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Student Ambassadors build global citizenship skills
Since it was set up in 2021, the programme has involved around 85 secondary and 50 tertiary students in six participating regions – Northland, Auckland, Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui and Wellington. Northland acted as national coordinator.
“International students can sometimes find it difficult to connect with locals, make friends or venture outside their campus,” says Sahinde Pala, GM Sector Services at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).
“Language and cultural barriers, hesitation to meet new people, lack of knowledge of opportunities off campus, or budget constraints – many factors can play a part. The emergence of Covid-19 and lockdowns made it even more important to address these challenges, and so we worked with a range of people, including regional partners and Welcoming Communities, to develop the student ambassador programme.”
The programme has developed differently in each region, but with the same shared goals. Another common factor has been the training provided for student ambassadors – the opportunity to complete a New Zealand Global Competence certificate, training in social media, and specially tailored training provided by ISANA NZ.
“Student ambassadors are bridgebuilders and leaders, who create opportunities for students from different cultures to form relationships and learn about each other,” Ms Pala says.
“The ambassadors themselves also gain from the programme, by developing their understanding of cultural differences and learning new skills and strategies that are valued by employers. And regional communities benefit when international students feel valued and connected – they are more likely to remain in the area or recommend it to others.”
The ISANA NZ Student Ambassador Training explores intercultural concepts in an interactive and engaging format that can be run online or in-person. Participants are then able to apply their learning to develop activities and events that help students to connect with the wider community. Debrief sessions towards the close of a programme cycle support students to reflect on what they have learned from being a student ambassador.
“I enjoyed learning about how communication works between different cultures, going over cultural values and how some are visible and invisible and learning top tips to help me improve as an ambassador” – student feedback.
“Our Northland student ambassadors joined the ISANA workshop as a group of excited students interested in global citizenship and finished as a tight knit group of inter-cultural leaders in the school community. They learnt to work together, giving everyone a chance to contribute and respecting each other’s perspectives. The communication and planning skills honed in the workshop, enabled them to run a large-scale ‘Matariki Kai Festival’ event, introducing a range of food from cultures across the school to the students.” – Jo Lees, National Ambassador Coordinator and Project Manager at Study Northland.
Other activities sparked by the programme in different parts of New Zealand have included a Kiwi Cooking Class, an Auckland Weekly video series, international languages week events and Matariki events organised and run by the ambassadors, diplomatic events attended by ambassadors from other countries and an International Students Issues Panel Discussion.
One of the student ambassadors was recently profiled by ENZ: Michael Ren – Award-winning app designer eyes a future in tech | Education New Zealand (enz.govt.nz)
Several regions have indicated they hope to continue their student ambassador programme beyond 2022: Northland, Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay.
“This student ambassador training is much needed, not only for the international education sector but also across wider communities in New Zealand. In fact, I think everyone could benefit from this training if they have not received similar training before in intercultural communications and leadership,” says Wenhua Yang, Regional Manager at Learning Hawkes Bay.
To learn more about the ISANA NZ Student Ambassador Training, please contact: caroline.stevenson@isana.nz
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Growing New Zealand’s education connections in the Middle East
ENZ participated in the re-opening ceremony and stressed the importance of education connections between New Zealand and Saudi Arabia to a 300-strong audience.
A rousing performance of ENZ’s waiata – Manapou ki te Ao – by Ngāti Koraha, a kapa haka group based in Dubai, supported the embassy’s re-opening ceremony.
The event took place in the same week that University of Otago alumna, Rayyanah Barnawi, made the news as she is set to be Saudi Arabia’s first woman astronaut in space when she travels to the International Space Station later this year.
The visit was a useful opportunity to engage on education with Saudi Arabian government officials and to discuss G2G opportunities with NZ Inc agencies in the wider Middle East region.
ENZ’s Senior Advisor for the Middle East, Bronwyn Shanks, said the visit has been valuable in the way it has helped ENZ to lay the groundwork for an education delegation to the Middle East, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia in May.
