A high-level delegation representing seven top Chinese university, institutes and polytechnics visited Tāmaki Makaurau with a view to increasing partnership with our providers.

The group was here as part of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).

CEAIE is a non-profit organisation under the China Ministry of Education dedicated to promoting international exchange and cooperation in education. It plays a leading role in facilitating partnerships between Chinese and overseas institutions.

The purpose of their visit was to engage with vocational education providers in New Zealand, to deepen mutual understanding, foster bilateral exchanges, and explore opportunities for cooperation.

The delegation visited Unitec where they met with Te Pūkenga Chief Executive Gus Gilmore, MIT & Unitec Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, DCE Learner Experience and Success Dr Simon Nash and the International teams from both divisions.

They were also joined by representatives from NorthTec, Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Otago Polytechnic, and Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki (WITT).
Also present at the meeting were two Education Consuls from the Chinese Consulate in Auckland.

The discussions held at the meeting focused on renewing or creating institutional connections, once areas for future partnerships are identified.

“Today's visit confirms that we will continue to work together to enhance the already strong reputation our higher education qualifications have. We are excited about the benefits of the arrangements that we can offer learners, staff, industries and communities in China and New Zealand,” says Mr Gilmore.

Peseta Sam says the meeting was another opportunity to advance our shared purpose, fully realising the value of vocational training and in particular applied research. This is done by connecting learners to their industries, delivering economic growth and prosperity to our people, but also finding innovative solutions to problems facing our societies.

In response, Deputy Secretary General of CEAIE An Yan reinforced the exchange’s commitment to the partnership speaking proudly of its relationship with New Zealand which started in 2015 and was strengthened in 2020 after signing of a memorandum of understanding with Education New Zealand.
“I encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to share our experiences and explore new pathways and collaborations,” she says.
“CEAIE remains steadfast in our commitment to this cause, and we will continue to serve as a vital bridge, support our institutions and steer new collaborations.”

At the meeting, MIT signed a new joint programme agreement in nursing with Changsha Social Work College, one of the top vocational schools in China. Both Peseta Sam and President of Changsha Social Work College Chen Jingbin inked the agreement at the conclusion of the meeting.

"The collaboration will see MIT delivering one third of the Changsha three-year Diploma in China. We are aiming to start this in September 2026,” says MIT Director International Luka Crosbie.

Discussions between the two institutions started in late 2023 when MIT’s Head of Nursing Associate Professor Deborah Rowe spoke at a conference in China hosted by Changsha.

“We are excited about the future prospects including the possibility of the graduates of this joint programme matriculating into our Bachelor of Nursing on the successful completion of the China Diploma,” Mr Crosbie says.

The CEAIE visit takes place in the context of strengthened bilateral ties: New Zealand was recently selected as the Country of Honour for the upcoming China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education from 29 October to 1 November in Beijing — a major milestone in NZ–China education cooperation. This was announced on the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent visit to China in June 2025.

Mr Gilmore was part of the Prime Minister’s mission to China where he signed new and renewed agreements on behalf of Te Pūkenga business divisions, which included Unitec. He spoke proudly of our long-standing connections with China that go back twenty years.
“As the international education sector continues to rebound post the COVID 19 pandemic, our well-established relationships with China are paving the way for renewed growth and collaboration,” he says.
“China is our second biggest partnership for international students and in 2024 more than 1500 students representing close to 25% of our total international students came from China. This year, our international enrolments continue to rise.”

Education Consul Yu Liqun remarked: “As China and New Zealand enter the second decade of this strategy partnership, our ties keep growing stronger. We both share a strong foundation in vocational education.
Ms Liqun also touched on Prime Minister Luxon’s comments during his visit to China on education being about people, connection and mutual understanding.
She added that President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, had highlighted cooperation in education, and cultural exchange, which gave strong direction to today's dialogue.
“China has the world's largest vocational system focused on linking education and industry. Our shared values create opportunities,” Ms Liqun says.
“This meeting shows our solid partnership and marks a new beginning. We will increase opportunities for students and teachers to gain more practical cross-cultural experience, and we want more young Kiwis and Chinese to be ambassadors of our friendship through skills and knowledge exchanges.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr Gilmore and Deputy Secretary General Yan exchanged gifts in a gesture of goodwill.

The delegation then departed for a campus tour of MIT Manukau where the division’s Nursing School is based.