UTSNZ Meets with New Zealand Chinese Embassy to Strengthen Sporting and Educational Connections

This week, UTSNZ Executive Director Sarah Anderson met with representatives from the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand to acknowledge a year of meaningful engagement and discuss opportunities for collaboration in 2025. The Chinese delegation, including Counsellor Tang Jun, Second Secretary (Education) Wan Ding, and Consul (Education Affairs) Shen Jian, hosted the meeting as part of customary practices to reflect on shared achievements and explore the year ahead.

A highlight of 2024 has been the involvement of New Zealand tertiary sports teams in a number of FISU events held in China. Notably, the New Zealand Universities men’s and women’s futsal teams represented New Zealand at the FISU World University Futsal Championship in Jinjiang, showcasing the skill and competitive spirit of Kiwi athletes. Similarly, the University of Canterbury men’s 3x3 basketball team competed at the FISU University 3x3 World Cup in Xiamen, making a strong impression on the global stage.

Further solidifying the connection between New Zealand and China, just last weekend, the University of Auckland men’s football team secured their place as Oceania University Football Champions, qualifying once again for the FISU University World Cup in 2025. This tournament will be held in Dalian, adding to the growing roster of collaborative sporting events taking place in China.

The Chinese Embassy has provided valuable expertise to UTSNZ delegations. Their assistance has been particularly appreciated in navigating the evolving landscape of international travel, which now includes visa-free entry for New Zealand citizens visiting China.

Both UTSNZ and the Chinese Embassy expressed enthusiasm for continuing their dialogue around initiatives that build bridges between the sporting and educational sectors of New Zealand and China. The shared goal aiming to create meaningful opportunities that foster international connections, mutual understanding, and enduring friendships.

As UTSNZ looks ahead to 2025, the organisation is excited to further develop these collaborations and strengthen ties that benefit athletes, students, and institutions across both countries.