West Coast pursues education partnership with China

West Coast pursues education partnership with China

Ecotourism education partnerships between the West Coast and China are a step closer this week, following a Chengdu Technician College delegation to Tai Poutini Polytechnic.

The three-person delegation arrived in New Zealand on Monday (24 November) and followed a packed itinerary this week, discussing education opportunities and visiting ecotourism ventures up and down the West Coast.

This is the first time a delegation from the Western Chinese city has visited the West Coast, and is the result of a year of meetings and discussions with Tai Poutini Polytechnic staff and EcotourismNZ.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Outdoor Education & Ecotourism Business Development Officer Zane Smith says the delegation was here to explore collaborative ecotourism and tourism training opportunities with the Polytechnic.

“This has been a great opportunity to show representatives from the college what’s available on the West Coast. We have been working with them for two years and the aim is to have students here on the Coast within the next three years.

“This week we’ve introduced our visitors to a range of local ecotourism operators as well as the Mayor, Tourism West Coast and Development West Coast representatives, the Department of Conservation and other key contacts. They’ve had a fantastic time here on the West Coast and we’re confident they are leaving with a much better idea of the great opportunities that exist for future partnerships.”

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Chief Executive Allan Sargison says the Polytechnic was pleased to host the Chengdu delegation this week and eager to develop the already strong relationship with the Chinese college.

“New Zealand’s free trade agreement with China has opened doors to this important world market and our relationship with Chengdu Technician College is a wonderful example of how we can work closely with China.

“Although coincidental, the timing of this week’s delegation – immediately following the visit to New Zealand of Chinese President Xi Jinping – is indicative of the growing relationship between our two countries. China is already New Zealand’s largest export market and continues to grow.

“Tai Poutini Polytechnic showcased the West Coast on a world stage this week and we are excited about the opportunities this will create.”

ends

© Scoop Media