Hongi is a people-to-people exchange platform that connects communities in New Zealand with communities across Asia, with a strong and active focus on China. Hongi exists to translate international relationships into practical, community-level programmes that deliver long-term social, educational, and regional benefits.
The platform provides a non-commercial, community-focused space where local governments, iwi, schools, and community organisations can participate in meaningful international exchange without additional financial or administrative burden.
What Hongi Does
Hongi designs and delivers community exchange programmes that support youth engagement, cultural exchange, education pathways, and mutual understanding. Core programmes include the New Zealand–China Volunteer Programme, inbound and outbound study tours, and education-focused exchange initiatives.
These programmes are delivered free of charge to partner councils and iwi organisations. Hongi manages programme design, safeguarding, training, international coordination, and delivery, allowing partners to engage without needing to resource or administer programmes internally.
The focus is on practical, visible exchange that benefits communities on both sides, strengthens cultural literacy, and builds long-term international relationships grounded in lived experience rather than formal agreements alone.
Relationship with Eastern Bridge and Beijing New Bridge
Hongi operates in close partnership with Eastern Bridge Limited in New Zealand and Beijing New Bridge Limited in China.
Eastern Bridge Limited is a professional consulting company that provides fee-for-service international relations, education, and advisory support to local governments and iwi. This includes managing formal international relationships, strategy development, education pathways, and economic cooperation initiatives.
Beijing New Bridge Limited is the China-based sister organisation responsible for on-the-ground coordination in China. It works directly with Chinese local governments, education institutions, and host organisations to ensure programmes are delivered safely, professionally, and in line with local requirements.
Within this structure, Hongi functions as the community delivery arm. While Eastern Bridge supports councils and iwi at a strategic and advisory level, Hongi establishes and operates non-commercial community programmes that activate those relationships in practical ways. This model ensures strong governance and credibility while keeping community programmes accessible and free for participating partners.
Mission and Purpose
Hongi’s mission is to build trust, understanding, and long-term relationships between New Zealand and Asia through people-to-people exchange.
The organisation is founded on the belief that sustainable international relationships are built through shared experience, cultural understanding, and ongoing community connection. By creating opportunities for young people, schools, and communities to engage directly, Hongi helps reduce cultural and language barriers and supports more informed, open, and resilient international relationships.
Benefits for Communities, Councils, and Iwi
Hongi programmes provide accessible international opportunities for young New Zealanders, particularly those who may not otherwise have the chance to travel or engage internationally. At the same time, they support councils and iwi to activate sister city, friendship city, and regional relationships in ways that are meaningful, visible, and aligned with local aspirations.
For councils and iwi, participation requires no financial contribution. Instead, partners provide strategic support, endorsement, and community connection, while Hongi manages programme delivery, safeguarding, training, and international coordination. Programmes create tangible outcomes in youth development, education pathways, cultural exchange, and long-term relationship building.
Governance, Safeguarding, and Delivery
All Hongi programmes are delivered with strong governance, safeguarding, and pastoral care systems in place. Pre-departure training, in-country support, clear codes of conduct, and ongoing coordination ensure programmes are safe, professional, and respectful of both New Zealand and Chinese partners.
The approach is non-political and non-ideological, focusing on education, culture, youth opportunity, and mutual respect.
Working With Hongi
Hongi welcomes engagement from local and central government, iwi authorities, hapū, marae organisations, schools, and community partners interested in youth development, international education, and people-to-people exchange.
Organisations interested in exploring partnership or participation opportunities are encouraged to make contact to discuss how Hongi programmes can support community priorities and long-term international engagement.