Three new courses have been added to EIT’s joint winemaking programme with China’s Qilu University of Technology (QLUT), as the partnership marked its eighth graduation in Jinan.

EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen attended the June 16 graduation ceremony during her first visit to the QLUT campus. She also signed an addendum to the partnership agreement, adding Academic Wine English, Wine Industry Sustainability, and Global Wine Business and Marketing to the curriculum EIT delivers in China.

Representatives from EIT and Qilu University of Technology (QLUT) following the signing of an addendum to their partnership agreement in Jinan, China.

The EIT School of Viticulture and Wine Science has worked with QLUT since 2015, with EIT staff beginning to teach in China in 2017. Students in the programme are taught a range of wine science courses by EIT staff as part of their Chinese degree.

Seventy students graduated from QLUT’s Bachelor of Brewing Engineering (Wine Science) at the latest ceremony.

The programme enables students to complete the QLUT degree in China before becoming eligible to travel to New Zealand and, with a further two years of study at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, complete EIT’s Bachelor of Wine Science, graduating with a double degree.

During the visit, Lucy met with QLUT Party Committee Secretary Yantao Wu and QLUT President Duan Peiyong and took part in a Joint Management Committee meeting.

Lucy said the visit reinforced both the strength of the relationship between EIT and QLUT and the value of the programme.

“It was a privilege to visit QLUT, celebrate the achievements of the latest graduating cohort and formalise changes that will support the continued growth of the programme,” she said.

“The warmth and manaakitanga shown by our hosts was deeply felt. The visit reinforced the value of the partnership and the contribution EIT makes through the quality of its teaching and the way it connects with learners and communities.”

Executive Dean of Commerce and Technology John West said the relationship with QLUT provides opportunities for EIT staff to engage with the local wine industry in China.

“This enhances the Hawke’s Bay Great Wine Capital status in working with the Yantai wine region, which has an associate status with the Great Wine Capitals of the world. As a result, students studying at EIT benefit through wider international perspectives in wine production.”