New Zealand's role as Guest of Honor at the 26th China Education Expo this November underscores deepening collaboration between the two nations in education and technology. In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia, New Zealand's Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti highlighted how this partnership is shaping future-ready talent and sustainable development.
Bridging Classrooms and Laboratories
Minister Reti emphasized the expo's role in showcasing New Zealand's 'future-focused education model,' particularly in STEM and AI fields. 'Our joint programs with Chinese universities this year have already trained over 1,200 students in climate science and renewable energy applications,' he noted, pointing to recent agreements signed during the expo.
Green Technology Takes Center Stage
Both countries are leveraging their scientific expertise to address climate challenges. A new cross-border research initiative announced this week will establish five joint laboratories by 2026, focusing on carbon-neutral technologies and precision agriculture.
Cultural Exchange as Innovation Catalyst
The minister highlighted the 35% year-on-year increase in student exchanges since 2023, with Mandarin now being the second-most studied language in New Zealand schools. 'When young minds from China and New Zealand collaborate on robotics projects or environmental solutions, they're not just learning – they're building bridges,' Reti observed.
As the expo continues through November 2025, education leaders from both nations are finalizing plans for a trans-Pacific digital learning platform set to launch in early 2026.
