Building on the success of the inaugural 2015 event, the second New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum was held in Wellington in December 2017. As a preferred partner for LGNZ, Eastern Bridge played an expanded role in providing strategic advice, training, and on-the-ground support.
With 18,000 respondents across 20 regions, the 2025 Migrant Perceptions Survey is the largest iteration to date — revealing growing economic pressures, declining healthcare satisfaction, and rising mental health concerns among New Zealand’s migrant communities.
With 53 councils maintaining 154 international relationships across 20+ countries, New Zealand’s sister city network is one of the most active in the Asia-Pacific region — yet many partnerships remain underutilised. This article examines what makes them work.
Sister-school relationships, student exchanges, and language programmes are reshaping how New Zealand schools engage with China. Here is what the next phase of cooperation looks like — and how to build it.
China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner. Yet Mandarin remains one of the least-studied languages in the country. Here is why that needs to change.
Indigenous diplomacy, sister relationships, and a new pathway for Māori international engagement — with China as the priority partner.
Sister school partnerships are far more than symbolic gestures of international goodwill. When properly developed, they generate measurable economic returns for schools and communities — while providing students with life-changing international experiences.
How Eastern Bridge designed and delivered a pilot study holiday programme in the Eastern Bay of Plenty — generating over $400,000 in regional economic impact and demonstrating a scalable model for international education-based tourism.
How Eastern Bridge partnered with Kutarere Marae and the Eastern Bay of Plenty community to co-design a transformative cultural tourism experience that delivers lasting benefit for visitors and hosts alike.
How Eastern Bridge helped a Hawke’s Bay wine producer navigate China’s relationship-first business culture — and build a sustainable market presence in Zhejiang Province.
