China Volunteer Programme – Terms and Conditions (2026)

These Terms and Conditions apply to all participants in the China Volunteer Programme 2026.

By submitting an application and, if selected, participating in the programme, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Programme Organiser

The China Volunteer Programme is administered by Eastern Bridge Limited (EBL), acting on behalf of participating New Zealand local government and iwi partners.

EBL is responsible for programme coordination, volunteer training, placement, welfare oversight, and liaison with host schools and universities in China.

Programme contacts:

Applicants and volunteers must raise any questions or concerns prior to accepting participation.

2. Programme Background

The China Volunteer Programme operates under long-standing sub-national partnerships between New Zealand and China, including local government and iwi relationships originally established through the Jiangxi–Bay of Plenty Sister Province framework.

From 2026, the programme supports placements across multiple Chinese provinces, cities, schools, and universities, while remaining grounded in New Zealand local government and iwi support.

3. Programme Overview

The China Volunteer Programme is a not-for-profit cultural and educational exchange programme designed for New Zealand residents aged 18–30 years who may not otherwise have the opportunity to live and volunteer in China.

Participation is voluntary and does not constitute employment under New Zealand or Chinese law.

4. Programme Entitlements

Subject to selection, training completion, and ongoing compliance with these Terms, volunteers may receive programme-funded support, including travel, accommodation, training, insurance, and a modest living allowance.

Specific entitlements may vary depending on host location and institutional arrangements.

5. Volunteer Commitments and Responsibilities

Volunteers must complete all required pre-departure training and comply with behavioural, cultural, legal, and safety expectations while participating in the programme.

Failure to meet programme expectations may result in removal from the programme.

6. Code of Conduct and Values

Volunteers are expected to uphold the values of respect, responsibility, and integrity at all times.

EBL has zero tolerance for:

  • Harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind
  • Abuse, exploitation, or intimidation
  • Behaviour that undermines the safety, dignity, or wellbeing of others

Volunteers must demonstrate respect for cultural diversity, local customs, and host communities, and act as positive representatives of New Zealand.

Breaches of this Code may result in disciplinary action or termination of participation.

7. Child Protection and Safeguarding

Volunteers may work with or be exposed to children and young people.

Volunteers must:

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
  • Avoid one-on-one situations without visibility or supervision
  • Never engage in physical, emotional, or verbal behaviour that could be interpreted as inappropriate

Volunteers have a mandatory obligation to report any safeguarding concerns, suspicions, or disclosures involving minors to EBL immediately.

Failure to comply with safeguarding expectations will result in immediate removal from the programme.

8. Fitness to Participate

Participation is subject to volunteers being physically, mentally, and behaviourally fit to safely complete the programme.

EBL reserves the right to:

  • Assess suitability at any stage
  • Require additional information or medical clearance
  • Remove a volunteer deemed unfit to participate due to safety, health, or behavioural concerns

This determination may be made before departure or while in China.

9. Programme Changes

EBL reserves the right to make reasonable programme changes, including:

  • Reassigning host schools or universities
  • Adjusting schedules or duties
  • Modifying training or placement arrangements

Such changes do not constitute a breach of these Terms and Conditions.

10. Travel Behaviour

Volunteers must:

  • Comply with programme travel guidance and host-institution requirements
  • Notify hosts of independent travel plans
  • Obtain approval before leaving assigned regions or crossing borders

High-risk activities (including extreme sports or unsafe travel) are strongly discouraged and may void insurance coverage. Participation in such activities is at the volunteer’s own risk.

11. Emergency Authority

In the event of an emergency, EBL is authorised to:

  • Make decisions necessary to protect volunteer safety
  • Relocate or repatriate volunteers
  • Liaise with New Zealand embassies, consulates, host institutions, and emergency services

Volunteers agree to comply with emergency instructions issued by EBL.

12. Next-of-Kin and Emergency Contact Consent

Volunteers consent to EBL:

  • Contacting nominated emergency contacts if required
  • Sharing limited personal or health information where necessary to protect safety or wellbeing

This consent applies only in genuine emergency or safeguarding situations.

13. Digital Communications

Volunteers agree to participate in programme communications, which may include:

  • Email
  • WeChat groups
  • Other digital platforms used for coordination and safety

Volunteers are expected to remain reasonably responsive and engaged in official programme communications.

14. Withdrawal and Cost Recovery

Volunteers are encouraged to withdraw as early as possible if circumstances change.

Where costs have already been incurred, EBL may recover reasonable sunk costs, including visas, flights, or prepaid allowances.

15. Privacy and Data Use

EBL collects and uses personal information solely for programme administration, safety, and logistics.

Volunteer data is:

  • Stored securely in New Zealand
  • Not stored in China
  • Shared with host institutions only where necessary

16. Media and Communications

Volunteers consent to photos and video footage taken during the programme being used for promotional, reporting, or educational purposes.

Volunteers may opt out in writing prior to departure.

17. Termination of Participation

EBL may terminate participation for:

  • Repeated minor breaches following warning
  • Serious misconduct
  • Breach of law or safeguarding obligations

Volunteers may be liable for costs incurred prior to termination.

18. Force Majeure

EBL may cancel or modify the programme due to events beyond its control, including natural disasters, health emergencies, or political changes.

EBL is not liable for resulting losses.

19. Governing Law and Liability

These Terms are governed by New Zealand law.

EBL is not liable for injury, loss, or costs beyond programme entitlements. Volunteers indemnify EBL except in cases of proven gross negligence.

This programme does not create an employment relationship.

20. Issues and Complaints

Concerns should be raised first with host supervisors, then with:

21. Acceptance

By submitting an application and participating in the China Volunteer Programme 2026, you confirm that you:

  • Have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
  • Agree to comply with them
  • Accept the voluntary and goodwill-based nature of the programme