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  • University of Auckland's Deputy Vice Chancellor Jenny Dixon Visits Peking University

    24/03/2017¯The New Zealand Centre of Peking University welcomed the University of Auckland Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategic Engagement) Professor Jenny Dixon to discuss recent developments and current events in the China-New Zealand relationship.

    On 24 March, the University of Auckland Deputy-Vice Chancellor, Chair of the Advisory Board of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University, Professor Jenny Dixon visited the New Zealand Centre accompanied by UoA China representative Mr Fu Weidong. The Centre Director Professor Liu Shusen and Centre Secretary Associate Professor Liu Hongzhong met Professor Dixon at the Centre office. During the meeting, Professor Dixon expressed the importance of the role of the New Zealand Centre in engaging exchange between New Zealand and Peking University scholars. She also talked about the promotion of the Confucius Institute in New Zealand and the importance of its role in spreading awareness and understanding of Chinese language and culture in the education, business and tourism sectors. Issues such as Centre fellows and the Centre’s 10th anniversary preparations were also discussed during the meeting.

    Professor Dixon (centre) with NZC Centre Director Professor Liu Shusen, Centre Secretary Liu Hongzhong, University of Auckland China-Representative Fu Weidong and Liaison Officers Matilda Gaby and Cameron Toogood.

    In addition, Professor Jenny Dixon discussed the newly announced Centres of Asia Pacific Excellence (CAPEs). CAPEs aim to help New Zealanders become Asia-savvy. The latest 2016 Asian New Zealand Foundation report has highlighted that there is an urgent need for this. The 2016 Asia New Zealand Foundation survey found eight in every 10 New Zealanders believe that Asia is important to New Zealand in economic and social terms. However, two-thirds say they know little or nothing about Asia.

    Professor Jenny Dixon commented that “North Asia is a natural area of strength for the University and this CAPE will complement our leading institutes and centres with a focus on the region. In particular, the University has been building bridges with China for nearly two decades and we look forward to strengthening New Zealanders’ knowledge and skills to deal with this region more effectively.” CAPEs will be an excellent addition to the already existing centres and institutes, including the New Zealand Centre at Peking University.

    The New Zealand Centre was first established in 2007 as a collaborative project between Peking University and the University of Auckland, and his since grown to encompass all eight New Zealand's most prestigious national universities. New Zealand government agencies Education New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) are also key stakeholders in the project. The Centre is charged with the tasks of raising the profile of New Zealand at China's leading tertiary education institution, enhancing academic and cultural exchange between China and New Zealand, and providing a unique venue to increase understanding between New Zealanders and Chinese alike. For more information contact our liaison officers.


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