“We understand the significance of the Middle East region for our education sector, particularly Te Pūkenga, universities, English language schools and edtech companies.
“We’re building knowledge and connections on the ground that can help open doors for New Zealand education providers looking to grow their links in the region and look forward to supporting them with a high-level education delegation visit.”
ENZ’s Bronwyn Shanks speaking at the New Zealand Embassy re-opening event, with Ngāti Koraha kapa haka group in support
Alongside the embassy’s re-opening event in Riyadh, ENZ and representatives from the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland met with Saudi government connections, including the National Institute for Educational Professional Development (NIEPD), Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Tourism.
The discussions’ focus was on how New Zealand education providers could support Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards upskilling their young people under Vision 2030.
“It was great to meet some of those young alumni hosted by the University of Waikato and hear about the positive impact their New Zealand education experience continues to have now they are back in Saudi Arabia,” Shanks said.
ENZ and the University of Waikato also visited the University of Wollongong in Dubai, one of a network of study centres under university consortium NCUK, with which ENZ and all eight New Zealand universities have a partnership agreement to provide in-country foundation programmes.
Education providers interested in knowing more about education engagement in the region can contact ENZ’s Senior Advisor for the Middle East, Bronwyn Shanks, on bronwyn.shanks@enz.govt.nz.
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Inaugural Chief Executive Grant McPherson moving on after 12 years of service
Grant has been in the role since ENZ’s inception nearly 12 years ago, leading the organisation’s development and growth to what it is today.
“Over the course of his leadership, we saw significant growth of the international education sector that saw it become New Zealand’s fourth-largest export earner pre-Covid.
“ENZ launched the “Think New” brand and received several international and local awards recognising achievements in public relations and marketing (including digital). We have been entrusted by our NZ Inc. partners with initiatives such as the Manaaki scholarships.
“Alongside the highs, Grant also led the efforts to help the sector manage the challenges brought on by the pandemic. He chaired the International Education Chief Executives' Group. Together with peers from other government agencies with interests in international education, the group helped to drive the Government's International Education Recovery Plan.
“If the New Zealand International Education Conference KI TUA in August 2023 was anything to go by, the international education sector is in good heart and energised to rebuild.
“I appreciated Grant’s support as I took on the Chair role earlier this year. The Board and I thank him sincerely for his service and wish him well,” Tracey said.
Grant says he is proud of the incredible work ENZ and the international education sector have been doing to take New Zealand education to the world, particularly how we have navigated the complex environment post the pandemic.
“It’s fantastic to see what ENZ and the international education sector have achieved in such a short span of time. It has been an amazing adventure made possible by the great people of this organisation and this sector, thank you,” he said.
Grant will finish his role in mid-November and Dr Linda Sissons has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive while ENZ undertakes the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive.
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Prime Minister's Scholarships for study in Asia and Latin America for 2023-24 announced
Prime Minister’s Scholarships for study in Asia and Latin America for 2023-24 announced
114 New Zealanders receive scholarships to Asia and Latin America
New Zealand’s connections with Asia and Latin America are set to receive a boost with the announcement of 114 individual recipients of the Prime Minister’s scholarships for Asia and Latin America over the next year, Acting Chief Executive for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), Linda Sissons announced today.
The latest round will see scholarship recipients heading to destinations including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, China, India, Viet Nam, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Chile for study and internship programmes. The individual scholarships follow the group scholarships awards of earlier this year which saw 14 groups of New Zealanders travelling to study in Asia and Latin America.
Scholarships have been awarded to recipients from a wide range of regions from around New Zealand, including Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Hastings, Feilding, Tauranga, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Palmerston North, Christchurch, Dunedin, Riwaka and Oamaru.
“The Prime Minister’s Scholarships offer a fantastic opportunity for New Zealanders to foster lifelong connections as they learn and grow their understanding of cultures and business practices across Asia and Latin America”, Acting Chief Executive for Education New Zealand, Linda Sissons said.
