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• New Zealand Dubai Expo Pavilion inspires international workshop in Whanganui

  Ten students from five different regions of Italy travelled with their teachers under the leadership of Dr Alberta Pettoello of the Italian Ministry of Education to join another 40 local high school students. In a three-day workshop they worked together, shared concerns and experiences, and learnt from each other how to communicate their messages across different cultures, realities, and languages.  

  The Italian Ministry of Education proposed the workshop after Lorenzo Micheli, the coordinator of its Digital Exchange Programme, visited the New Zealand pavilion at the Dubai Expo.  He was inspired by the pavilion’s focus on New Zealand’s relationship with nature and indigenous Māori principles such as kaitiakitanga.  The Whanganui River and Te Awa Tupua settlement that gave the river its own legal identity, with the rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person, was of particular interest. 

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao liaised with the Italian Ministry of Education and facilitated an introduction to local development agency, Whanganui and Partners, who coordinated with Ngā Tāngata Tiaki and local schools, and also supported the trip by funding the activities and workshop in Whanganui.  

  

  A highlight of the first day was the pōwhiri for the group at Kaiwhaiki Marae. For the Italian students and their teachers, this was their first introduction to Whanganui and Te Awa Tupua.

  On arrival in Whanganui the group was welcomed by Ngā Tāngata Tiaki by powhiri at Kaiwhaiki Marae.  

  The topic of the workshop was “Humans as Nature”, in which the students were challenged to explore and develop “Rights for Nature”.  The students were guided by Ngā Tāngata Tiaki trustee Tamahaia Skinner, who helped them start to define their rivers’ values and characteristics. 

  The Italian students brought an international perspective to the discussion by introducing their rivers and the challenges they face, encompassing the Ticino river, the Strona river, the Piave river, the Chienti river and the Sinni river. 

  Students were divided into five teams of 10, with two Italian students assigned to each group. What followed was a hive of discussion, activity and collaboration as each group developed presentations proposing strategies and activities necessary to implement the conservation and care of rivers, and most importantly give the rivers a voice.  

  

  And the winners are….. Team Chienti/Whanganui won the overall team competition! Also pictured from left are: Hannah Middleton, Chief Executive of Whanganui and Partners; Lorenzo Micheli, coordinator of the Digital Exchange Programme for the Italian Ministry of Education, and Dr Alberta Pettoello of the Italian Ministry of Education who lead the delegation of students and teachers to New Zealand.

  At the conclusion of the workshop the overall winner was the Chienti/Whanganui team. Strona/Whanganui were judged the most inclusive team; Sinni/Whanganui the best presented team; Ticino/Whanganui the best team spirit; and Piave/Whanganui the most creative team. 

  The organisation and thoughtfulness that went into the preparation and coordination of the workshop was first class. But it was the joy of the students who found new friends on the other side of the world, exchanging Instagram and FB accounts while sharing a wonderful week of discovery, that shone through as the workshop’s greatest outcome. It was this companionship and mindfulness of other lives and cultures that prompted the final defining group hug. 

  The week changed everyone involved, transforming perspectives and expectations of others. I’m sure they will meet up again as their travels as global citizens continue. 

  - Justin Barnett, Director Communications at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 

  

  It was hugs all around at the completion of a three-day hackathon and workshop amongst Italian and New Zealand high school students. An uplifting outcome of the workshop was the strong bond that developed between the students as they learnt about each other while sharing cultures and experiences.

  

  Filippo Chiodini from the Daniel Crespi school in Varese (in front) follows the instructor’s guidance as he manoeuvres his virtual plane from the cockpit simulator at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy in Whanganui.

• Help us thank New Zealand’s education partners in Japan

  As part of a programme to explore greater opportunities for the New Zealand education industry in Japan.

  The alumni networking function will acknowledge and show our appreciation for the informal “ambassadorial” role alumni undertake on behalf of New Zealand education. We will also be encouraging alumni to join the recently launched New Zealand Educated Alumni LinkedIn group where they will be able to network with fellow alumni and keep in touch with events and activities of interest.

