LUDA Unveils Korea–New Zealand Information Hub ‘KONZI’ at New Zealand Education Fair on September 5

LUDA Research Group Incorporated (LUDA), a New Zealand-based nonprofit research organisation, is set to launch KONZI (Korea–New Zealand Information Hub), an information platform designed for people preparing to study, work, travel on a working holiday, immigrate, or settle in New Zealand.

KONZI has been developed as a digital information hub connecting Korea and New Zealand, with the aim of helping users access essential information for life in New Zealand more easily and systematically in one place.

The platform particularly focuses on a common challenge faced by many people preparing for New Zealand: finding relevant and reliable information among the large amount of content scattered across the internet and social media. KONZI aims to provide a more convenient way for international students, parents, working holiday participants, job seekers, and prospective migrants or settlers to explore information tailored to their individual circumstances and needs.

As its first service, KONZI will introduce the KONZI Budget Planner, a free tool that allows users to estimate and manage expected expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, transportation, and telecommunications. The service is designed to help not only individuals but also families planning a move to New Zealand gain a more realistic overview of their overall budget.

KONZI will be officially introduced for the first time at the New Zealand Education Fair on 5 September, hosted by the New Zealand Embassy and Education New Zealand.

At the event, James Yeon, Chair of LUDA, will participate as a guest speaker and share insights based on his own study and life experiences in New Zealand. His presentation will cover his practical experience of studying and living in New Zealand with his family, as well as useful information for those preparing for study, daily life, and settlement in the country. He will also introduce the vision and key services of KONZI to attendees.

LUDA plans to develop KONZI beyond a simple information website into a community-oriented platform where the knowledge and experiences of those who have gone before can be shared with and passed on to the next person.

KONZI is inspired by the values of Manaakitanga (care and hospitality), Whanaungatanga (relationships and connection), and Kotahitanga (unity and collective strength) from Māori culture, together with Korea’s philosophy of Hongik Ingan, which emphasises benefiting humanity, and the Silicon Valley concept of Pay It Forward.

A LUDA representative said, “For people preparing to move to New Zealand for the first time, even knowing what information to look for and where to find it can be difficult. We hope KONZI can become a trusted bridge that connects the knowledge and experiences of those who have already been through the journey with those who are just beginning theirs.”

LUDA plans to gradually expand KONZI’s services beyond study and general living information to include employment, settlement, community resources, and events. In the longer term, the organisation aims to develop KONZI into a two-way information hub that supports not only people travelling from Korea to New Zealand, but also New Zealanders and others seeking opportunities and information about Korea.