About Hongi
Hongi brings together years of work dedicated to building genuine connection, cultural understanding,
and practical opportunities between Aotearoa New Zealand and China.
At Hongi, we believe that meaningful relationships between nations are built from the ground up —
through everyday interactions, shared experiences, and people-to-people exchange.
Our Story
For over a decade, Simon Appleton has been working at the intersection of
New Zealand communities and East Asia. His approach has always been clear:
- Real relationships come from people, not transactions.
- Trade and economics matter, but trust, culture, and shared experiences matter more.
This philosophy has shaped a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Helping councils engage effectively with migrant communities
- Supporting schools to welcome international students
- Running English language and settlement-skills programmes
- Creating volunteer and teacher exchange opportunities in China
-
Launching a free multilingual COVID-19 information service
in nine languages to support migrant families
Why Hongi Was Created
By 2025, it was clear that these community-focused activities needed a dedicated home.
Hongi was created to bring them together under one kaupapa, working alongside:
- Iwi
- Councils
- Schools
- Community organisations
- Businesses
All are united by a commitment to meaningful, people-centred exchange and long-term relationships.
Our Pillars
These pillars guide our work across communities, institutions, and borders.
Community Exchange
Strengthening relationships between people, cultures, and communities through shared experiences
and ongoing connection.
Youth Pathways
Creating opportunities for rangatahi, especially those who do not usually have access, through
scholarships, volunteer placements, and cultural exchanges.
Sustainable Partnerships
Building cooperative relationships that fund and support long-term, people-to-people engagement
between New Zealand and China.
Our Belief
Understanding leads to trust.
Trust reduces fear.
Less fear means less conflict.
In a world that often feels divided, Hongi focuses on building respect, connection,
and mutual benefit across communities and borders.
Our Vision
New Zealand and China each bring deep strengths in culture, innovation, ideas, and opportunity.
Hongi helps both countries share these strengths in a way that centres people and relationships.
We are guided by the values of:
he hononga, he whanaungatanga, he rangimārie
connection, kinship, peace.