The New Zealand Centre at Peking University
The New Zealand Centre at Peking University (PKU) is a unique partnership between one of China’s most prestigious universities and the academics at all eight New Zealand universities.
It promotes the study of New Zealand in China and contributes to the strengthening of the China/New Zealand relationship. The Centre’s purpose is to “promote mutual relationships of understanding and co-operation across diverse fields of academic and other sector engagement between New Zealand and China.”
It is based in a traditional Chinese building adjacent to the picturesque Unnamed Lake in the grounds of PKU, locally called Beida.
History of the New Zealand Centre
The centre was originally a joint initiative between the University of Auckland and Peking University. It was formally opened on 21 May 2007, by Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters in the presence of Peking University President Professor Xu Zhihong, former ambassador to NZ H E Chen Mingming, NZ Ambassador Tony Browne, and University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon. Ministry of Economic Development Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield gave the inaugural lecture.
Peking University appointed a Director (Professor Liu Shusen) and Deputy Director (Associate Professor Liu Hongzhong) to oversee the academic life of the Centre and to be responsible to the University for its activities and its financial performance.
Over time all New Zealand universities have joined the Centre. The Centre is also supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Business, Innovations and Employment and Education New Zealand.
The New Zealand Advisory Board consists of subscribing members who advise on the Centre’s programme, engage with its activities and generate support. The Board is currently chaired by Professor Alister Jones, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato.
In April 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing affirming and strengthening the relationships underpinning the New Zealand Centre. The MOU reflects the importance of the Centre to New Zealand and its Chinese university partner. The signing was witnessed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key. The MOU is currently under review, in anticipation of a virtual signing in December 2021.
The importance and strength of the New Zealand China relationship was honoured on Tuesday 16 May 2017, with an event to mark the 10th anniversary of the New Zealand Centre. The Hon Paul Goldsmith, New Zealand Minister of Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, joined the celebrations along with Professor Lin Jianhua, President of Peking University, and representatives of all of the Centre’s New Zealand members. The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Lin Jianhua and Minister Hon Paul Goldsmith.
Future Outlook
The Centre is now looking forward to the next phase of its development through the recently agreed New Zealand Advisory Board Strategy 2021 – 2024.
2003
Discussions began between Peking University and University of Auckland.
2007
New Zealand Centre formally opened by New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Winston Peters.
2008
Annual Fall Semester undergraduate course on New Zealand: History and Culture inaugurated.
2012
Visiting Fellowships programme for New Zealand researchers begins.
2014
All eight New Zealand universities joined the partnership.
2016
Memorandum of Understanding signed.
First First PKU researchers come to NZ to continue research with former Visiting Fellows
2017
Celebrations held for the 10th anniversary of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University.
2022
China & New Zealand celebrate the 50th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations. New Zealand Centre at PKU MOU to be renewed.