“The scholarships are awarded to enable recipients to undertake a range of global study opportunities, from language learning and exchange study to internships.
“Over the next year, recipients will embark on semester exchanges, medical electives, language immersion and indigenous integration programmes, internships, and research projects in areas such as architecture and healthcare engineering.
“The scholarships continue to enable a rich exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture for New Zealanders through reciprocal study opportunities and increase global understanding of the strength and quality of our education system”.
A full list of recipients of this individual round can be found here.
Additional information
Read how the Prime Minister’s Scholarships have enabled these past recipients to study abroad and have enriching, life-changing experiences:
About the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme aims to strengthen New Zealand’s ability to engage with Asian and Latin American trading partners, improve the internationalisation of New Zealand tertiary institutions, showcase the strength and quality of New Zealand's education system and grow inter-cultural awareness and connections between New Zealand and other countries.
The scholarships offer flexible funding to support both short- and long-term programmes, including study abroad or exchange, internships, postgraduate study, and language programmes.
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao.
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) were launched in 2013 and extended to Latin America (PMSLA) in 2016. To date, 4,155 scholarships have been awarded under the programme.
There are two scholarship rounds each year, and applications for the next scholarship round will be open to group applicants in March 2024. Many scholarship recipients are enrolled in tertiary institutions across New Zealand, but this is not a requirement for the scholarship. Any New Zealand citizen or permanent resident over 18 years old can apply for a scholarship.
For more information on the scholarships and the application process, visit https://scholarships.enz.govt.nz/.
For further information:
Justin Barnett | Director of Communications, Education New Zealand
justin.barnett@enz.govt.nz
+64 21 875 132Eve Abernethy | Communications Advisor, Education New Zealand
eve.abernethy@enz.govt.nz
+64 04 887 5215 -
Around the world in five
Asia
The rapid increase in educational agencies in China, up 242.48% since 2021, has fragmented the market, requiring universities to intensify their efforts in vetting agencies. Despite the challenges, this diversification could lead to improved services and lower costs for students and families.
North America
Canada will cap international student permits at 360,000 for two years, a 35% cut from 2023, with exclusions for master's and PhD students. This move aims to manage the rapid growth of international students, with a review of permit applications in 2025 and changes to post-graduation work permits.
South America
Argentine agencies saw a surge in students traveling abroad in 2022, primarily to the UK, Canada, and the USA. Language courses remained dominant, with rising interest in secondary and higher education sectors and more bookings for junior programs, indicating a recovery in group travel for young learners.
Europe
British students not being ‘squeezed out’ by overseas applicants, say universities
UK universities deny disadvantaging domestic students in favour of international applicants, highlighting that different entry requirements for foundation programs are not indicative of unfair practices. Data shows increased enrolment of UK students at Russell Group universities, with a balanced intake of international students, emphasizing the importance of global students for financial sustainability amidst fixed domestic tuition fees.Africa
Africa's job skills gap is widening due to tertiary education not aligning with economic needs, with most countries below the global average for higher education enrolment. Curriculum reforms are needed to include digital and entrepreneurial skills to address unemployment and enhance competitiveness.
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Around the world in five
Asia
A shift towards non-recruitment based engagement with Indian schools could be key to better managing student expectations, stakeholders have suggested. Those who have done it well – particularly schools in the US – have created engagement through faculty, immersion trips, experiential learning opportunities, curriculum engagement and alumni, The PIE learned.
North America
British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, and a leading destination for international students within Canada. On 1 March, the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills released details of how the international student cap will be applied within the province's education system.
Europe
A new paper from a group of experts, including three former universities ministers, challenges suggestions that the United Kingdom has too many international students and warns that the government is using out-of-date data to predict the number of overseas students expected to come to the UK for their higher education.
Africa
International educators need to prepare for ‘The Africa Decade’, where enrolment growth rates of African students globally are expected to hit their fastest rates over the next 10 years. Modelling suggested African students will account for one in eight international students by 2050, but visa rejections are seriously hampering efforts to enrol students from across the continent.
