We recently hosted a senior Chinese delegation of seven from Ningxia to the Budge Street Campus. The delegation engaged with representatives from the New Zealand Wine Centre, exploring collaborations in wine education, research and agritech.

Campus staff and industry representatives with Ningxia experience warmly received the guests. As they entered the courtyard of NMIT | Te Pūkenga and the NZ Wine Centre, they paused to admire the stunning Gingko tree.

Shimeng Gao, a Chinese Viticulture Master student studying in Marlborough, shared her positive study experience. The delegation toured the Bragato Research Institute and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. They were introduced to the state-of-the-art Experimental Future Vineyard (EFV), set for completion in April 2024.

Dr Damian Martin – Science Group Leader Viticulture & Oenology, Plant & Food Research highlighted New Zealand’s innovative horticulture practices, with the wine industry as a prime example. Bob Richards introduced VinWizard, a winery control system, operating in 250 wineries across nine countries, including Ningxia, China.

Headed by Mr Bai Shangcheng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Ningxia People’s Congress, the delegation included officials from various departments and industries, focusing on mutual cooperation and exchange:

· Wang Wenyu - Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of Ningxia People’s Congress

· Fan Huafeng - Deputy Director-General of Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office

· Chai Yudong - Chief Economist of Ningxia Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department

· Wang Jihong - Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of Ningxia People’s Congress

· Luo Rong (Lynn) - Interpreter of Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office

· Su Yufeng - Vice President of Inner Mongolia Yili Group