  The agent seminars will recognise the work agents do on behalf of New Zealand education and show the agents our appreciation. The seminars will also inform agents of any immigration updates and changes (there will be someone from Immigration New Zealand in attendance) and let them know about the agent e-learning that will be launched in the next few months. A preview of this will be available at the event. 

  It is hoped that these activities will  further nignite agents’ interest in, and enthusiasm for, promoting New Zealand as an education destination.

  To ensure we reach the greatest number of agents and alumni, we would like your suggestions for who you would like us to invite.

  For the dates for each event, and a form where you can enter the names and contact information of those you’d like to be sent an invitation, click here.

  In completing this form, you will be assured of early notification of when registration opens for these events.

  As well agents and alumni, we know that many New Zealand education institutions have active and fruitful partnerships with fellow institutions in Japan. We are hoping to host such people at a ‘thank you’ lunch where we can show our gratitude for the very important role they play in fostering a lively education exchange between our two countries. Details about the lunch will be provided at a later date.

  These events are a great opportunity for you to show how much you value your education partners and advocates in Japan.

  Thank you in advance for help make these events the best they can be.

• Register for the China Mayoral Forum education session

  The forum theme is sustainable economies, and is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with regions of both countries. Fifteen mayors and vice-mayors from across China will attend alongside 33 mayors from across New Zealand, including smaller regional centres.

  Following introductory presentations by Sir Richard Taylor (WETA Group) and Maggie Zhou (Alibaba), the forum will discuss opportunities for trade, investment, education and developing mutually beneficial partnerships.

  The forum is being organised by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and Wellington City Council, with support from ENZ.

  LGNZ President Dave Cull says the forum is an excellent opportunity to grow relationships with New Zealand’s largest trading partner.

  “There is much to be gained for our communities in developing a greater understanding and appreciation of how China operates,” said Mr Cull.

  “Face-to-face meetings provide the opportunity for the representatives of our cities, districts and regions to engage directly and look for mutually-beneficial economic development opportunities.”

  Sarah Gauthier, ENZ Regional Project Manager, said the education break-out session would be particularly relevant.

  “This will be an engaging panel discussion touching on key ideas and interactions with China on education, followed by a chance to engage with some of the Chinese representatives,” said Sarah.

  “We encourage education institutions, regional education organisations and other service providers to attend.” 

  Registration is free but spaces are limited. To register click here.

  For more information, contact Sarah Gauthier: sarah.gauthier@enz.govt.nz

• School support on the way

  Mary Camp, ENZ’s Business Development Manager dedicated to the schools sector, says schools can expect to see these activities rolling out over the coming months.

  Mary is also chair of the Schools Sector Reference Group. She says that “with 596 schools hosting international students, and no peak body, consultation is a challenge.

  “So we have set up a Schools Sector Reference Group, to create a channel for consultation with the sector.”

  The group provides advice and guidance to ENZ on initiatives planned for the schools sector. The group includes representatives from eight regions. It will meet 3-4 times each year.

  ENZ’s schools sector initiatives include:

  • An exemplar school website showing best practice to attract international students

  • Marketing material focussing on New Zealand’s competitive edge, with room for regions and schools to insert their own details

  • A website review service to help schools maximise the results from their websites (conditions will apply)

  • Case studies of schools showing good practice in export education.

  Further initiatives off the block will include:

  • A professional development programme for International Directors and/or Principals

  • A marketing self-review tool

  • Research into primary and intermediates schools’ decline in numbers.

• New resource on the Brand Lab

  "Peking University’s New Zealand Centre (which involves several of our universities and government agencies) runs this undergraduate course which students take to earn foreign language credits (and because of their interest in New Zealand, of course).  Enrolments have grown year-on-year, with 75 students now taking this class.