Oceania
International students are more open to switching destinations following recent government policy changes in three of the top destinations – Australia, Canada and the UK, with the UK most affected and the USA looking set to benefit, according to a student survey conducted by global higher education-focused agency group IDP Education.
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Successful New Zealand – India Education Connect Initiative held in India
New Zealand – India Education Connect took place from 8 to 14 February, involving a high-level sector delegation made up of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, International Directors, academic heads, and regional recruitment staff from all eight New Zealand universities.
Led by Lisa Futschek, ENZ’s General Manager International, the delegation visited Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad. During the visit, ENZ signed two Education Cooperation Arrangements (ECAs) and one Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka; Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA); and Gujarat International Finance Tech City (GIFT City) respectively. The ECAs and MoU provide a high-level umbrella arrangement for New Zealand universities to explore potential collaborations with each of the partners.
The New Zealand delegation with IIM Ahmedabad officials on 14 February.
New Zealand universities delegation with Hon Dr. M C Sudhakar, Minister, Karnataka Higher Education Minister and officials of Karnataka Higher Education Council, Bengaluru on 8 February
Ms Futschek acknowledged the special relationship India and New Zealand have, noting that this year marks the 72nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“India consistently holds the position of the second-largest international student market for New Zealand. The dynamic growth in the education partnerships between our two countries is attributed to strategic investments by universities, marked by heightened levels of internationalisation and strengthened commitments through the establishment of in-country representatives/offices by all eight.
“There is certainly much to be said for having power in numbers. Engaging as a group is a very good way to leverage connections with key government and private stakeholders that would otherwise be difficult on an individual institution basis,” said Ms Futschek.
The delegation visit to the New Zealand Centre at IIT Delhi (IITD) was one of the highlights of the programme as it facilitated discussions on resource mobilisation for long-term sustainability of the centre. The New Zealand Centre at IITD was established in February 2020 as a focal point for joint academic activity between New Zealand's eight universities and IITD. The centre is a research-focused hub that fosters collaborative, sustainable, self-supporting research programmes in areas of shared national interest such as climate change, disaster management, urban planning, and the environment. The first big engagement at the New Zealand Centre included 10 joint research projects between NZ universities and IITD academics in 2022. Subsequently, a fellowship programme with a joint funding of NZ$ 100,000 was announced in 2023, and as part of this programme four New Zealand Fellows will be spending time working with IITD in 2023/24 and two IITD Fellows with New Zealand universities.
Ms Futschek noted that the New Zealand Centre at IITD is a great example of how the cohesion between our eight universities and IITD has led to a flagship project growing in scale and sustainably.
“This success has all happened while building our reputation for quality education and a commitment to bilateral relations between our two countries,” added Ms Futschek.
The networking reception organised by ENZ in Delhi during the ENZ Connect series, was attended by a group of 24 students from University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington, who were in India as part of the PMSA India immersion programme. They not only engaged with the ‘friends of NZ’ attendee, but also performed a Bollywood dance they had learnt during their six weeks in India, much to the delight of the audience.
Other activities conducted during the week included a media roundtable, led by H.E. Ambassador David Pine at the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi. The roundtable reached over 984 million people with a PR value of over NZD 624,000, further increasing the brand awareness of New Zealand’s world class education across India.
Media Roundtable at New Zealand High Commission in New Dehi, led by NZ High Commissioner to India, HE Mr David Pine, Lisa Futschek, GM International, ENZ and Brett Berquist, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement University of Canterbury.
New Zealand universities also had a strong presence at QS India summit 2024, which coincided with the New Zealand – India Education Connect, helping delegates reflect their interest and achieve visibility in the Indian B2B space. ENZ was invited by QS to be a strategic partner at this summit.
The delegation at the QS India Summit 2024.
