New Zealand Minister Penny Simmonds Strengthens Education and Innovation Ties with China

Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, is travelling to the People's Republic of China to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, this week. Minister Simmonds will be accompanied by a delegation of 11 senior leaders of New Zealand institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs).

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between New Zealand and China in the Tertiary Education, and Science, Innovation and Technology areas, to promote New Zealand as a destination of choice for Chinese students, and to visit technology and research sites in Southern China to promote scientific collaboration between New Zealand and China.

While in China, the Minister will meet with the Minister of Education of China, Mr Huai Jinpeng, as well as education officials of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

Vocational education is an important area of collaboration within the New Zealand-China relationship, built on enduring partnerships that have grown over the years, says Minister Simmonds.

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, institutional partnerships, that benefit both countries, and I look forward to discussing what the future holds with my ministerial counterpart.

I am looking forward to connecting with existing partners and exploring new avenues for education and science and innovation research cooperation between our countries, Minister Simmonds says.

The visit supports the Government’s Going for Growth agenda to grow the value of international education and unleash growth and innovation in New Zealand. China is New Zealand’s largest source of international students and is the second largest source of international students for ITPs.

A visit to the New Zealand-China Joint Laboratory for Biomedicine and Health in Guangzhou will highlight our strong bilateral collaboration in biomedical research, including promising developments in cancer therapeutics. The visit to the XPeng Technology Park will showcase how China is translating research and innovation into commercial outcomes in areas such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and advanced manufacturing.

Minister Simmonds departed New Zealand on Sunday 26 July 2026 and will return on Friday 31 July 2026.