Hon Chris Hipkins
Minister of Education
11 July 2018
MEDIA STATEMENT
Minister of Education Chris Hipkins is travelling to China at the weekend for a four-day visit that includes meeting his
counterpart Minister Chen Baosheng in Beijing.
The visit is aimed at reaffirming New Zealand’s Strategic Education Partnership with China, including the formal
education initiatives between the countries as well as New Zealand’s commitment to being a quality and safe destination
for Chinese students.
“In my meeting with Minister Chen Baosheng I will communicate New Zealand’s high regard for China and our continuing
commitment to our education partnership,” Chris Hipkins said.
The visit will include Beijing and Guangzhou and visits to several leading tertiary institutions including Peking
University to signal his support for deeper collaboration in teaching and research with New Zealand institutions. Mr
Hipkins will witness the signing of a memorandum to enhance education cooperation, and meet education agents, alumni and
media.
Chris Hipkins will also meet senior local government officials to confirm New Zealand’s interest in expanding education
links with the Guangdong region.
“New Zealand’s relationship with Guangdong is an increasingly important part of the wider bilateral relationship. This
is shown in the recent significant growth in education, business and government relationships between New Zealand and
Guangdong.
China is the most important source of international students for New Zealand, Mr Hipkins said.
“Across our education system, from primary schools through to universities, students from China are highly valued and
bring welcome talent to our institutions.”
New Zealand’s quality and sustainable education system will be a key focus of discussions, he said.
“The Economist Intelligence Unit recently ranked New Zealand first in the world for educating students for the future.
It noted New Zealand’s expertise in teaching the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly globalised world where
the only constant is disruptive change.”
In particular, Mr Hipkins will discuss New Zealand’s quality education offerings in the field of entrepreneurship and
how these are empowering Chinese graduates of New Zealand institutions to succeed in their chosen fields of endeavour.
ends