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Executive team
Dr Linda Sissons l Acting Chief Executive
Dr Linda Sissons is the Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao.Dr Sissons has considerable experience in the tertiary and vocational education sector. Previously she was Chief Executive for the Universal College of Learning (UCOL), the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, Wellington Institute of Technology, Hutt Valley Polytechnic and Primary ITO. She was also a member of the NZIST Establishment Board from 2019 to 2020. Recently, she completed two terms as Chair of the Board of Governors of Commonwealth of Learning, an intergovernmental agency delivering technology-mediated learning for sustainable development throughout the Commonwealth, and as a member of the Education New Zealand Board.
As ENZ’s Acting Chief Executive she is now responsible for leading ENZ in promoting Aotearoa New Zealand as a study destination and helping our country realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education.
In 2006, Dr Sissons was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to tertiary education.
Wendy Kerr l General Manager, Sector Engagement
Joining us in 2022 from fintech Valocity where she was Global Chief Operations Officer, Wendy has rich experience in both education and commercial businesses globally.Prior to Valocity, she was Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland. She led the team there to transform the Centre and enabled the University to be recognised as Entrepreneurial University of the Year in the Asia-Pacific.
Wendy is also Board Director for The Icehouse and sits on the Board of Epsom Girls Grammar. Previous roles include General Manager for Pearson PLC London, and Asia-Pacific Marketing Manager for Apple. She has been a TEDx speaker and has published a number one best seller on Amazon - ‘Corporate Crossovers’. Wendy has a Ngāti Mutunga and Moriori heritage and will be based in our Auckland office.
Sahinde Pala l General Manager, Sector Services
Sahinde joined ENZ in 2016 after 18 years working for a multinational group of English language schools. With a career dedicated to international education, she brought extensive private sector experience in international marketing, stakeholder engagement and student experience delivery to the organisation.Sahinde has held a number of roles at ENZ working with education providers, government stakeholders, regional groups, peak bodies, students’ associations and community groups. She was heavily involved in developing the International Student Wellbeing Strategy.
With a passion for delivering an excellent customer experience, Sahinde will be leading the newly formed Sector Services team to deliver a suite of products and services that support the sector to rebuild and thrive. This includes student experience, global citizenship, global events, and agent engagement, as well as scholarships to support domestic students to have an international education experience, and international students to study in New Zealand.
Sahinde is based in our Auckland office and spends her time outside of work standing on the sidelines of sports fields supporting her young boys.
Lisa Futschek | General Manager, International
Lisa joined ENZ in 2013 after an 18-year diplomatic career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which included five years as the Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Berlin, and three years as First Secretary and Consul at the New Zealand Embassy in Santiago. As General Manager International, Lisa leads a global team of 30, based across 17 locations around the world, focussed on profiling New Zealand as an education partner and ensuring international education contributes to New Zealand’s international relations goals.
Lisa has been instrumental in expanding ENZ’s offshore network in Asia and establishing a permanent presence in North America. She brings a strong internationalisation lens to ENZ’s work, emphasizing the critical role of relationships and partnership for mutual benefit.
A graduate of Otago and Auckland universities, Lisa and her husband Regan are based in Wellington. They have two teenagers, a son studying at Otago University and a daughter in Year 12 at high school.
Matt Penney l General Manager, Corporate Services
Matt joined ENZ in 2014. He previously held Financial Controller roles at Bathurst Resources and Contact Energy, and has worked in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Matt is a Chartered Accountant, a member of the NZ Institute of Directors and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University of Wellington.Matt’s team provides insightful analysis to the sector and ENZ, as well as strategic finance, budgeting and IT services and lead ENZ’s business operations’ planning and performance.
Di Solomon l General Manager, Government Relations
Di is a public sector leader with over 15 years’ experience working across a number of central and local government agencies.Di leads the Education New Zealand team responsible for governance, accountability and performance, and connecting ENZ to its government agencies partners. Her aim is to ensure New Zealand’s international education sector is resilient, sustainable, globally connected and provides an excellent education experience.
Formerly an international student, Di holds a Masters in Environmental Policy from Lincoln University.
