Strategic Agreement Signed with Beijing Foreign Studies University

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Signs Strategic Agreement with Beijing Foreign Studies University

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi has formalised a strategic partnership with Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing to strengthen academic collaboration and cultural exchange between Aotearoa and China.

• The agreement outlines a shared commitment to:
• exchange of students
• exchange of faculty, scholars, and administrative staff
• collaborative research in areas of mutual interest
• sharing of academic materials and information.

BFSU, one of China’s most prestigious universities, offers 101 languages - including Te Reo Māori - through its Centre of Pacific Studies. As part of the agreement, BFSU will support the development of Te Reo Māori curriculum resources, facilitate short-term exchange programmes, and explore opportunities for joint qualifications.

Professor Wiremu Doherty, Chief Executive of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, said the partnership reflects the Wānanga’s international relevance and the global value of indigenous knowledge.

“BFSU recognises the importance of our language and its deep connection to our culture. This MoU is a great example of how cultural exchange can lead to commercial opportunities,” said Professor Doherty.

“This agreement reinforces our international relevance and connectivity. It’s about building bridges through indigenous knowledge, language, and shared values.”

During the visit, the Wānanga delegation also met with Director General Daquan Wang of the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange, which is the sole authority for listing programmes recognised by the Chinese government. Director General Wang committed to supporting the listing of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi programmes once one of its two current PhD students graduates from the Wānanga.

He also expressed interest in developing a New Zealand–China Māori Studies quality assurance framework and network to enhance mutual recognition of how both countries’ qualifications are credentialed.

The Wānanga has proposed a joint Postgraduate Certificate programme, with each institution delivering a paper. This qualification could serve as a pathway for Chinese students seeking to work in Aotearoa and for New Zealand students interested in opportunities in China.

A return visit is scheduled for late October, when the Wānanga will attend the China Annual Conference for International Education to further strengthen the relationship.