Whanganui's Heather Cox and Tania King are among a delegation to China to promote the central region as a quality international education destination for Chinese students.
The ten day programme includes student fairs, agent seminars, agent training and education bureau meetings in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Beijing.
Ms Cox works for Whanganui and Partners, the economic development agency of the Whanganui District Council, and is responsible education and youth initiatives.
Ms King is a board bember of Whanganui and Partners and the Principal of Whanganui Girls' College.
Education New Zealand Chief Executive Grant McPherson said the project was a collaboration between Taranaki, Manawatu, Whanganui and Hawke's Bay. ENZ is New Zealand's government agency tasked with raising awareness of New Zealand as a study destination. It also supports education providers and businesses to export their services and products.
"The visit will raise awareness of New Zealand's central regions as a quality international education destination for Chinese students," Mr McPherson said.
"It's a great opportunity to highlight that wherever in New Zealand a student chooses to study, they can be assured of a high quality education experience."
The visit is the start of a long-term plan to develop the Chinese market by New Zealand's central regions.
"China is New Zealand's largest source country for international students. More than 34,000 Chinese students studied in New Zealand in 2015, including approximately 1,100 in the central regions. We are expecting 2016 data to show another significant increase in Chinese student numbers."
The rentral regions' mission to China is supported and part-funded by ENZ as part of the Regional Partnership Programme.
The programme supports growth in the number of international students and the value of international education in the regions, so that the important cultural, social, educational and economic benefits are shared across New Zealand.
International education is New Zealand's fourth largest export industry, valued at $4.28 billion.
International students participate at every level of New Zealand's education system, from early childhood education through to PhD study at universities. International education enables young New Zealanders to live and learn alongside people from other countries.
Ms Cox has worked for the Whanganui District Council for 11 years in strategic and operational leadership roles in youth, community and economic development areas.
She is representing the Whanganui Mayor and council, and nine Whanganui education providers. She will promote Whanganui as a safe destination of choice for a quality education and an authentic New Zealand experience.
The delegation left for China on Thursday.