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First Responders – Update on hazardous substances incident in Tuakau

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters will shortly be demobilising from Tuakau, where Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been responding to a hazardous substances incident tonight.
Assistant District Commander Brad Harvey says firefighters have been flushing the drains, and atmospheric readings now show that the air quality in and around the drains has returned to safe levels.
Residents who were evacuated earlier this evening are able to return home. The advice to other residents to stay inside with doors and windows shut has also been lifted.
The scene will be left in the hands of local water management staff. The nature and source of the substance which prompted the emergency response has not yet been established.
The crews of four fire appliances still on site will be preparing to depart shortly.
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Advocacy – Will New Zealand back the Israel/US at the ICC this week or will it back international law?

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA has written to the Prime Minister today urging the government to vote against the removal of the International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, and instead insist that proper judicial process be followed regarding allegations made against him.

 

“This is a pivotal moment for the International Criminal Court and New Zealand must stand up for our values and our support for international law” says PSNA Spokesperson Rinad Tamimi. “We are not making any judgement on the allegations against Mr Khan, but New Zealand must insist a proper judicial process be followed”

 

When allegations were made against Khan, the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), was asked by the president of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to gather evidence from the alleged victims.  Between November 2024 and December 2025 more than 5,000 pages of evidence was gathered. The ICC then established a Judicial Panel, comprising three eminent judges selected by the Bureau of the ASP, to analyse the evidence. 

 

After doing so this Judicial Panel declared they were “unanimously of the opinion that the factual findings by OIOS do not establish misconduct or breach of duty under the relevant legal framework”.

 

Tamimi says that Now Israel and the US are rejecting the Judicial Panel findings.

 

“They are blatantly lobbying to remove Karim Khan because he sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for ‘war crimes and crimes against humanity’.”

 

This intensive Israel/US diplomatic bullying has succeeded in having the Judicial Panel findings set aside in favour of a decision to remove Karim Khan being made by the full Assembly of State Parties (ASP) in which New Zealand will vote.

 

“Karim Khan’s position must be decided through a legal process, not a political process dictated by Israeli/US lobbying” says Tamimi. “New Zealand has already failed numerous times to uphold international law in the face of Israeli/US pressure.”

 

“They must not throw in the towel again.”

 

“In October last year, Foreign Minister Winston Peters issued a formal statement, with Nordic ministers in Stockholm, to ‘reaffirm our unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court’.”

 

“You can’t pick and choose when you will support international law, and when you can disregard it,” says Tamimi. “New Zealand must do the right thing at the ICC this week.”

 

Rinad Tamimi

National Spokesperson

PSNA

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First Responders – Hazardous substances incident in Tuakau

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters are responding to a hazardous substances incident in the township of Tuakau, where a large amount of an unknown chemical has entered drains near the water treatment plant. The incident was reported at 4pm today.
Residents have been evacuated from houses in the vicinity of Kowhai St and Matipo Drive. Other people in the area are advised to stay inside with doors and windows closed to avoid possible exposure to fumes. Other members of the public should stay away from the area until further notice.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is obtaining specialist advice from the Queensland Fire Department to assist in identifying the substance and is working with the Waikato District Council and Watercare to develop a plan to flush the drains safely. The nature and origin of the substance is not yet known.
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Employment Disputes – Thousands of MBIE workers hold stop-work meetings over pay dispute – PSA

