The centres will be established within universities to get exporters and government agencies up to speed on countries in the region. Universities will get $35 million to establish three "centres of Asia-Pacific excellence". The $34.5 million funding is over four years. "I anticipate the centres training language-capable graduates for New Zealand exporters, Mfat and other government agencies with posts offshore." In addition to teaching and researching about countries, the centres will help students, exporters and government agencies to "improve their understanding" about countries and their languages.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 16, 2016 01:07 UTC