Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown hosted 15 international students from Mt Hutt College for a traditional Kiwi cup of tea and biscuits this week.

The students came from Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Greenland and are attending the college at Methven to improve their English and study subjects, including agriculture.

Mayor Brown was assisted by deputy Mayor Liz McMillan, who spent a year in Japan as an AFS exchange student; Cr Tony Todd, who previously hosted a Japanese exchange student; and Cr Lynette Lovett, whose farm exports seed to Japan.

The students had a chance to sit in Council’s debating chamber and try on the mayor’s gold chains. The chains feature plates engraved with the names of previous mayors.

Mayor Brown asked the students what they liked about Kiwi life and invited them to sign Council’s visitor book, where they would be in good company, as the book was signed by dignitaries including the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The students said they were enjoying different foods, including hokey pokey ice cream and fish and chips. They were also enjoying being able to take part in many different sports and attend a Crusaders Super rugby game.

Many said they had found Kiwis to be kind and welcoming, and they were loving their time in Mid Canterbury.