Source: PSA

Bargaining underway for over 10 000 public servants
Around 2,700 workers at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) are holding stop-work meetings across the country from 9am to 10am tomorrow over the Ministry's approach to collective bargaining.
These come with bargaining underway for over 10,000 public service workers covered by collective bargaining, including workers at MBIE, DIA, Corrections, and MSD. All are currently facing pay offers well below inflation.
“MBIE workers have overwhelmingly rejected a pay offer that doesn’t even keep pace with inflation – they feel undervalued and disrespected,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These meetings will plan the next steps in the campaign for public servants to get a fair deal.
“The current offer includes changes to pay that mean it will take staff longer to reach higher pay bands, at the same time as the cost of living keeps rising. Public servants are being asked to accept going backwards in a cost-of-living crisis.”
The bargaining with MBIE covers immigration and visa officers, along with workers who operate New Zealand’s borders, advise on economic, business and regional investment; fund science and innovation; regulate building; manage the country’s energy system; and maintain consumer standards and market regulation. The largest group is Immigration Officers, most of whom earn around $70,000 a year.
The PSA has collected testimonials from workers underlining their frustrations. One said, “It is getting harder and harder to keep up, let alone have luxuries”. Another said, “This makes me think Australia is a better option and I may need to leave the organisation or country for a better future.”
Fleur Fitzsimons said: “MBIE workers help run New Zealand’s economy, from employment and immigration services to consumer protection and business support. They deserve to be treated with respect and not presented with a deal that takes them backwards and told to accept it.
“Department of Internal Affairs workers held a two-hour strike last week, and tension is rising at other agencies too. It all points to the same thing: workers are fed up with a government that promised to fix the cost-of-living crisis but won't give them a fair pay rise to deal with it.”
“Today’s meetings are a first step. Members are not being balloted on strike action yet, but patience is wearing thin and MBIE needs to come back to the table with a fair offer.”
Details – stop work meetings 
The closed union meetings will take place from 9am to 10am in Central Auckland, West Auckland, South Auckland, Wellington Central, Porirua, and Christchurch, with a remote meeting for members in Hamilton, Nelson, and Palmerston North.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Tech Events – ENTECH 2026 heads to NZ after record-breaking run in Australia

Source: ENTECH

ENTECH, Australia and NZ’s longest-running AV trade roadshow and the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre, is heading to its final 2026 shows in New Zealand after completing record-breaking events across Australia.

Having toured five cities across Australia with a packed one-day program of seminars, hands-on demonstrations and its new Tech Train the ENTECH roadshow is staged fresh in NZ, opening at the new Auckland International Convention Centre on Tuesday 28 July then rolling Thursday 30 July into Lower Hutt Events Centre in Wellington and crossing the straight to Te Pae in Christchurch for Tuesday 4 August.

The 2026 ENTECH Australian Roadshow saw record visitor numbers, a revitalised exhibitor floor and a clear signal that the professional AV, lighting and production industry is spending well.

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “It encompassed five cities, one amazing crew and thousands of handshakes. After rolling through Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide the ENTECH Roadshow has packed up its trucks and called 2026 a wrap in Australia with the numbers making for very good reading as we head to New Zealand.”

Total visitor registrations across the five-city Australian tour were up 27 per cent with Sydney leading the charge up 37%, then Melbourne up by 32%, Brisbane continued its strong upward trajectory up 20%, Adelaide up 28% and Perth up 3%.

McKenzie added, “Registration counts only tell part of the story, though. What exhibitors care about is the ‘quality’ of visitors and ‘who’ walks through the door and on that measure, 2026 delivered emphatically.”

Across all cities, 85 per cent of registered visitors reported some form of purchasing role including final decision-maker, specifier or influencer. Critically, 82% indicated active or near-term purchasing intent, either buying at the show or flagged projects in the pipeline they were looking to buy for in the next 12 months. For ENTECH exhibitors, that's a well-stocked order book walking around the floor.

Audio and sound remained the dominant interest category selected by 74% of all Australian visitors, followed by lighting at 60% and video/broadcast at 49% which meant all 68 exhibitor stands were filled and busy throughout each show in each city.

The ENTECH touring crew that makes the whole thing happen covered 10,563 kms across the country, managing bump-in, floor operations and bump-out across every city – a considerable logistical undertaking that involved four Live Event Logistics trucks and up to 30 local crew supported by 30 venue staff at each event.

From 2027, the ENTECH Roadshow restructures as an even more focused Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane event – a change the organising team describes as a “sharpening” of focus. If the 2026 numbers are any guide, the industry will follow wherever ENTECH goes.

For now, the ENTECH Roadshow next rolls into its final 2026 legs in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch where, as always, attendance is free for trade guests.

For more information and to register, visit www.entech-roadshow.com 

For enquiries and NZ bookings call +61 408 498 180 or email exhibit@entech-roadshow.com

About ENTECH

ENTECH Roadshow is the only trade show for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia, opening up access to more business opportunities than any other event. ENTECH will visit Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in May 2026, Auckland and Wellington in July 2026 and Christchurch in August 2026. ENTECH Roadshow is space limited for national exhibitors – typically distributors – with freight carried in dedicated trucks. Limited spaces are held for video distributors and resellers who book early.

