New Zealand Takes Centre Stage at China’s Premier Education Expo

In a significant move for international education, New Zealand is set to be in the spotlight this month. The upcoming China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE), one of the largest events of its kind, has named New Zealand as its 2025 ‘Country of Honour’. Leading the charge is Dr Shane Reti, the Universities and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister, who will head a delegation to Beijing to showcase the very best of Kiwi education and strengthen a relationship that benefits both nations immensely.

An Honour for New Zealand

Being the ‘Country of Honour’ at CACIE 2025 is no small thing. This unique event is a powerhouse in the international education calendar, getting over 35,000 participants. This prestigious role brings an unmatched platform for New Zealand’s universities and tertiary providers to showcase strength, innovation and quality of their educational offerings directly to the Chinese market.

A Long-Standing and Valued Partnership

Minister Reti was quick to call out that the visit is built upon a foundation of "enduring partnerships." The relationship between New Zealand and China in the education sector is both deep and mutually beneficial. This trip aims to build on the positive momentum from the New Zealand Prime Minister's visit to China in June, further deepening links through student exchanges, institutional partnerships and valuable joint research programmes.

Economic Benefits and Student Satisfactio

The value of this partnership is clear in the numbers. China remains New Zealand's largest source of international students, with a staggering 22,000 Chinese students enrolled at the start of the 2025 academic year. The impact it has on the economy is evident as Education New Zealand made close to $1.43 billion just from Chinese students in June 2025. 

Beyond economics, the focus remains on quality. Dr Reti said,

"We are proud that Chinese students consistently rate their time in New Zealand highly,"

Emphasising the positive feedback regarding the connections students make and the overall quality of their educational experience.

Beyond the Classroom: Science and Innovation Collaboration

The ministerial visit goes beyond promoting universities. The education partnership naturally extends into the realms of science, technology and innovation. China is New Zealand’s fourth-largest partner in terms of scientific co-publications. While visiting Beijing, Minister Reti has organised a meeting with his Chinese Science and Technology counterpart to look for potential new opportunities for research collaboration, making sure that this key relationship continues to drive growth and innovation in both countries.

The upcoming visit, (27th October to 2nd November), brings in a crucial step in supporting the New Zealand government’s ‘Going for Growth’ agenda. By promoting education internationally and fostering research links, New Zealand is boosting its economy as well as cementing an important and much needed, partnership with China.