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New Zealand Perspective・Japanese Context

Business Insight・ Human Connection

Grounded business insight at the intersection of

Japan and New Zealand.

ABOUT US

ON Consulting Group is an advisory bringing a New Zealand perspective with a Japanese context, providing grounded business insight, human connection, and cross-cultural perspective at the intersection of Japan and New Zealand.

We act as a trusted first advisory point for boards and management navigating entry into, or expansion within, Japan. Our role is to help organisations understand the landscape early, frame decisions well, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and cultural fluency.

Catherine O'Connell Appears on interFM – Peace & Business Talk

Catherine kicked off 2026 on the Tokyo radio airwaves, appearing on interFM’s Peace & Business Talk , interviewed in Japanese by Keiko Okada . The first of three episodes aired on January 4 , exploring cross-cultural collaboration, leadership, and bridge-building between Japan and New Zealand. Tune in to upcoming broadcasts: Episode 2: February 1 at 8:30am Episode 3: March 1 at 8:30am Listen to Episode 1 here:未来をひらく人 – Peace & Business TalkinterFM 2026/1/4(日) 08:30–08:45...

Jayne Nakata to be a Guest Columnist for Read Iwaki Monthly Magazine

Jayne Nakata will be sharing her journey from New Zealand to Japan and her learnings as a 23 year resident of Iwaki City through her monthly column in the Read Iwaki monthly magazine. By sharing her story of overcoming various cultural differences she hopes that people in Iwaki will understand more about what life is like for people who choose to make Japan their home and increase understanding and a sense of pride in the wonder city of Iwaki, Fukushima. Her column is titled:

Jandals in Japan Hosts, Catherine and Jayne Appear on Kiwi Flees Podcast

From Kiwi Flees: In this episode of Kiwi Flees, Jayne & Catherine share their experiences of arriving separately in Japan over 20 years ago, both thinking they'd only be away for a year or two but finding themselves hooked to their adopted country over two decades later. We discuss their different but also connected lives. Jayne being rurally-based with her family in Fukushima which suffered a triple disaster in 2011 of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. Jayne shares

Catherine O'Connell Convenes First Meet-Up of Japanese Kiwi Lawyers - Auckland, New Zealand

On a warm Auckland morning, Catherine convened the very first informal meet-up of Japanese Kiwi lawyers and Japan-connected legal professionals . Joining the conversation were: Serene Sakairi – Solicitor, Morrison Partners Ltd Takeshi Ito – Lawyer & Company Secretary, Hospitality Services Ltd Mac Curtis – Former Big Four Japan legal translator and upcoming UK Bar entrant Over flat whites and cheese scones in Newmarket, the group shared career experiences, discussed the leg

Jayne Nakata's Podlaunch Enters 6th Year of Business

Jayne Nakata's multi-award winning, boutique podcast agency has entered it's sixth year of business. Jayne has been an avid podcaster since 2018 before podcasting became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since starting out helping others to launch and maintain their own podcasts, Jayne has launched many podcasts in the English language space in Japan as well as hosted, produced and edited award winning podcasts such as: Lawyer on Air, by Catherine O'Connell Transformatio

Catherine O'Connell attends Tokyo–Kurashiki Furusato-kai

On November 12, Catherine attended the Tokyo–Kurashiki Furusato-kai, where former Kurashiki and Okayama residents - now living in Tokyo - gathered to celebrate their roots through food, song, and cultural performances. Kurashiki holds special meaning for Catherine: it is Christchurch’s sister city, and she has visited it more than 30 times . A highlight of the evening was reconnecting with Mayor Kaori Ito , instantly recognizable in her signature denim suit, proudly represe

TESTIMONIALS

Catherine O'Connell and Jayne Nakata are talented, long-term Kiwis in Japan, who deliver impact with their impressive contacts and market knowledge. Their monthly ‘Jandals in Japan’ podcast is a powerful channel for New Zealand business stories, and I highly recommend it to those interested in this important market. It‘s been a privilege to work with Jayne and Catherine on a recent Taste NZ project, market visits and their impactful Cyclone Gabrielle Flood Fundraiser. They are also important advocates for gender equality, using their extensive networks to support and grow women in New Zealand and Japan. I wish them all the very best with the launch of their new ON Consultancy Group and I’m confident it will be a success.

Kylie Archer

Trade Commissioner - Japan, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Insight・ Advisory・ Collaboration