As confirmed by the ISE exhibition in Barcelona, our industry has now entered a phase we’re calling ‘post-converged’. The worlds of unified communications, IT, AV, lighting, video, audio, signage, staging, and control have gone past the transition period of becoming networked and controlled by software and entered a new phase where new business models, products, and markets are emerging. Manufacturers that were once focussed on one aspect of live performance or recording are now creating products for corporate meeting rooms. Companies that were creating platforms for digital signage are now offering room control and corporate communications. Lighting companies that power huge stadium gigs are creating networked architectural products, as are their audio counterparts. And at the centre of all this, the customer, be they installer, production firm, or consultant, is now part IT manager and concerned with the integration of systems as a whole.

https://www.entech-roadshow.com

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Awards – New crop of arable leaders stand tall – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

From a couple who set up their own stone-ground milling enterprise to developers of a seed treatment that reduces nitrogen losses, the 2026 Arable Award finalists have been named.
“The annual awards are a celebration of the best and brightest in the industry – the individuals and teams who stand tall in what we do,” Federated Farmers arable chair Chris Dillon says.
“It’s said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going and that’s true of this year’s crop of finalists.
“The fighting in the Middle East continues to put pressure on fuel and fertiliser prices and it’s really hurting arable prospects with the planting season looming.
“More than ever, we need the innovation, commitment to excellence and environmental sustainability, research and willingness to share knowledge that these growers, agronomists and companies bring to the table.”
Dillon says he’s particularly impressed by the three Innovation Award finalists.
Marty and Georgina Skurr, who work the Canterbury land Marty’s great-grandfather began farming in the 1920s, added another value stream by setting up Minchins Milling, an on-farm stone-ground flour enterprise.
The look and taste of the flour produced is prized by sourdough makers and home bakers, and the direct connections the couple have forged with consumers give their arable business a point of difference and niche market.
Another Innovation Award finalist is agronomist Paul Oliver, who has played a key role in bringing H&T Agronomics’ Always N from development and extensive trials here and overseas, to commercialisation.
This microbial seed treatment helps reduce nitrogen losses, enabling growers to reduce their reliance on synthetic nitrogen inputs.
The third finalist is Lincoln University researcher Mariana Andreucci.
By investigating the relationship between cultivar characteristics, biomass production, and on-farm management practices, her research provides insights that enable growers to optimise crop performance and unlock the potential of individual wheat varieties.
When higher input costs and sluggish returns from the global oversupply put the squeeze on arable growers, it might be thought investment in environmental improvements will take a back seat.
Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie, who convened the judging panels, says the calibre of Environment Award finalists shows growers’ determination to leave the land and water in better shape for the next generation.
Lovett Family Farms, led by Daniel Lovett near Ashburton, has implemented a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming focused on improving soil health, water-use efficiency, and biodiversity.
Judges said that through innovative practices, the family has built a resilient farming system while openly sharing their sustainability journey with the wider agricultural community.
Up against the Lovetts is Tim Gorton, who runs a mixed arable, livestock and dairy farming business near Feilding.
Through extensive planting and management practices, and a commitment to improving waterway health, Tim has demonstrated how productive farming and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand, judges said.
There are three Maize Grower of the Year finalists, in a year that’s seen a record maize silage harvest – one bright spot for arable.
Ashburton’s Mark Shera grows 250 hectares of maize as part of a 1,200-hectare arable operation. Supported by a significant dryer and silo complex, his business is recognised as the largest maize grain operation in the South Island, demonstrating both scale and commitment to crop production.
Donald Stobie, the Federated Farmers Waikato arable chair, operates a 450-hectare farm in Gordonton, growing around 200 hectares of maize. His focus on excellence has resulted in some of the best maize yields in the country, consistently achieving outstanding grain and silage production.
The third contenders are Hawke’s Bay couple Patrick and Belinda Nicolle. They lease land and contract grow 300 hectares of maize grain and 60 hectares of popcorn, earning recognition from judges for their effectiveness and forward-thinking approach.
From these three finalists, and finalists from the Cereal Grower and Seed Grower of the Year, an Arable Farmer of the Year will be named on awards night on 20 August at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.
Ivan Lawrie says finalists in the three previous Arable Awards of New Zealand have always been of a high calibre and it’s no different this time.
“It fills me with optimism as I see new people coming in,” he says.
“For example, in the agronomist category there’s some relatively young professionals who are committed and have new thinking.
“They’re looking at the broader picture.
“The silo mentality of looking only at growing grain and seeds is gone as they look at how that fits in with livestock and horticultural systems.
“That’s going to provide real integration going forward.” 
The full list of 2026 Arable Industry NZ Award finalists:
Maize Grower of the Year: 
Mark Shera, Ashburton
Donald Stobie, Gordonton
Patrick and Belinda Nicolle, Hastings
Cereal Grower of the Year:
Guy and Kathryn Wigley, Waimate
Andrew and Amy Darling, Timaru
Geoff and Joy Hayward and family – Hayward Agricultural, Timaru
Seed Grower of the Year:
Brendan and Rachel Moore, Methven
Jeremy and Kate Simpson, Rakaia
John and Mel McCaw, Methven
Innovation Award:
Paul Oliver, Feilding
Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University
Marty and Georgina Skurr, Sheffield
Environment Award:
Lovett Family Farms, Ashburton
Tim Gorton, Feilding
Agronomist of the Year:
Nicola Pace, Ruralco
Sean Mulligan, PGG Wrightson Seeds
Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University
Working Together Award:
SCID Rebuild Team
Ellesmere Sustainable Agriculture Incorporated
Oat Industry Group.
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Medical Governance – CMC statement on changes to Medical Council leadership

