A Chinese culture enthusiast performs face-changing, a stage stunt of traditional Chinese opera, at a reception in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 28, 2026. Some New Zealanders gathered together on Friday evening in Wellington to share their academic and study experiences in China, highlighting cultural connections between the two countries. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Some New Zealanders gathered together on Friday evening in Wellington to share their academic and study experiences in China, highlighting cultural connections between the two countries.

Education is a foundation for key aspects of the New Zealand-China relationship, said Katrina Sutich, general manager of tertiary policy under New Zealand's Ministry of Education.

As China remains a top destination for New Zealand students choosing to study abroad in Asia, New Zealand and Chinese students study together, research together and grow together, and "they deliver benefits that reach far beyond the classroom and lecture theater," Sutich said at a reception honoring those with academic and cultural connections to China.

Clare Fearnley, a former New Zealand ambassador to China, noted that she had studied language in China. "I feel incredibly grateful to have this opportunity," she said, adding that she still chats with her teacher who lives in China.

For Amy Rutherford, her experience of being an international student in China helped shape her cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.

Rutherford is now director of the International Office at Victoria University of Wellington, which co-builds a Confucius Institute with China's Xiamen University.

"We've helped thousands of young New Zealanders learn the Chinese language and culture, while strengthening connections between New Zealand and China," she said.

Tang Jun, counselor for education, science and culture affairs at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, noted that China is now in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) and continues to advance high-standard opening up.

Emerging sectors such as clean energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and sustainable agriculture are creating broader opportunities for young New Zealanders to study, take part in academic exchanges and pursue research in China, said Tang. ■

A Chinese culture enthusiast sings a Chinese song at a reception in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 28, 2026. Some New Zealanders gathered together on Friday evening in Wellington to share their academic and study experiences in China, highlighting cultural connections between the two countries. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)