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• ATEED launches new Auckland strategy to guide visitor economy

  ATEED General Manager Destination, Steve Armitage, says while more visitors are good news economically, the growth comes with challenges. 

  “People travel to Auckland to experience the many things our region has to offer. For some, it’s the world-class food and wine; for others, it’s the sporting, cultural and business events; or international students, who come from around the world to study at our learning institutions,” said Steve.

  “It’s important that we continue to attract visitors to support and create jobs and amenities that benefit locals and visitors…so that Auckland is better off not just economically, but also socially and environmentally.”

  The strategy outlines six strategic imperatives and key focus areas, and a comprehensive list of actions to deliver these, with two directly relating to international education:

  -   A Captivating Place: A region that entices visitors to stay longer and that locals love more than ever. Actions include developing an international student visitor plan. 

  -   A Skilled Place: A region where more young men and women are choosing globally relevant careers in the visitor economy. Actions include developing a visitor sector training and employment strategy for youth and enhancing standards across the service sector.

  Destination AKL 2025 was guided by an industry leadership group, and involved extensive consultation including interviews, workshops and discussions, as well as international benchmarking and surveys.

  ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson, who was part of the industry leadership group, says that ATEED is showing real leadership in the way it is looking at its visitor plan.

  He said this is evident in the way the strategy is based around destination management and not just attraction. This should ensure visitors are acknowledged as an asset to the Auckland region – a perspective that will reflect positively on the experience visitors go on to have in Auckland.

  “International students are an important part of the visitor community and we are delighted that the strategy reflects this through the inclusion of an international student visitor plan.”

  "The strategy has involved significant cross-industry collaboration to get to this point, and the plan is to keep this going. We are very optimistic about the direction Auckland is heading in and are looking forward to working with Auckland to bring it to life.”

  Click here to read or download Destination AKL 2025.

• Kiwi students become ambassadors in Beijing

  The students represented three cohorts from Massey University and the University Canterbury. Two of the groups were based at Peking University, while the other had been studying in Hangzhou.    

  This marks the second year in a row that PMSA groups have come together at a function at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing.  

  New Zealand Ambassador to China, Clare Fearnley, welcomed the visitors and provided an update on the China-New Zealand relationship. Other Embassy staff, representing a range of government agencies from the Ministry of Primary Industries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade were present to talk to students about their roles and areas of interest. 

  ENZ Regional Director North Asia, Adele Bryant, said it provided a great opportunity to encourage the students to be ambassadors for New Zealand education during their stay in China. 

  “These students are ideally placed to help raise the profile of New Zealand education, as they are great examples of the kind of students we produce – independent thinkers, and creative, innovative and skilled young people.” 

  Massey University’s Head of the School of Humanities, Kerry Taylor, also believes in the value of the programmes to students, both now and in their future. 

  “The PMSA provides an opportunity for our high academic achievers to experience first-hand the dynamism and relevance of China to New Zealand,” said Kerry.  

  “Many will come back to do more study in China or develop business links with China that will contribute to New Zealand’s prosperity.”

  

  A PMSA group from Massey University at the New Zealand Centre, Peking University. The Massey students studied an intensive Chinese Language programme at PKU.

• Thai delegation visits New Zealand

  In light of the Thai government’s new plan to develop a skilled workforce to meet industry demand, ENZ saw an opportunity to connect RMUT with New Zealand providers.

   

  RMUT has a network of 40 campuses across Thailand, which are most similar to New Zealand ITPs. RMUT has a particular interest in customised, short-course training in New Zealand, and would like to see the establishment of an English language centre in Thailand.

   

  The visit showcased New Zealand’s focus on practical skills and innovation in the classroom, with ENZ setting up meetings with Auckland University of Technology, Unitec, Air New Zealand Aviation Institute, Wintec, Wellington Institute of Technology, Whitireia Institute of Technology, Massey University, Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago Language Centre.

   

  Jaruwan Pongjaruwat, ENZ Programme Manager – Thailand, said the visit created a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand’s education system and fields of expertise.

   

  “The RMUT group especially enjoyed the unique cultural experience and appreciated the welcoming and friendly New Zealand people.

   

  “We visited some classrooms and they were able to see first-hand the practical learning environment.”

   

  The visit is already showing positive results, with one RMUT president inviting selected New Zealand institutions to visit Thailand for further discussions.

   

  

  The group of RMUT representatives at Air New Zealand Aviation Institute

   

   

   

• Support for Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America recipients to continue to June 2026 

  The Prime Minister’s Scholarships programme was discontinued, and its funding reprioritised in the latest Government Budget 2025.   

  The decision to discontinue the programme is in line with the Government’s priority to deliver effective and fiscally sustainable public services and the need to focus on core activities in the current constrained fiscal environment.   