Source: Council of Medical Colleges

Te Kaunihera o Ngā Kāreti Rata o Aotearoa | the Council of Medical Colleges (CMC) launches manifesto calling for a safer, fairer, future-focused medical training system, CMC has today released its manifesto.
CMC Chair Dr Samantha Murton says the manifesto sets out practical, collaborative actions that medical colleges, regulators, employers, and government agencies can take together to improve outcomes for patients, whānau, and communities.
“Our manifesto is a call to action. It outlines how we must focus our shared efforts on building a sustainable, culturally safe, future ready workforce that delivers equitable outcomes for all people of Aotearoa” says Dr Murton.The manifesto highlights five priority areas for system-level improvement, including:
– Building integrated digital infrastructure for patient care to allow for seamless and safe information flow between primary care, hospitals, and private providers.
– Establish a nationally co-ordinated training system with agreed volumes and delivery plan across all settings.
– Embed community-based and rural training in every vocational training programme to increase the ability of the system to care for people in the community.
– Strengthen support for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) by streamlining immigration, registration and training for IMGs committed to long-term practice in New Zealand.
– Grow and retain a representative and culturally safe workforce to improve health outcomes.Dr Murton says the manifesto reflects the views of the eighteen medical colleges who provide support to over 9000 medical specialists working across the Aotearoa New Zealand health system.
“Colleges are deeply committed to improving the training system and the health system it feeds into. This manifesto brings together our shared priorities and the practical steps needed to achieve them. It is a roadmap for collective action,” says Dr Murton.
CMC is encouraging politicians, clinicians, educators, iwi and community partners, universities and system leaders to engage with the manifesto and work alongside colleges to implement its recommendations.
About the Council of Medical Colleges (CMC)
The Council of Medical Colleges represents Aotearoa New Zealand’s 18 medical colleges, which set standards for specialist training, assessment, and ongoing recertification. CMC works to improve the quality, safety, and equity of medical care through collaboration, advocacy, and sector leadership.
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Federated Farmers pressure pays off on iwi-council agreements

