MIT and Unitec merger advances opportunities for deeper collaboration with China

The meeting provided an opportunity to share progress on the integration, reaffirm existing education partnerships, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The Consul General’s strong endorsement of the merged institution reinforced the value of MIT and Unitec’s combined strengths and created positive momentum for expanded cooperation in joint programmes, exchanges, and international student engagement.

Consul General Shijie represents China’s government and diplomatic interests across the Auckland, Waikato, and Northland regions and is highly active in strengthening education links between Aotearoa New Zealand and China.

His visit commenced with pōwhiri at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, led by MAIA and the marae team.
MIT and Unitec were represented by Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga; Deputy Chief Executive, Learner Experience and Success, Simon Nash; Director International Tāmaki, Jeff Howe; Director Māori Success, Vivienne Merito; Director, International and Projects, Luka Crosbie, and Partnerships Manager, Jialu Ding.

Peseta Sam extended a warm welcome to the Consul General and his delegation, which included Education Consul Ms Yu Liqun, Vice Consul Mr Li Zhenyu, and Vice Consul Ms Wu Yuqing.

In his remarks, Consul General Shijie reflected on the strong history of higher education cooperation and exchange between China and New Zealand. He noted that, prior to the merger, MIT and Unitec were distinctive institutes of technology with a shared commitment to diversity and practice-oriented education, strong international student support services, and productive education partnerships with China across multiple disciplines.

Consul General Shijie noted in recent years that MIT and Unitec have established cooperative education programmes with Changsha Social Work College and Hebei University of Engineering.
He reflected on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to China in 2025, where Unitec signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai University of Engineering Science.

Consul General Shijie says the integration of MIT and Unitec had brought together complementary strengths and resources, creating favourable conditions for deeper international exchange and cooperation.

“We look forward to MIT and Unitec continuing to grow and strengthen from this new starting point, nurturing graduates with both a global outlook and strong practical capabilities, and better serving regional workforce development, community building, and industry needs,” he says.

The Consul General highlighted the importance of education as a cornerstone of the China–New Zealand relationship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has been New Zealand’s largest source of international students for many consecutive years, while New Zealand remains a highly attractive study destination for Chinese learners.

In 2025, more than 30,000 Chinese students were studying in New Zealand, including approximately 23,000 in the Auckland consular district, with enrolments continuing to increase.

“The Consulate-General stands ready to act as a bridge and facilitator, working closely with MIT and Unitec to deepen cooperation in joint education programmes, faculty and student exchanges, and vocational education, and to contribute further to people-to-people and cultural exchange,” says Consul General Shijie.

He also extended an invitation for MIT and Unitec leadership to visit China to gain first-hand insights into developments in Chinese education and explore further collaboration opportunities.
The visit concluded with a gift exchange between Peseta Sam and Consul General Shijie, followed by high-level discussions between the two delegations.

“The visit went very well. The Consul General and his team greatly enjoyed the welcome and pōwhiri, and they sang a Chinese waiata, Mo Li Hua (Jasmine),” says Partnerships Manager, International Marketing, Jialu Ding.

“Chinese partnerships are very important to MIT and Unitec. As we continue to expand and strengthen our engagement in China, visits such as this, and the Consul General’s ongoing support, are extremely valuable.”