  The change takes effect from 1 July 2025. The decision will not impact any of the scholarships’ current recipients or recipients of the final group round, who were confirmed in June.   

  ENZ will continue to support current recipients, including those who are yet to travel overseas to 30 June 2026.   

  Since their inception in 2013 and 2016, respectively, the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America have been among ENZ’s significant, transformative and impactful programmes of work. To date, the programme has awarded 3,991 scholarships that have helped New Zealanders not only deepen their understanding of different cultures and languages but also enrich appreciation for their own culture and place in the world.   

  ENZ’s Group General Manager, International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships, Anna Gestro, said the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America have had a truly positive impact for building New Zealand’s connections in two key global regions.   

  “To date, the programme has awarded 3,991 scholarships that have helped New Zealanders deepen their understanding of new cultures and languages and enriched appreciation for their own culture and place in the world.   

  “The programme leaves a rich legacy through its rich and diverse alumni, who will continue to be global citizens in the way they nourish the connections and learnings picked up from their life-changing experiences from the scholarships,” Anna said.  

• Korean college adds Auckland to curriculum

  From 2019, 120 Korean tertiary students from the college will come to Auckland each year, attending either the Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS), Academics College Group (ACG) or Cornell. They will spend 12 months gaining practical experience in the region as part of their three-year training course.

  Koguryeo College teaches a range of courses in aviation, food science, natural energy, engineering, tourism and hospitality.

  Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) International Education Manager Henry Matthews says the new partnership arose after ATEED hosted a group of visiting principals from Korea earlier this year as part of a professional development programme.

  “The principals were so impressed by the warm welcome, the high standard of education institutes and great Kiwi lifestyle, they suggested to the college that Auckland would be the ideal study destination,” he said.

  “For Korean students, gaining international work and study experience can put them ahead of other candidates when they’re looking for employment after their studies.”

  As part of the agreement, Koguryeo College will also offer two scholarships for New Zealand and international students based here to go to Korea, learn the language and take part in the college’s various training programmes. 

  Korea is the fourth largest market for the international education sector in New Zealand. Some 5,000 Korean students base themselves in Auckland, contributing $167 million a year to the region. This new agreement will deliver an additional $3.5 million per year to the regional economy.

• Japanese schools look to New Zealand

  Led by ENZ, the seminars provided an opportunity for schools from the Wellington and Whanganui regions to meet their Japanese counterparts and discuss how they could partner together.

  ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, Misa Kitaoka, said while initial expectations from New Zealand providers was that the demand would primarily be for short-term group visits, the Japanese schools showed enthusiasm for a variety of programmes including group visits and long-term students.

  “As awareness of New Zealand education grows in Japan, so does the demand – as seen by the school market showing year-on-year growth,” said Misa.

  "Japan is a market where school-to-school relationships deliver outcomes for both parties."     

  

  From left: Christine Pugh (Wellington Region Economic Development Agency), John van der Zwan (SIEBA Executive Director), Misa, Masaru Yamada (JAOS Chairman), Yukari Kato (JAOS Executive Board member) and Richard Kyle, ENZ Business Development Manager, at the SIEBA-JAOS workshop for education agents.

  “These opportunities will only continue to grow as the Japanese government accelerates plans to promote internationalisation as we get closer to the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.”

  Air New Zealand partnered with ENZ on the seminars, and will sponsor 10 Japanese schools to visit New Zealand to progress school relationships.

  The seminars were also an opportunity for John van der Zwan, Executive Director of the Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA), to provide an overview of its work and value to Japanese schools, especially if looking for a New Zealand school to receive groups through SIEBA’s placement service.

  SIEBA also partnered with the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), a peak body for Japanese agents, to answer questions from Japanese agents, and to present on what the new Code of Pastoral Care means for them.

  The agents welcomed standardised templates produced by SIEBA, including enrolment forms and agent contracts, which agents said will make their business more efficient. 

• 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. 

• Wellington celebrates international students

  The winners, who came from both secondary and tertiary level, included an award-winning documentary filmmaker, a star kapa haka performer, a co-founder of the New Zealand International Students Association and students excelling in rugby, basketball and rowing.

  They were selected from the following categories: academic excellence, alumni, arts and culture, community engagement, leadership and sport. Each winner received a trophy, certificate and tickets to a Wellington experience.

  WREDA’s Talent, Skills and Education Manager Brook Pannell said the students’ achievements reflected extremely well on the individuals but were also a great reflection of the wider Wellington region.

  "It not only speaks volumes about the students’ abilities and work ethics but also about the quality of education and mentorship they are receiving in Wellington,” he said.

