Award-Winning Teas Take Centre Stage at 2026 UN International Tea Day Forum in Auckland
May, 21st, 2026
Award-winning Chinese teas, traditional tea cultures and the future of healthy beverages took centre stage in Auckland on Thursday as the 2026 NZ International Tea Industry and Health Beverage Forum brought together tea experts, business leaders, academics and community representatives from across Asia and New Zealand.
Held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre to mark UN International Tea Day, the forum was themed “Global Tea Industry and Health Beverage Dialogue” and explored the evolving role of tea in global markets, sustainable development and healthy lifestyles.
Hosted by the New Zealand Tea Institute, the event received support from the International Tea Committee (ITC) and a wide range of business, cultural and community organisations in New Zealand.
The forum opened with a welcome address by Ms Chen Ansheng, Founder of the New Zealand Tea Institute, followed by contributions from distinguished guests including Mr Wang Jianwen, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Auckland, and Mr Liu Qijia, President of the New Zealand Chuan-Yu General Chamber of Commerce. New Zealand Members of Parliament Ms Nancy Lu and Mr Carlos Zhang also delivered video messages, while Mr James Suranga Perera, Executive Director of the International Tea Committee, sent his congratulations from London and highlighted the tea industry’s contribution to the global economy.
Held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre to mark UN International Tea Day, the forum was themed “Global Tea Industry and Health Beverage Dialogue” and explored the evolving role of tea in global markets, sustainable development and healthy lifestyles.
Hosted by the New Zealand Tea Institute, the event received support from the International Tea Committee (ITC) and a wide range of business, cultural and community organisations in New Zealand.
The forum opened with a welcome address by Ms Chen Ansheng, Founder of the New Zealand Tea Institute, followed by contributions from distinguished guests including Mr Wang Jianwen, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Auckland, and Mr Liu Qijia, President of the New Zealand Chuan-Yu General Chamber of Commerce. New Zealand Members of Parliament Ms Nancy Lu and Mr Carlos Zhang also delivered video messages, while Mr James Suranga Perera, Executive Director of the International Tea Committee, sent his congratulations from London and highlighted the tea industry’s contribution to the global economy.
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Ms Chen Ansheng, Founder of the New Zealand Tea Insititute
Mr Wang Jianwen, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Auckland
Video messages
James Suranga Perera, Executive Director of theInternational Tea Committee
https://weixin.qq.com/sph/AkPPIQXiPe
Ms. Nancy Lu, Member of New Zealand Parliament
https://weixin.qq.com/sph/A54uBGrtyL
Mr. Carlos Cheung, Member of New Zealand Parliament
https://weixin.qq.com/sph/AbcHqfgFmz
Exploring Tea, Culture and Wellbeing
The forum’s keynote programme brought together speakers from different professional backgrounds to examine tea from cultural, health and production perspectives.
In his presentation, “Tea Culture and Dialogue Among Civilisations,” Auckland University of Technology lecturer and Justice of the Peace Mr Chen Zhi examined the role of tea culture in connecting people and cultures within increasingly diverse societies.
Ms Li Qiangwei, Director of the Auckland Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, presented “Tea and Human Health,” exploring tea and wellbeing from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. Her presentation highlighted tea’s longstanding place in healthy lifestyles and discussed its potential contribution to chronic disease prevention and health management.
Meanwhile, Mr Liu Yinsheng, a National First-Class Tea Taster and Founder of the Qian’ou Xue tea brand, presented “The Factors Behind Good Tea,” offering insights into the environmental conditions, craftsmanship and stringent quality standards required to produce premium tea.
Tea Winners Showcase Chinese Tea Excellence
Experiencing Tea Traditions from Across Asia
A major highlight of the forum was the presentation of award-winning teas from Hangzhou Qian’ou Xue Tea Co., Ltd.
In 2025, two of the company’s products — “Millennium Old Monster” Ancient-Tree Black Tea (千年老妖) and “Red Elixir of the Hidden Valley” Raw Pu-erh Tea (幽谷流丹) — received a Gold Award and a Special Recommendation Award, respectively, at The Leafies International Tea Awards 2025.
The awards, jointly presented by the UK Tea Academy and historic British tea merchant Fortnum & Mason, are widely recognised as a major international platform celebrating excellence in tea.
The recognition provided an opportunity for New Zealand audiences to experience some of China’s premium teas while highlighting the craftsmanship, heritage and innovation behind China’s modern tea industry.
In 2025, two of the company’s products — “Millennium Old Monster” Ancient-Tree Black Tea (千年老妖) and “Red Elixir of the Hidden Valley” Raw Pu-erh Tea (幽谷流丹) — received a Gold Award and a Special Recommendation Award, respectively, at The Leafies International Tea Awards 2025.
The awards, jointly presented by the UK Tea Academy and historic British tea merchant Fortnum & Mason, are widely recognised as a major international platform celebrating excellence in tea.
