya City Hall and the Kumagaya International Friendship Association.

All of the students are being home-hosted by local families.