  At the ceremony, guests were treated to a musical performance by local international student Sojeong Kim, a violin soloist from Wellington East Girls College, as well as a rousing performance from South Wellington Intermediate School’s Kapa Haka group. Well-known playwright and actor Jacob Rajan MNZM was guest speaker.

  

  Kapa Haka group from South Wellington Intermediate School.

  Award Winners:

  Academic excellence

  • Vineet Kaur, Whitireia (India)
  • Yucen (Ethan) Wu, Wellington High School (China)

  Alumni category

  • Siang Lim, Victoria University of Wellington (Malaysia)
  • Yorke Yu, WelTec (China)

  Arts and culture

  • Yuki Sugito, Wainuiomata High School (Japan)
  • Maja Zonjic, Victoria University of Wellington (Croatia, Canada)

  Community engagement

  • Anis Emalin Madihah Mohd Nadzri, Victoria University (Malaysia)
  • Khang Phan, Massey University (Vietnam)

  Leadership

  • Dahee Sohn, Victoria University of Wellington (Korea)
  • Ravethi (Rae) Jeyakumar, Victoria University of Wellington (Singapore)

  Sports

  • Sam Walsh, Scots College (USA)
  • Amber Jiang, Queen Margaret College (China) 

  Click here for full details of the winners.

  The awards were developed as part of WREDA’s Wellington International Student Growth Programme (WISGP), which has a goal of doubling the number of international students arriving in Wellington by 2025.

• Capability building in digital marketing

  Conducted by George Hernandez of the Higher Education Consulting Group, the interactive, full-day workshops focussed on optimising student recruitment through all the seven stages of conversion.

  Participants also assessed their internal marketing practices for each of the student conversion stages, from expression of interest to retention, and rated their practices against world standards.

  Deanna Anderson, ENZ’s Business Development Manager, said the audit and assessment of marketing practices was a valuable exercise for the workshops.

  “The assessment process was very useful for industry participants and helped spark some inspiration on tactics for new marketing plans for 2018,” she said.

  Susie Robinson, CEO of the Higher Education Consulting Group, said the workshops highlighted the diversity of New Zealand's international student market, and the dedication of professionals working in the sector.

  “A key benefit of the workshops was the realisation, for participants, that even small and cost-effective interventions can yield a big return when it comes to optimising the student recruitment pipeline.”

  The workshop received encouraging feedback from participants as well.

  “It was great that it [the workshop] took a holistic approach, looking at the whole student pipeline, and it really made you understand where your gaps are,” one participant wrote.

• New Zealand experience grows global indigenous network

  A special bond forged through a Study Abroad programme, involving Vermont’s Champlain College and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), was marked by the gifting of a unique pare whakairo (carved doorway mantel) to the US College in September.

  Called Te Hononga (The Convergence), the pare whakairo was created by kaiwhakairo (Māori carver) Pahi O’Carroll over four weeks in residence on the Champlain campus. 

  The pare is unlike any other. It is carved from a wood native to the area – black walnut – and evokes values, beliefs and traditions common to both Māori and the indigenous people of Vermont, the Abenaki.

  The relationship between Champlain and AUT dates back five years, when New Zealand Honorary Consul and trustee of Champlain College, Dr George Burrill, first established a study abroad exchange programme between the two institutions. To date, over 100 students have participated.

  One of the highlights of American students’ time at AUT is the Noho Marae programme.

  “Every year students tell us how the Noho Marae programme has profoundly impacted them,” ENZ General Manager – International, Lisa Futschek, says. “It turns them into lifelong advocates for New Zealand, its education system and Māori culture.”

  Run by AUT Senior Lecturer in Māori and Indigenous Development, Jason King, the mini-course includes basic Te Reo Māori, Māori mythology, waiata (songs) and cultural customs. It includes with a noho marae (weekend-long marae experience). 

  King describes the course as “the base of a tree, from which branches and leaves grow”. 

  “The course puts indigenous goggles on students,” he says. “It opens them up to areas of discussion with their own indigenous people.

  “My ultimate aim is to connect us not only globally, but indigenously.”

  Thanks to their connection to Māori via AUT and the Noho Marae programme, Champlain College made a formal connection to their own indigenous people, the Abenaki tribe. A representative from the Abenaki was present at the unveiling of Te Hononga. 

  Many US students choose to keep in touch after they return home through the student-led Whānau Councils. These were first established in 2010 after students from Europe were so moved by their AUT marae experience that they set up their own group to maintain their connection to New Zealand and each other. There are now three Whānau Councils across Europe and the US actively supported by AUT.

  For the European council’s 10-year anniversary, members of group are planning to return to New Zealand – this time with their partners and children.

  “We tell them during the Noho Marae, after studying in New Zealand you are whānau for life,” King says.