Launch of the Wellington Institute at Zhengzhou University
Together, the universities will offer undergraduate degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, and industrial design, a major advancement in transnational education for both institutions.
Te Herenga Waka Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith, who was in attendance, spoke about the value of this partnership.
“This joint institute reflects a shared commitment to enriching the educational landscape in both Aotearoa New Zealand and China. As an internationally engaged university, we take pride in welcoming many Chinese students each year and providing exchange opportunities for our students to study at partner universities in China.
“The Wellington Institute at Zhengzhou University represents a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to expand its global reach and strengthen its offshore offering.”
Professor Smith said this partnership opens up valuable cross-cultural exchanges and collaborative opportunities that will benefit students, scholars, and institutions on both sides.
Professor Andre Brown, Associate Dean International for the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, explained how the strengths of each institution complement each other.
“Zhengzhou’s industrial design graduates are already in high demand, but our programme enhances their prospects by offering broader opportunities to collaborate with international organisations while building their English language skills and emphasising group work and independent thinking.
“The recent full re-accreditation of Te Herenga Waka’s Architecture and Landscape Architecture degrees demonstrates our high professional standards and quality of staff, allowing students to pursue a Master’s degree in New Zealand that is internationally recognised, including mutual recognition of the Architecture degree in the United Kingdom.
“For us, partnering with an institution that has connections in industrial design industries not represented in New Zealand opens new avenues for our development.”
Zhengzhou University, the only double first-class university in Henan Province, is well-regarded and has a student population of over 70,000. It offers significant research funding and opportunities for industry collaboration.
While the Wellington Institute is currently only teaching Chinese students, plans are in place for study visits for Te Herenga Waka staff and students. Starting in 2025, the University will begin delivering one-third of the degree, with staff traveling to spend extended periods in China to contribute to the teaching efforts. Additionally, other faculty members will visit as part of ongoing research development plans.
“At a fundamental level, this collaboration fits seamlessly with our university strategy, reinforcing, ‘Te Herenga Waka, He Herenga Tāngata—The university for a better world,’” Professor Brown concluded.