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is welcoming the Government's decision to stop existing and new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into the new resource management system.
Last week, Federated Farmers called on the Government to end the rush by councils to sign Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements before the new planning system comes into force.
Federated Farmers made the same recommendation in its submission on the Government's resource management reform legislation.
“We're really pleased the Government has listened,” Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“Over recent months we've seen a big increase in councils rushing to sign these agreements before the law changes.
“That’s created uncertainty for farmers and raised serious concerns about accountability.”
The Environment Committee today came back with its recommendations on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which will replace the Resource Management Act.
Alongside the Committee's recommendations, the Government has agreed further changes to the legislation, including relating to Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.
No existing or initiated Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements will transfer into the new planning system.
Instead, councils will be able to enter into more narrowly scoped iwi participation agreements with clear legislative guardrails.
“While there is absolutely a place for relationship agreements between councils and iwi, they need appropriate safeguards,” Hooper says.
“Decision-making powers that affect communities should remain with democratically accountable elected representatives.
“The new guardrails announced by the Government are an important step in ensuring that.”
Federated Farmers will now take the time to work through the Select Committee's report, which runs to more than 500 pages, to fully understand the changes being proposed.
“At first glance, it's extremely encouraging to see the Government has agreed to scrap the transfer of all Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements and replace them with more narrowly focused arrangements,” Hooper says.
“That's exactly what Federated Farmers recommended.”
Federated Farmers also welcomed the Government signalling it is considering changes to address Waikato Regional Council's Plan Change 1.
“We've consistently argued it makes no sense for Waikato farmers and growers to implement an expensive and complex new planning regime while the entire resource management system is being replaced.
“We look forward to seeing the detail of the Government's proposed solution.”
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Recommended Podcasts – Season 1 – Precipice: Stories of Cyclone Gabrielle (Podcast) – LIVE NOW

Source: The Public Good

“Precipice is both an archive and a resource – a record of what one community lived through in the face of disaster, and what others may be able to learn from it.”

February 2023: Cyclone Gabrielle engulfed the North Island of Aotearoa, leaving a path of destruction and devastation in its wake.

Over the night of February 13, the small, coastal community of Muriwai was ripped apart by landslides tearing through its landscape – destroying homes, uprooting families and claiming the lives of two local firefighters.

Hosted by Muriwai local Mandy Jakich, the 26-episode podcast Precipice provides a window into what happened that fateful night and in the days, months and years that followed. Told through the voices of residents, volunteers and those involved in the emergency response and recovery effort, Jakich threads together a story of shared loss, upheaval and the community-led initiatives that helped Muriwai find a way forward.

“I am honoured to have been asked by the Muriwai Community Association to create and host this podcast, and to be trusted by my guests to tell their stories and give something back to the community I call home. While Precipice documents Muriwai's experience, I also hope it becomes a resource for other communities preparing for, or recovering from, climate-driven disasters. If sharing what we lived through helps others feel more informed, connected or better prepared, then these stories will continue to have purpose.” – Mandy Jakich

SEASON 1: Cyclone Gabrielle Hits Muriwai (10 eps): LIVE NOW (ref. https://youtube.com/@precipicepodcast?si=piikno4ttAB-ba7m )

https://youtube.com/@precipicepodcast

SEASON 2: Disaster Recovery and Community Restoration (8 eps): LIVE AUGUST 3

SEASON 3: Community Initiatives after a Cyclone (8 eps): LIVE AUGUST 17

Precipice is available on all podcast platforms and on the Muriwai Community Association website.

ABOUT THE HOST

Mandy Jakich is the creator and host of the Creative Connections podcast, where she interviews Kiwi visual artists about their creative lives, practice and processes. Jakich is a visual artist herself, with an extensive background in primary school education, art education, and small business and community projects. She is interested in sharing stories that inspire, and creating authentic opportunities and resources for people to learn from.

A long-term resident of Muriwai, she experienced first-hand the destructive nature of Cyclone Gabrielle. Just two days after returning home from hospital following open heart surgery, she and her family were evacuated in the middle of the night, and were unable to return home for five days.

LISTEN TO PRECIPICE

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Commerce – UnionPay builds comprehensive payment ecosystem supporting Chinese students throughout their New Zealand education journey

Source: Brightus

Auckland, New Zealand 20th July 2026: Global payment network, UnionPay International, is continuing to strengthen its support for Chinese international students in New Zealand by building a comprehensive payment ecosystem that spans the entire student journey, from tuition payments and enrolment through to school then campus life, accommodation, dining, retail spending, and everyday living.

As New Zealand continues to attract growing numbers of students from China, UnionPay is expanding its payment acceptance network across the country's education sector and wider merchant community, helping students and their families manage cross-border payments more conveniently and securely while contributing to New Zealand's international education sector and broader economy.

The company's integrated approach aims to support students from the moment they choose New Zealand as a study destination through to their arrival and daily life in the country.

Five of New Zealand's eight public universities now accept UnionPay payments, including The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and the University of Otago.