The recognition provided an opportunity for New Zealand audiences to experience some of China’s premium teas while highlighting the craftsmanship, heritage and innovation behind China’s modern tea industry.
Beyond the formal presentations, the forum offered participants an opportunity to experience tea traditions from different cultures.
Guests took part in demonstrations and tastings featuring the traditional Seven Bowls of Tea, Song Dynasty Tea Whisking, and a Korean Tea Ceremony, providing a cultural dimension to the day’s industry-focused discussions.
Anhui Huangshan Vocational Technical College also presented the “Standard for the Preparation of Keemun Black Tea,” highlighting efforts to promote greater professionalism and standardisation in tea education and preparation techniques.
The programme concluded with an evening Tea Tasting Symposium, creating an informal setting for tea companies, industry professionals, cultural practitioners and tea enthusiasts to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future cooperation.
Guests took part in demonstrations and tastings featuring the traditional Seven Bowls of Tea, Song Dynasty Tea Whisking, and a Korean Tea Ceremony, providing a cultural dimension to the day’s industry-focused discussions.
Anhui Huangshan Vocational Technical College also presented the “Standard for the Preparation of Keemun Black Tea,” highlighting efforts to promote greater professionalism and standardisation in tea education and preparation techniques.
The programme concluded with an evening Tea Tasting Symposium, creating an informal setting for tea companies, industry professionals, cultural practitioners and tea enthusiasts to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future cooperation.
Tea’s Growing Role in the Healthy Beverage Market
The forum came at a time when consumers around the world are increasingly interested in natural, sustainable and health-oriented beverages.
With its long cultural heritage and growing international appeal, tea is increasingly being positioned not only as a traditional beverage, but also as part of a broader global conversation around health, sustainability, low-carbon consumption and cultural exchange.
The organizers said the forum demonstrated the potential for greater international collaboration across the tea and healthy beverage sectors, while strengthening connections between the tea industries and cultural communities of China and New Zealand.
By bringing together industry expertise, cultural traditions, education and international exchange, the 2026 NZ International Tea Industry and Health Beverage Forum provided a platform for dialogue on the future of tea and its expanding role in the global healthy beverage landscape.
With its long cultural heritage and growing international appeal, tea is increasingly being positioned not only as a traditional beverage, but also as part of a broader global conversation around health, sustainability, low-carbon consumption and cultural exchange.
The organizers said the forum demonstrated the potential for greater international collaboration across the tea and healthy beverage sectors, while strengthening connections between the tea industries and cultural communities of China and New Zealand.
By bringing together industry expertise, cultural traditions, education and international exchange, the 2026 NZ International Tea Industry and Health Beverage Forum provided a platform for dialogue on the future of tea and its expanding role in the global healthy beverage landscape.
Event Highlights
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Acknowledgement
The organisers extend their sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their generous financial support:
* New Zealand United Credit* New Zealand First Gold Investments* New Zealand Chuan-Yu General Chamber of Commerce
Special thanks are also extended to the forum’s co-organisers and supporting organisations, including:
International Tea Committee (ITC); New Zealand Yemyung-Won Korean Tea Ceremony Academy; New Zealand Waitākere Indian Association; New Zealand Vietnamese Community Trust; New Zealand Japan Culture Trust; Auckland Asian Association Inc; New Zealand Hainan General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Zhejiang General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Zhejiang Youth General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Hebei General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Chaoshan Youth Association; Auckland Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; New Land New Zealand (逸居新西兰); New Zealand Shangshan; New Zealand Cross-Border Trade Promotion Association; New Zealand International Literature and Arts Federation; New Zealand International Students Association; Anhui Huangshan Vocational Technical College; International Tea Culture College of Zhejiang Shuren University; and UUNZ Business School. Together with all other organisations and individuals whose support contributed to the success of the forum.
* New Zealand United Credit* New Zealand First Gold Investments* New Zealand Chuan-Yu General Chamber of Commerce
Special thanks are also extended to the forum’s co-organisers and supporting organisations, including:
International Tea Committee (ITC); New Zealand Yemyung-Won Korean Tea Ceremony Academy; New Zealand Waitākere Indian Association; New Zealand Vietnamese Community Trust; New Zealand Japan Culture Trust; Auckland Asian Association Inc; New Zealand Hainan General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Zhejiang General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Zhejiang Youth General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Hebei General Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand Chaoshan Youth Association; Auckland Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; New Land New Zealand (逸居新西兰); New Zealand Shangshan; New Zealand Cross-Border Trade Promotion Association; New Zealand International Literature and Arts Federation; New Zealand International Students Association; Anhui Huangshan Vocational Technical College; International Tea Culture College of Zhejiang Shuren University; and UUNZ Business School. Together with all other organisations and individuals whose support contributed to the success of the forum.
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