Governance

Hongi operates with a clear governance and management framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible delivery of all community exchange programmes.

The organisation focuses on non-commercial, people-to-people exchange activities and works alongside experienced partner organisations in New Zealand and China to ensure programmes are well governed, culturally appropriate, and professionally managed.

Leadership and Oversight

Hongi is chaired by Simon Appleton, founder of Eastern Bridge Limited and Hongi. Simon has extensive experience in international relations, having worked with more than 30 New Zealand local governments and iwi on Asia engagement, education partnerships, and community exchange initiatives. He has lived and worked in China for over a decade and maintains long-standing relationships with Chinese local governments, education institutions, and community partners.

The Chair provides strategic direction, represents Hongi in high-level engagements with councils, iwi, and overseas partners, and ensures that programmes align with Hongi’s mission and values.

Executive Committee

Hongi is guided by an Executive Committee responsible for strategic oversight, programme integrity, and organisational accountability.

The Executive Committee includes senior representatives involved in programme design, education delivery, China-based operations, and community engagement. Members are drawn from Hongi’s core leadership and its delivery partners, including Eastern Bridge Limited in New Zealand and Beijing New Bridge Limited in China.

The Executive Committee meets regularly to review programme performance, risk management, safeguarding matters, partner relationships, and future programme development. This structure ensures decisions are informed by both New Zealand and China perspectives and that programmes remain aligned with community and partner expectations.

Delivery Partners

Hongi programmes are delivered in collaboration with established partner organisations:

Eastern Bridge Limited (New Zealand) provides strategic oversight, governance support, programme development, and liaison with New Zealand local and central government, iwi, and community organisations. Eastern Bridge Education, a registered Private Training Establishment, delivers pre-departure training and participant preparation.

Beijing New Bridge Limited (China) provides in-country coordination, liaises with host schools and local governments, and supports volunteers and participants during programme delivery.

This dual-country structure ensures programmes are supported on both sides of the exchange and operate with clear accountability.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

All Hongi programmes operate under defined safeguarding, conduct, and risk management frameworks. These include participant screening, compulsory pre-departure training, clear behavioural expectations, and ongoing pastoral care.

Safeguarding policies are designed to meet the expectations of New Zealand councils, iwi, education partners, and host institutions in China, and are reviewed regularly to reflect best practice.

Transparency and Accountability

Hongi operates on a non-commercial basis for its community programmes. Volunteer programmes, exchange management, and study tour planning are delivered free of charge to partner councils, iwi, and community organisations.

Financial, operational, and delivery responsibilities are clearly defined between Hongi and its delivery partners to ensure transparency and to avoid placing financial or staffing burdens on participating communities.

Commitment to Communities

Hongi’s governance approach is grounded in respect for local leadership, tikanga Māori, and community priorities. The organisation works collaboratively with councils, iwi, schools, and community organisations to ensure programmes deliver meaningful outcomes, support youth development, and strengthen long-term people-to-people relationships between New Zealand and China.