Beyond the university sector, many leading private schools have also enabled UnionPay acceptance, including ACG, King's College, Kristin School, Pinehurst School, St Cuthbert's College, St Kentigern College, Diocesan School for Girls and Parnell College, with additional institutions expected to join in the future.

China remains New Zealand's largest source market for international students, accounting for 35 per cent of total international student enrolments. According to enrolment figures from the first semester of 2025, there were 22,645 students from China studying in New Zealand, including approximately 4,300 students enrolled in primary and secondary schools, representing 19 per cent of the total Chinese student population.

The figures reflect broader shifts occurring across China's international education landscape, where families are increasingly considering overseas education opportunities earlier in a child's academic journey.

Parents are placing greater emphasis on long-term educational planning and international exposure, with many in China believing that starting overseas education earlier can improve their chances of admission into leading global universities. While undergraduate study remains the most common pathway, nearly one quarter of Chinese families are now considering overseas education at the high school, middle school or even primary school level.

UnionPay believes this evolution is reshaping how families prepare for international education, creating demand for trusted services that can support students and parents before departure and throughout their time abroad.

“UnionPay has continued to strengthen its service capabilities in New Zealand's education payments sector, with transaction volumes maintaining steady growth,” said Michelle Shao, Executive Vice President, South Pacific Division, UnionPay International.

“During peak tuition payment periods, particularly February and July, education-related transaction volumes typically increase, reflecting the growing number of international students and parents choosing to pay tuition fees through UnionPay channels. Additionally, as the number of schools accepting UnionPay is rapidly expanding, as UnionPay becomes the preferred payment option for Chinese students and their families making cross-border education payments.”

“UnionPay's acceptance network now extends across a broad range of merchants frequently used by international students, including restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, and gift shops, providing a more convenient and seamless payment experience,” said Michelle Shao.

“This broader ecosystem ensures students can use familiar and trusted payment methods throughout their daily lives, whether they are paying tuition fees, purchasing groceries, dining with friends or exploring New Zealand during their studies.”

For UnionPay, supporting international students extends beyond payments alone. The company sees financial connectivity as an important enabler of educational mobility. As Chinese families continue to pursue international education opportunities and New Zealand strengthens its position as a preferred study destination, UnionPay is committed to growing payment ecosystem to help make the transition easier for students at every stage of their journey.

Notes

New Zealand is frequently recognised for its emphasis on wellbeing, outdoor learning, creativity and nature-based experiences.
Observations from Chinese media indicate that decision-making has increasingly moved away from last-minute applications and towards earlier preparation, with families considering educational pathways several years in advance. New Zealand has benefited from this trend, emerging as an increasingly attractive destination due to its high-quality education system, favourable policy settings, safety, lifestyle advantages, and strong value proposition.
As more international students arrive in New Zealand at younger ages, the need for seamless financial support throughout their education journey becomes increasingly important. Chinese parents are requiring native, trusted payment solutions that allow them to manage tuition fees and provide financial support to their children from overseas, while students need convenient ways to make everyday purchases and access services locally.
For families seeking a different cultural and educational environment, New Zealand's approach offers opportunities for children to develop independence, adaptability and broader life skills alongside academic achievement.
The growth of international education is also occurring at a time when New Zealand is evolving its approach to workforce development and digital capability building, creating new opportunities for collaboration between New Zealand and China.

Speaking in May 2026 during an interview with China Education Daily at the World Digital Education Conference in Hangzhou, Julia Wharton, Deputy Director of Education New Zealand, highlighted the country's focus on preparing students for an increasingly digital future.

“Education in New Zealand is undergoing a transformation to help students acquire AI and digital skills to truly meet real-world needs,” said Julia Wharton.

“New Zealand's polytechnics are rapidly expanding their AI-focused courses, ranging from micro-certificates to bachelor's degrees, directly integrating practical, real-world AI application skills into various professional curricula to ensure students are truly competitive and prepared for the future.”

Wharton also pointed to the opportunities for deeper collaboration between New Zealand and China in emerging education fields.

“Under the existing policy framework, there is great potential to establish a deeper 'AI + Education' partnership with China,” she said

“New Zealand should actively explore collaborative pathways between New Zealand and China's vocational education systems, focusing on building systemic capabilities, jointly addressing the challenges driven by artificial intelligence, and collaboratively promoting high-quality development of vocational education.”