Graham Rhodes: Modern Chinese studies at Oxford

Graham Rhodes left for Oxford University in September 2009 to study a Masters of Philosophy in Modern Chinese Studies.  He intends to investigate New Zealand’s China strategy. “It’s a very rich topic,” says Graham, “There are so many players, and increasingly government and business are working together. For example, on John Key’s recent trip to China, he took seven or so business leaders with him as a tangible way of signaling the link between foreign affairs and trade.”

Part of the attraction of the programme for Graham (pictured, at the 2008 APEC Business Advisory Council dinner with Prime Minister Key) is the combination of learning from leading Chinese experts with two years of intensive Mandarin study. After graduating from Oxford Graham plans to work in China for a few years to continue learning outside of the university environment. He then intends to return to New Zealand. “When I return to New Zealand it’ll be to raise a family and put things that I’ve learned to good use - hopefully making a contribution to business and then to government,” says Graham.

In 2005 Graham achieved a BCom in Finance from the University of Auckland, followed by a First Class Honours in Economics in 2006. While studying Graham helped launch the University’s first student organisation dedicated to encouraging and assisting volunteering in the community.

Graham joined the Young Leaders Network in 2007, and attended the Forum in 2008. “I went to a dinner with a group who had just come back from the [2007] Forum and they raved about it,” says Graham, “I had no idea why until I went on one myself! The people that you meet and the friendships that you make are just amazing.” One of the projects at the 2008 Forum was to raise money for the United Nations Children’s Fund. Graham successfully applied to his employer, Macquarie Group, to match the funds raised, bringing the total to $26,000.

Graham’s interests outside of work and study include photography, travel and Tiger-Mantis Kung-Fu, a hybrid of two Southern Chinese styles. He also enjoys sailing. “Anywhere, anytime,” says Graham. “Do you know anyone with a boat that needs a hand? I’m keen.”