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Held yesterday at Ng膩 Hau E Wh膩 National Marae as part of the Mayor鈥檚 Annual Awards, these honours shine a light on the academic, cultural, social, and economic impact of international students in 艑tautahi Christchurch - now one of the top 100 student cities in the world for the second year running (QS 2026).
With students from over 100 countries, UC is one of Aotearoa New Zealand鈥檚 most international universities 鈥 so sponsoring this year鈥檚 awards, alongside Christchurch Educated, Christchurch City Council and ChristchurchNZ, was a no-brainer.
There were four award categories this year 鈥 and our two UC winners took out three of them.
Leader and Mentor Award 鈥 University Sector: Ruowei (Winnie) Chen聽
A mentor. An advocate. A changemaker.
Winnie has been recognised for her outstanding efforts to create inclusive, empowering spaces for our postgraduate and international students. Through empathy and leadership, she鈥檚 strengthened connections across the University community.
As Chair of the student-led SPACE committee and a representative on faculty and university boards, Winnie has helped amplify student voices and improve student-staff relationships. Her initiatives 鈥 including mentoring programmes, tailored workshops, and engagement strategies 鈥 have enriched postgraduate research culture and professional development.
She鈥檚 also served as International Representative on the UCSA, worked with national student organisations, and championed issues like visa support and transition services 鈥 all while building safer, more inclusive spaces for students.聽
Winnie is currently completing her PhD in Education.
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Supreme Award: Mayor鈥檚 International Student of the Year: Kien Ngo
A leader. A cultural connector. A champion for community.聽
Kien has been recognised for his outstanding leadership, cultural contributions and service 鈥 qualities that have made a lasting impact on both Christchurch city and the region.
Originally from Vietnam, Kien arrived in Aotearoa in 2020 to attend Shirley Boys鈥 High School and has grown into a respected intercultural leader. He鈥檚 currently working towards a Bachelor of Commerce, minoring in Japanese and International Business.
At UC, he鈥檚 mentored peers through the T奴hono programme, participated in the Global Impact Industry Project, and represented UC on the 2024 China Study Tour.
Recently, he was selected as a UK Youth Fellowship delegate, adding to an impressive 14 nominations across both school and university sectors. His journey is one of generosity, influence, and deep commitment to community.聽
Kien was also recognised with this year鈥檚 Cultural Ambassador Award.
鉁 Congratulations Kien and Winnie!
Join us on our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn channels as we continue celebrating their incredible contributions to our community.
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