About the Centre

The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre—Kōmaru Kura promotes knowledge and understanding of contemporary China in New Zealand through research, conferences, lectures, seminars, visiting scholars and short courses. Our activities cover all aspects of China Studies, including the Chinese economy and business, Chinese history, culture, politics and society, and China’s international engagement. The Centre seeks to build a network of New Zealand academics and China specialists to promote the study of China in New Zealand and to engage with leading Chinese thinkers and international scholars from around the world. The Centre collaborates with leading Chinese universities and research institutions.

The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre—Kōmaru Kura is New Zealand’s national research centre on China. We are based at Victoria University of Wellington with New Zealand’s other seven universities all being University Members of the Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, the University of Canterbury, the University of Otago, the University of Waikato, Lincoln University and Massey University, and with each University providing a Deputy Director.

What we do

The Centre produces original research on aspects of China with a particular New Zealand focus such as the ongoing  匯報中國 China Report. The Centre also holds conferences, workshops and seminars, often in conjunction with leading Chinese and other universities.  The Centre supports research projects, lectures, seminars, conferences, visitor exchanges and information sharing.

Additionally, The Centre arranges talks on matters of contemporary Chinese politics, commerce, governmental relations and culture as part of the Asia Capable Public Sector Programme formerly the China Capable Public Sector Programme. The monthly talks provide public sector officials with a broad-ranging commentary on Asia and its relationship with New Zealand. The Centre also works with the ACPS to hold week-long courses for New Zealand officials to build knowledge of China, India and Southeast Asia and to give insights into managing engagements with those countries.

The Ahina Capable Public Sector (ACPS) programme is a whole-of-government initiative to develop an Asia-savvy public sector with awareness, knowledge, experience, and leadership to engage effectively with China, both internationally and domestically.

University members

The New Zealand University Members are New Zealand partner universities of the Centre. Currently the New Zealand University Members are:

• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington

Governance

Constitution

The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre—Kōmara Kura is a partnership between eight New Zealand universities—Victoria University of Wellington, with the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Otago and the University of Waikato. Victoria University of Wellington serves as the host of the Centre.

Directors and management

The Centre is managed by a Director who is appointed by Victoria University of Wellington, and who acts in consultation with Associate Directors nominated by each Member University. Associate Directors’ research interests are closely aligned with the work of the Centre.

Advisory board

The Centre’s Advisory Board includes representatives of organisations (including government departments) with a substantial interest in contemporary China. The Director, Associate Directors, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (WFHSS) of Victoria University of Wellington are ex officio members of the Board.

Associate member institutions

Universities and research institutions outside New Zealand may be invited to become Associate Members of the Centre. The Associate Members are primarily institutions of high standing in China, but may include institutions with a strong programme of contemporary China research in other countries.

Research Fellows

The Centre appoints Research Fellows, who are scholars with an active interest in contemporary China research and who can make an active contribution to the Centre. Research Associates are appointed by the Director.

Annual Reports

View our annual reports below:

• Annual Report 2023
• Annual Report 2022
• Annual Report 2021
• Annual Report 2020
• Annual Report 2019
• Annual Report 2018
• Annual Report 2017
• Annual Report 2016
• Annual Report 2015
• Annual Report 2014
• Annual Report 2013
• Annual Report 2012
• Annual Report 2011
• Annual Report 2010
• Annual Report 2009

Contact  Us

Contact details

Phone: 04 463 5760
Email: chinacentre@vuw.ac.nz

Postal address

New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre
Victoria University of Wellington
16 Kelburn Parade
PO Box 600
Wellington, 6140
New Zealand