Photo story – New Zealand education showcased in China

New Zealand speakers take the stage 

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti delivering welcome remarks at New Zealand-China Education B2B Session. As part of the China Annual Conference for International Education (CACIE), the B2B Session attracted over 117 visitors to engage in productive dialogues with participating New Zealand tertiary institutions aiming to build collegial partnership.   

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti and REN Youqun, Vice Minister of Education of China witnessed the signing of Letter of Intent between Universities New Zealand and China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and Education New Zealand and China Centre for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE) at the 2nd New Zealand High-level Education Forum. The letters of intent between Chinese and New Zealand government agencies places existing collaboration within a more formal framework, allowing both sides to work more effectively together to advance shared education cooperation goals. 

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti delivering remarks at CACIE Night, a key plenary event at the conference. In his remarks, he recognised New Zealand’s role as Country of Honour at CACIE and celebrated the deep and enduring education ties between New Zealand and China. 

ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu speaking to a packed audience at CACIE Night, highlighting the strengths of New Zealand’s education system, the unique student experience, and the values that underpin our education brand. 

Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) provided the Academic keynote address at the CACIE Plenary event. 

During his address, Damon said: “This year, as New Zealand was recognised as the honour country, we were invited to share our story. It is a story of a small, agile education system that is responding to global challenges with creativity, care and collaboration.” 

“It is a story of how we are preparing our learners for a future shaped by advancement in technology, while ensuring that innovation remains human-centred and culturally grounded,” he said. 

China Education Expo 

The New Zealand pavilion at the China Education Expo was front and centre, attracting many of the 15,000 attendees who attended the Expo in Beijing over two days. 

Representatives from New Zealand and China cutting the ribbon to officially open the New Zealand pavilion at CEE.  

Te Wehi Haka, the Haka Experience, provided a Māori cultural performance that attracted students, parents, agents and partners to the New Zealand pavilion. 

Ara Institute of Canterbury international department staff alongside Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Hon Dr Shane Reti (pictured centre). 

Following the expo, 87% of those surveyed said their knowledge of New Zealand as a country to study in has improved after visiting the New Zealand pavilion  

Additionally, 73% of those surveyed said they are more likely to consider New Zealand as a country to study in after visiting the New Zealand pavilion.  

New Zealand education providers talking to crowds of prospective students and their parents at CEE. 

Representatives from the New Zealand government alongside New Zealand education providers at the CEE New Zealand pavillion.  

ENZ Agent Seminars in Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan 

Attendees of the agent seminar in Beijing.

Building on the buzz of CACIE, ENZ hosted three Agent Seminars across Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan.  

The seminars connected over forty New Zealand education providers and around 320 visitors.

The seminars supported New Zealand providers to build connections with Chinese education agents  

ENZ Director of Marketing, Adrian Hirst, said the personal connections made were a highlight of the event series. 

“Sharing dinner at an agent’s home with parents and future students was a highlight, the informal setting sparked a lively Q&A session, which reinforced the trust families place in the process and the responsibility we all carry in our roles,” Adrian said. 

Maximising the Country of Honour opportunity 

Being named Country of Honour at CACIE and CEE was a prime opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its world-class education to Chinese audiences. ENZ delivered a strategic, multi-phase approach that built momentum before the events, maximised on-site impact through high-profile media coverage and Ministerial presence, and amplified engagement digitally with campaigns on platforms popular in China. 

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti being interviewed by leading state media outlet, CGTN. 

ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu speaking to China’s largest state TV network, CCTV at the CEE New Zealand pavilion. 

ENZ Regional Director for China, Ron Xavier reporting in from CEE, speaking to Sina Education.