WELLINGTON, Nov 28 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's biggest university has launched a new institute in China to encourage greater collaboration in innovation.

The University of Auckland's new Innovation Institute China (UAIIC) will provide access to a range of networks, research and funding opportunities in China, the university's knowledge transfer company, UniServices, said Monday.

The institute in the eastern city of Hangzhou will formally open in the first quarter of 2017 and focus on collaboration.

It will allow the university and its partners to develop stronger local relationships in China with local and central government, Chinese universities and research institutes, Chinese companies and international companies with a presence in China.

It will also provide access to a wider range of public and private good funding opportunities in China and improve market knowledge and access.

"By developing a wholly foreign owned entity in Hangzhou, China, we are enhancing our position in the world innovation ecosystem," UniServices general manager international Dr Lisbeth Jacobs said in a statement.

"It will enable a safe pathway for international clients who have a desire to undertake research in China with the University of Auckland."

University of Auckland researchers will have access to the facilities when the building was completed enabling closer collaborations with Chinese universities, government agencies and commercial partners.