Hong Kong’s universities have again achieved outstanding results in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, demonstrating the city’s strong higher education system and world class performance in teaching, research and international outlook, an Education Bureau spokesperson said. HKU ranked 33rd, CUHK 42nd, HKUST 58th, while CityU and PolyU rose to 70th and 79th, remaining among the global top 100. The Government says sustained investment, policy innovation and capacity expansion — including the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Air New Zealand will add more than 7,000 seats on its Shanghai–Auckland route over Chinese New Year 2027, responding to strong seasonal demand. From 23 January to 20 February 2027, the airline will operate three additional return flights per week, increasing frequency to 10 weekly services. Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson says the extra flights will make it easier for visitors to experience New Zealand’s summer, strengthen domestic tourism links, and provide additional cargo capacity for exporters during a peak trading period.

The Government is proposing a 5% reduction to New Zealand’s domestic and international passenger security levies, a move Associate Transport Minister James Meager says will deliver millions in annual savings for the aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority’s faster than expected recovery of cash reserves has enabled the consultation. The domestic levy would fall from NZ$10.91 to NZ$10.36, and the international levy from NZ$22.30 to NZ$21.19 per passenger, excluding GST. CAA estimates the reduction would lower levy collections by NZ$70.935 million by 2032.

Chief Executive John Lee has thanked the Legislative Council for supporting the motion on Hong Kong’s First Five Year Plan (2026–2030) and the Motion of Thanks for his 2026 Policy Address. He said the Five Year Plan aligns proactively with the National 15th Five Year Plan, providing strategic direction for Hong Kong’s development, while the Policy Address serves as its annual implementation blueprint. Lee praised Members’ three day debate covering the “four centres and one hub”, Northern Metropolis, Greater Bay Area integration and livelihood improvements.

China recorded 15.46 million inbound and outbound trips during the National Day holiday, averaging 2.21 million per day, up 6.7% year on year, according to the National Immigration Administration. Mainland residents made 4.44 million outbound trips, while foreign nationals logged 682,000 inbound entries, including 505,000 under visa free policies. Long haul destinations such as New Zealand saw rising demand according to data from major Chinese online travel platforms Mafengwo and Ctrip. From January to August.

New Zealand’s food and fibre exports reached a record NZ$65.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026, up NZ$4.8 billion on the previous year, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. Export revenue rose 8%, outperforming forecasts despite supply chain disruption, inflation and geopolitical pressures. Dairy exports increased 6% to $28.8b, meat and wool 20% to $14.8b, and horticulture 5% to $9.3b. McClay says recent trade agreements are delivering results, with exports to the EU up 20%, the UAE 11%, and India 24% ahead of the new FTA taking effect. He says the Government will continue backing farmers to drive growth.

The APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Hong Kong with member economies reaching broad consensus on regional economic priorities. Ministers issued the Joint Statement, reaffirming commitment to an open, resilient Asia Pacific community by 2040 and highlighting progress on fiscal support for households, digital infrastructure financing, financial inclusion and the Young Financial Talents Dialogue. Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan outlined the city’s Commercial Data Interchange as a model for SME financing. Delegates also joined cultural tours showcasing Hong Kong’s international character.

The Government has gazetted the Protection of Endangered Species Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 3) Order 2026 to implement the latest CITES listings adopted at the 20th Conference of the Parties. The amendments add, remove and update controls on species including sharks, manta and devil rays, wood products and ornamental plants. New measures take effect 31 December 2026, with some species deferred to 5 June 2027. A three month grace period applies for possession licences.

China Southern Airlines is expanding capacity on its New Zealand routes, according to published schedules, adding weekly flights during the peak travel period. On the Guangzhou-Auckland route, services will increase from 14 to 18 flights a week between December 2 and February 12, 2027. Guangzhou-Christchurch flights will rise from 7 to 10 a week from December 2 to February 19. The extra frequencies will provide more seats and connections for travelers between southern China and New Zealand, supporting tourism, business links and onward travel during the busy season.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has highlighted the growing importance of city-to-city partnerships during the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue in Ningbo, China. Speaking alongside representatives from 20 cities across 15 countries, Brown emphasised that strong personal and business connections are increasingly driving international trade and investment. He noted Auckland’s long-standing relationship with Ningbo, which dates back to exchanges before their 1998 sister-city agreement. The forum focused on innovation, trade and urban development, with 14 cooperation agreements signed.

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co organised by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), attracted more than 171,000 visits over four days, marking a year on year increase of over 5%. Held under the theme “Taste the World’s Best”, the expanded festival recorded sales growth of approximately 8%, boosting spending by both residents and visitors and supporting the local dining sector. Participants praised the wider selection of international wines and premium cuisine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Zhao Xing (above left) as China’s new Ambassador to New Zealand, replacing Wang Xiaolong. The appointment was made in accordance with a decision of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. Zhao’s appointment comes as China and New Zealand continue to deepen engagement across trade, tourism, education and regional cooperation. As ambassador, Zhao will oversee China’s diplomatic relations with New Zealand and several Pacific partners, supporting ongoing political, economic and people to people exchanges between the countries.

Hong Kong has extended the visa free stay period for eligible APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders from 60 days to 90 days (effective from 1 November 2026), the Immigration Department announced. The change follows a decision by the APEC Business Mobility Group, with Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore adopting the longer stay period to enhance business mobility across the region. The new arrangement applies to ABTC holders who have obtained Hong Kong pre clearance, while other entry requirements remain unchanged.

Hong Kong reinforced its position as a leading international education hub by hosting the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on 4–5 November. University presidents, scholars and education leaders representing more than one third of the world’s top 50 universities discussed talent development in the intelligent age, innovation, and universities’ responses to global challenges. Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok ki said universities are now engines of innovation and architects of the future.

The Government has committed up to NZ$17.8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to accelerate research into the commercial potential of natural and orange hydrogen resources in Southland. Resources Minister Shane Jones said the project will improve understanding of whether hydrogen can strengthen New Zealand’s energy security and support long term economic growth. Led by Earth Sciences New Zealand in partnership with the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland, the two phase programme will begin with exploratory drilling near Bluff and investigate potential North Island sites.