Toi Ohomai strengthens education partnerships during New Zealand delegation visit to China

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Chief Executive, Dr Pim Borren, has joined Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon Penny Simmonds, and senior leaders from New Zealand's Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) on an Education New Zealand delegation to China.

The delegation travelled to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou from 26 to 31 July to strengthen transnational education ties between New Zealand and China, promote New Zealand's tertiary education offering, and explore opportunities for future partnerships and collaboration.

China is a longstanding and important market for New Zealand's international education sector, and for Toi Ohomai, Chinese ākonga (students) are the institute's third-largest international student cohort.

ITP leaders met with People's Republic of China Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, and senior representatives from the Department of Higher Education, Department of Vocational and Adult Education and the China Education Association for International Exchange, as well as leadership counterparts from partner institutions.

Discussions focussed on opportunities for strengthening institutional partnerships, expanding student exchanges and enhancing education experiences, while promoting New Zealand as a destination of choice for Chinese learners.

The New Zealand-China Education Partnership Showcase and Education Agent Market Insight Session provided valuable opportunities for ITP leaders to engage directly with Chinese education agents who play a key role in connecting prospective students in China with study opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dr Pim Borren said, "The delegation visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage with senior education leaders, partners and agents in China, deepen existing partnerships, build new connections, and reaffirm the value of New Zealand's vocational and tertiary education sector."

“For Toi Ohomai, there were also opportunities to showcase the advantages of studying at a regional New Zealand institute, including our practical, industry-connected qualifications, supportive learning environments, strong student support services, and the unique lifestyle opportunities available throughout the Bay of Plenty rohe (region)." 

"Highlighting what students can experience studying at our institute and living in the beautiful Bay of Plenty was an important part of conversations with education agents. International ākonga are increasingly looking for more than a qualification. They’re wanting a welcoming community, a sense of belonging and a true Kiwi tertiary education experience. At Toi Ohomai we celebrate the vibrancy international ākonga bring to our campuses and wider communities,” Dr Borren said.

In a media release on Monday 27 July, New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon Penny Simmonds said, “Vocational education is an important area of collaboration within the New Zealand-China relationship, built on enduring partnerships that have grown over the years.”

"Significant opportunities exist to strengthen educational connections between New Zealand and China and to increase the attractiveness of the New Zealand international education offering to Chinese students and agents… We're deepening our education links through student exchanges and institutional partnerships that benefit both countries," she said.

China is New Zealand’s largest source of international students and the second largest source of international students for ITPs.

The delegation visit to the People's Republic of China supports the Government’s Going for Growth agenda to grow the value of international education in Aotearoa New Zealand.