  In the past, I have delivered a more academic lecture on New Zealand’s education system, including on policies and reform.  And in the past, this has been met with glazed eyes.  So in a break with tradition I decided to make the session more interactive and incorporate some of the tools we now have at our disposal.  I gave an informal “why study in New Zealand” presentation, then moved on to showing the New Zealand Story and New Zealand Education Story.

  We then broke into small groups (just like we do in New Zealand classrooms and tutorials), and students worked on the task I had set:  to discuss and agree on “what three words best exemplify what is ‘special’ about New Zealand education.”

  And I was blown away by the responses.  Each group came up to write its words on the blackboard, and common themes included innovation, openness, diversity, inspiring, and opportunity.  Our messaging is clearly resonating.

  After then watching some of ENZ’s Gibson Group-produced Dragons in a Distant Land alumni episode (and remembering far too late that I have a cameo in it), I asked each group to explain its three words.  And again – I was blown away.  The willingness of these students to contribute their thoughts and to ask questions – in English, in public - with a second member from one group even volunteering additional thoughts – really impressed me.  The course coordinators were also very pleasantly surprised. 

  As products of New Zealand’s education system, volunteering our thoughts, asking questions and speaking in public come naturally to us.  This isn’t so in every education system.  

  Almost best of all, the course was that day being audited by a very senior Peking University Professor.  She stood up at the end and said, “I did my PhD in economics at the University of Chicago.  After today, I want my grandchild to go and study in NZ”.

  I always give the class my email address, and as of right now have received five enquiries from these students at China’s top-ranked university.  I have also had to courier additional blocks of Whittaker’s chocolate.  Each of the nine groups deserved a prize.

  A Chinese subtitled version of the New Zealand Education Story is now available on the Brand Lab, so I encourage you to use this when next in China or hosting Chinese visitors.”

• Rugby + English a winning combo

  The boys are being hosted by Pathways College at Waikato University and the Waikato Rugby Union.

  Hot on the heels of this group are 10 female high school rugby Sevens players who will arrive in Auckland on 6 August. This group is being hosted by New Zealand Language Centres and the Auckland Rugby Union, with the support of the Japanese Ministry of Sport and Education (MEXT) and the Japanese Rugby Union.

  The visits are taking place under the ‘Game On English’ edu-sport programme jointly launched by Prime Minister John Key and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during Mr Abe’s visit to New Zealand in July 2014. They build on the success of the programme pilot that saw two teams visit Dunedin and Auckland respectively during the 2014 winter season.

  The programme was developed by Education New Zealand (ENZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in response to the Japanese government’s goal to improve the English language skills and increase the sporting capacity of Japan’s young people in the lead up to Japan’s hosting of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics.

  The programme is now administered by English New Zealand, who have expanded it to include five provincial rugby union academies and selected premium English language providers based in locations throughout the country: Auckland, Hamilton, Mount Maunganui, Christchurch and Dunedin.

  The programme includes daily English language classes and rugby training, and the students live with homestay families where they experience New Zealand life and culture and immersion in an English language speaking environment.

  Ewen Mackenzie-Bowie, Chairman of English New Zealand points out that Game On English is about more than playing sport; “The programme provides a life-changing experience for young people that builds self-confidence, leadership and teamwork and helps them develop the necessary skills to reach their sporting and learning potential.”

  With financial support from ENZ, English New Zealand has appointed sports management company Essentially Group as the Game On English programme co-ordinator in Japan. Essentially Group’s role is to promote the programme to interested parties in Japan and co-ordinate activity with the providers in New Zealand.

  The Game On English programme is being expanded into other sports where New Zealand can provide international students a world class experience. In early 2015 a successful rowing pilot was developed between Otago University and the Otago University Rowing club who hosted four athletes and a coach from Kyoto University.

  If you are interested in knowing more about the programme, please contact admin@englishnewzealand.co.nz

• ICL Education Group wins at 2016 Export New Zealand awards

  ICL won the award for Endace Services Exporter of the Year 2016. This award recognises excellence in building extraordinary and sustainable export growth, working in the areas of ICT, tourism, education and consultancy services.

