13 March 2023
Tēnā koe Adam
I am responding on behalf of the University to your recent OIA request, in which you have asked for
information about the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Massey University, Beijing Jiaotong
University and Guizhou University.
I respond to each part of your request (in bold) as follows:
I would like to understand the consultation process that was undertaken with relevant government agencies
such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry of Defence prior to
the signing of this agreement. I believe that it is important to consider the potential implications of such an
agreement on our national defence, our defence partners and the transfer of technology to the People's
Republic of China.
Because this is a Memorandum of Understanding, there was no consultation with government agencies on this
agreement prior to the signing of this agreement. Accordingly, that information does not exist (section 18(e)).
In addition to the consultation process, I would also like to know if Massey University has received any
funding from Beijing Jiaotong University or Guizhou University, and if so, what conditions or restrictions are
attached to such funding.
Massey University has record of a few low value transactions from Guizhou University in relation to:
Overseas leave for a Professor in 2013, 2014 and 2015
Staff member travel to China in September 2007
We have no records showing incoming funds from Beijing Jiaotong University.
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with any information on the measures that were taken to
ensure that our national interests were protected before the signing of this agreement and any funding
received from the universities mentioned.
As above, the signed agreement is an MOU only and has no specific projects or initiatives detailed in the
agreement. An MOU is not legally binding but is a tool that allows us to confirm an intention to discuss
opportunities only. For that reason, there is nothing for Massey to consult on at this stage. In the future
should any initiatives or projects commence from this MOU the university would be guided by the Protective
Security Requirements for Trusted Research.
I trust this is the information you require.
Ngā mihi,
Jodie Banner
Director of Governance and Assurance
