Investment Spearheads a Return of International Education into City Centre
A long-term vision to grow a full private University in New Zealand while re-invigorating the local English language
market took a further step today with the opening of the Huadu International Construction Group’s second Talent
International Institute (TII) in central Christchurch.
The central city-based facility, officially opened by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, has taken over the former
Design and Arts College at 52 Oxford Terrace and will cater for up to 100 international students.
A prominent partner in Christchurch’s New Urban Group property development and construction company, TII Director Eugene
Feng said that the large Chinese-based organisation had a policy of upskilling staff and a business philosophy that
includes continuing education programmes for employees.
This is an exciting time to bring back international students to inner city Christchurch - a place special to us where
we are already undertaking prominent local projects and have strong community links,” Mr Feng said.
In 2017 the Huadu Group acquired English Advantage, a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)-certified language
school in Dunedin, now renamed as the Talent International Institute.
“The future years will see the Group invest more into TII with the aim of upgrading it into a prestigious institution,
recognised as a quality tertiary education provider in both New Zealand and China,” said Mr Feng.
Stewart Brougham, Chairman of Christchurch Educated – the regional membership society of international education providers, said the organisation was delighted with
Huadu’s investment.
“Before the Canterbury earthquakes we had almost thirty English Language providers in the central city, Mr Brougham
said.
“We’re now confident those numbers can be reached again, buoyed by today’s commitment and our reputation for providing a
safe learning environment with a uniquely accessible recreational lifestyle.”
Mayor Dalziel welcomed Huadu’s vision, and emphasised its community and cultural ties with Christchurch. She said that
today’s opening was both a literal and symbolic building block in the central city’s rejuvenation.
“Our inner city developments are flourishing and the economic benefits and other advantages to cities that dynamic
learning environments offer are well known globally.
“Christchurch has a proud history of providing high quality education and is poised to offer even more opportunities
than before.
“Today we welcome investment from a dedicated international partner and this demonstrates how education is indeed a
growing and shining beacon in our region,” Mayor Dalziel said.
With TII welcoming its first English language training students to Christchurch next month, Mr Feng said that planning
continued on realising its long-term vision to build a New Zealand-based private university.
As well as providing English language training, a New Zealand Diploma in Business was planned and awaited NZQA approval.
“In the meantime student pastoral care is an important part of the TII student management process,” Mr Feng said.
“The TII will be welcoming host families to provide accommodation and immersion experience in suitable local homes.”
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