Geoff Bilbrough l General Manager, Marketing and Communications
Geoff is a senior corporate communications and marketing practitioner with a proven record of advising and delivering programmes for clients in the private and public sector.His experience includes ten years in Wellington with Sweeney Vesty Limited; ten years in London with an integrated marketing communications agency; six years as the General Manager of the Hong Kong office of FleishmanHillard, a global communications agency; and before joining ENZ, at Acumen in Wellington.
At Acumen, Geoff advised and led communication programmes for clients including Buddle Findlay, Scouts New Zealand, BCITO, the Motor Trade Association and James Hardie. In Hong Kong, as well as a client load that included Marriott International, Huawei, Emerson Electric, Melco Crown International amongst others he was responsible for the running of FleishmanHillard Hong Kong - a 55-person multicultural, multidisciplinary consultancy.
Geoff has personal experience of international education through his son who is a previous recipient of a Prime Minister’s Scholarship to Asia, completed an undergraduate exchange to France, and is finishing his PhD with the Humboldt University in Berlin.
Ed Tuari l Manukura Chief Advisor Māori
Ed is of Ngāti Porou and Te Whanau-ā-Apanui descent, and joined Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao in 2017. He previously worked in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for 18 years.As Manukura, Ed develops and leads the Rautaki Māori (ENZ’s Māori Strategy), provides advice regarding cultural capability, and brings a Māori perspective to policy and project development.
A former primary school teacher for 10 years, Ed has experience in providing Māori bi-lingual and immersion learning within the New Zealand primary school sector. He also co-wrote and co-presented the first Māori language television programme for preschoolers for mainstream New Zealand television.
In 2012, Ed was named New Zealander of the Year in the United Arab Emirates by AIG, for his cultural and professional contribution to the New Zealand community in Dubai and throughout the Middle East. Recently Ed was the Kaipupuri-Cultural Advisor of the Aotearoa New Zealand Pavilion, entrusted with Kaitiaki o te mouri for Expo 2020 Dubai.
A graduate of Auckland University of Technology, Ed holds a degree in Māori Development, Language and Culture and a Diploma in Teaching.
Ed enjoys engaging in indigenous development initiatives, working towards the preservation and maintenance of tribal culture and heritage, and indigenous networking.
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Our board
Tracey Bridges | Chair
Tracey is a professional director and social entrepreneur with a background in strategy, leadership and behaviour change.She is a co-founder and director of The Good Registry, a social enterprise that directs consumer spending on gifts towards good causes, and a co-founder and former owner of trans-Tasman communications consultancy business SenateSHJ. Her governance portfolio includes serving as Chair of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency, and as a member of the boards of Whānau Āwhina Plunket, WELLfed Charitable Trust, the Wellington Regional Stadium Trust, and the Digital Media Trust. She is a volunteer adult literacy tutor, and a member of the Inclusive Aotearoa Collective.
Lyn Provost | Board member
Lyn Provost was Controller and Auditor-General from October 2009 until 2017. From 2001 to 2009 she was the first female and civilian Deputy Commissioner of New Zealand Police. Lyn recently completed a six year term on the International Auditing and Assurance Board. In 2016 she received the Global category award in the nationwide Women of Influence awards. In 2017, as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours List, Lyn was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the State.Rachael Tuwhangai | Board member
Rachael is a descendant of the Tainui Waka and of Ngāti Maniapoto. She is Co-Director of Māori and Pasifika Support Services (MAPSS) which focuses on the intersection between indigenous people’s and improving social outcomes. She is a former academic of the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Education; Education Manager of the Auckland South Corrections Facility, and a former Secondary School Teacher.
Rachael’s governance experience includes:
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), Manukau Institute of Technology, The Auckland Museum, Voyce: Whakarongo mai, Variety Children’s Charity, Man Alive Charitable Trust, Auckland Community Law Centre and COMET Auckland.Daniel Wilson | Board Member
Daniel Wilson started his career in Auckland as a music teacher. After positions at several schools in Auckland and London, Daniel was appointed to the Leadership team at Manurewa High School in 2007, firstly as Deputy, then Associate Principal.
