NZ govt documentary exposes student life to Chinese viewers

A New Zealand government-commissioned documentary on Chinese students in New Zealand was officially launched for Chinese television by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in Beijing on Thursday.

"Dragons in the Land of the Long White Cloud" is two-part series intended to screen on national television in China to provide a window into New Zealand's education experience and lifestyle, as well as provide prospective students and their families with information on study in New Zealand.

Commissioned by the government's international education marketing agency, Education New Zealand, it would highlight the experiences of those considering studying in New Zealand; currently studying in New Zealand; or who had returned to China as alumni leading successful lives, said Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce, who is with Key's delegation.

"We want to show Chinese parents that New Zealand is a great place to send their children. As well as offering courses and qualifications that are globally recognized and well regarded, New Zealand can offer a unique and exciting student experience that sets graduates up for rewarding careers," Joyce said in a statement from his office.

"Taking a snapshot of New Zealand into Chinese homes provides a great opportunity to show what New Zealand has to offer as an education destination. It's always more compelling when we see and hear people relate their own stories and this series will bring the New Zealand education experience to life."

Also on Thursday, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples announced a festival to be held on Auckland on April 27 to celebrate Maori and Chinese cultural bonds.

The Taniwha (a mythical Maori creature) and Dragon festival would include "an extravaganza of cultural experiences," including dance, traditional foods and kites, said Sharples, who is also part of Key's delegation.

"From our ancestors who left Asia millennia ago to settle the vast Pacific Ocean, to our Chinese friends and family who have worked, settled and raised families across Aotearoa (New Zealand) over the past two centuries: our eternal ties to Asia can be found in our language, cultures and peoples," Sharples said in a statement from his office.

"The new millennium sees Maori people connecting with Chinese people in many ways, through trade and business, via cultural and educational exchanges, and as citizens of the global environment. All of these things should be based on building strong relationships between our people and communities, and this is what Taniwha-Dragon is about."