The event, which took place from 11.00am – 1.00pm on April 2nd, was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders from tertiary education and community sectors, including Otago Polytechnic, Queenstown Resort College, Community Trust South, Language School New Zealand, Mana Tahūna, and the Chinese Association in Queenstown.
SIT Council Chair, Rex Chapman, welcomed the guests and Consul General, Madam He Ying, made opening remarks, before presentations from the Chinese Consulate Education Consul, Shen Jian and Vice Consul Li Muqing, as well as Guy Hughes from Language School New Zealand and Otago Polytechnic’s Director of Central Campus, John Christie. The event concluded with an exchange of gifts followed by lunch. The Consulate expressed sincere appreciation for SIT’s hospitality and professionalism in hosting the event.
The roadshow is designed to strengthen collaboration and facilitate institutional partnerships between the Chinese Government, represented by the Consulate, and New Zealand education providers. The Chinese government shows strong support for international education partnerships, and their tertiary institutions are encouraged to build New Zealand connections.
SIT Chief Executive, Bharat Guha, said SIT welcomed the opportunity to showcase the Queenstown campus and facilities when the Consulate approached them to host the event. “It was timely, particularly as we work to rebuild and grow international enrolments once again.”
The strong contingent of management, staff and students from SIT Invercargill reflected SIT’s broader institutional involvement and commitment to international engagement, Mr Guha said, adding it was a valuable meeting for relationship-building and a strategic step toward strengthening ties with Chinese institutions and government representatives.
Mr Guha said the event would contribute to SIT having Increased visibility within Chinese education networks with potential for many positive outcomes.
“We look forward to seeing growth in Chinese student enrolments across SIT campuses, further opportunities to establish or expand partnerships with Chinese tertiary institutions, the development of exchange programmes, articulation agreements, and collaborative initiatives, and enhanced cultural and academic engagement between China and the Southland/Queenstown region.”