In 2015, Daniel moved to Nelson to take up the position of Principal at Nayland College. Daniel has extensive knowledge of International education from a secondary perspective, with Nayland College hosting approximately 80 international students from around the globe in 2020. Daniel also has a very good understanding of a range of markets and marketing approaches, having overseen a 40% increase in International numbers since joining Nayland College.
As well as leading Nayland College, Daniel is also the Lead Principal and Governance Chairperson for the Top of the South Trades Academy. He has also acted as a Regional Engagement Lead for the recent National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) review. Over the years Daniel has, and continues to work with various national and regional advisory groups. In his spare time Daniel is an accomplished brass musician, playing trombone in a variety of musical groups around Nelson and serving as President of Nelson City Brass.
Ziena Jalil, Board Member
Formerly an international student, Ziena is an award-winning business and public sector leader, focused on deepening New Zealand’s engagement with the Asia Pacific, and improving outcomes for those with diverse cultures, abilities and experiences. She is Chief of Staff at Te Pūkenga, and a board member for Education New Zealand, Toka Tū Ake Earthquake Commission, Asia New Zealand Foundation and DNA.
Recognised by Campaign Asia Pacific as part of its 2020 Women to Watch, a group of 40 outstanding women in the Asia Pacific, Ziena is a sought after MC and facilitator, and a keynote speaker on leadership, Asia business, international education, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
A former New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore, Ziena has received several international awards for her work promoting New Zealand trade and education in Asia, where she was based in various roles for 10 years.
A member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, Global Women and Asia 21, she holds a Master of Arts (First Class Hons) in International Relations and Politics, a Bachelor of Communication Studies, and Diploma of International Trade.
Dr Therese Arseneau, Board Member
Dr Therese Arseneau has wide ranging governance experience including as Chair of the Board of ChristchurchNZ, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Regenerate Christchurch and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra; and as a Director of J Ballantyne Company Ltd, The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Ltd, Enterprise North Canterbury and the Social Sciences Research Council of Canada.Therese has over 30 years’ experience in the tertiary education sector, including as a university lecturer in Canada and New Zealand. A specialist in elections and New Zealand politics, she is currently an Adjunct Senior Fellow in Political Science at the University of Canterbury and in 2011 she received a UC Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. Therese holds a DPhil and MPhil from the University of Oxford, which she attended as an international student and Commonwealth Scholar.
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Saying it with socks
Back in May, we reported that Lincoln University had committed to providing international students with a parcel of hand-knitted woolly socks, pineapple lumps and a personal letter ahead of their arrival.
These photos show that those socks have been a big hit!
Lincoln’s International and Student Engagement Director Dee Coleman says that the university receives international students from over 60 countries each year, with some coming unprepared for a New Zealand winter down South. To help them stay warm, Lincoln started the project to provide students with handmade woolly socks.
“When we looked at our source countries, we realised that a lot of our students hail from warm climates and although intrigued by a Kiwi winter, can often come unprepared.”
“Our aim is to keep them warm with some good, old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality, and what better way than with some homespun and hand-knitted South Island woolly socks.”
The socks are hand-knitted by a group of Darfield spinning and knitting enthusiasts, headed up by neighbours Pip Anderson and Ruth Buttle. They have committed to producing up to 40 pairs of hand-knitted socks a year for the university, destined for locations all around the world.Retired from a life of farming in the district, Ruth still spins her own wool despite no longer having a dedicated flock of black sheep for the purpose. She buys wool, cards it and spins it into double ply wool. It takes a minimum of two hours to spin one ball of wool.
Pip says they are aiming to keep the colours neutral, with splashes of colour so that they look natural and hand made.
Ruth says spinning and knitting are still popular pastimes for rural New Zealand women and that projects like this are an excellent opportunity to get together.