  “I would like to salute the dedication and focus of the 100 ICL staff who have achieved this award, and of whom we are immensely proud.  We are particularly honoured that the judges have highlighted the ethics and professionalism of our Group, principles which we believe ultimately underwrite our success,” says Ewen Mackenzie-Bowie, Chairman of ICL Education Group.

  The award is one of seven categories, which have been held annually since 2009 to inspire New Zealand exporters to expand their businesses and grow internationally.

  ICL Education Group includes ICL Graduate Business School, Auckland English Academy, Bridge International College and New Horizon College.

  The judges were impressed with ICL’s approach to marketing, with a broad spread of target markets, and the introduction of new courses to meet identified demand, particularly at a post-graduate level. 

  It was clearly evident that ICL is a strong contributor to New Zealand’s success in continuing to attract fee-paying international students.  ICL’s research culture and policy of employing and retaining highly qualified staff was also seen as a positive factor. 

• Where education meets technology, cyber-romance blooms

  Among the attendees was a group of New Zealand edtech companies and educators. Representatives of Massey University and Linewize joined the New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech) Chief Executive, Graeme Muller, and Education New Zealand (ENZ) Business Development Manager, Adele Bryant, at the event.  

  “NZTech formed the EdtechNZ Association last year so it was fantastic to offer members the chance to scope one of the biggest edtech events in the world,” said Graeme.  

  Altogether about 20 New Zealand delegates were in Denver which provided the opportunity to learn about global edtech trends, meet prospective partners and scope the possibility of exhibiting at the associated Expo usauin the future.     

  “The conference featured an amazing array of professional learning and collaborative networking opportunities while the expo hall showcased a wide range of edtech tools and solutions,” said Adele.

  Attendees could choose from more than 1,000 sessions in a variety of formats to support all learning styles.

  “The passion of teachers for using edtech tools to engage, manage and extend learners was evident from the start and suggests that the future for edtech in the classroom is bright.

  “A key take away was that educators were looking to spend more time engaging with students and less on developing their own resources, so easy-to-use and educationally sound tools which met learner needs were sought,” said Adele.

  “Supplying that technology is big business. The global edtech sector is estimated to be worth over $100 billion and Kiwi companies are keen to raise their international profile and provide solutions to meet that growing global demand.”

  Kiwi edtech success story Hapara (a cloud-based instructional management system for educational institutions) provided the New Zealand delegation a welcome opportunity to meet and network at a ‘Kiwi Hour’ onsite at the conference.  Among the group were Auckland-based edtech companies, Kami and Booktrack as well as Core Education and Network for Learning. Representatives of the Manaiakalani Trust delivered a Visible Learning session on the programme. 

  The NZTech-led group also attended a breakfast session on the role of schools and edtech companies in professional learning. The group reconnected there with Karen Billings, Vice President of the Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN) of the Software Information and Industry Association (SIIA) who was a speaker at ENZ’s first edtech for export (‘et4e’) conference. 

• A school trip from Tauranga to Yantai

  The group travelled with support from Education New Zealand’s (ENZ) New Zealand China Sister Schools Fund. 

  Deputy Principal, Kathy Colville, who accompanied the students along with International Student Coordinator, Annemieke Hart, said “very strong bonds were established”.

  “Our students met many challenges,” she said, but “they rose to the occasion and took everything in their stride.”

  The students attended school and stayed with local families. An exhibition of Tauranga photos was held as part of the sister city celebrations, and the group enjoyed giving their hosts an insight into Tauranga life. The group also spent a day in Shanghai.

  Kathy said the students – all of whom learn Mandarin at school – were carefully chosen.

  “It was an extremely difficult task but we chose some that had travelled with us [overseas before]. We knew that we could rely on these students to be great ambassadors of our school, city and country.”

  There were lots of differences at school in Yantai, the principal one being the long school hours. The school day starts at 7.15am and ends at 5.30pm in China, with students then staying up till 11pm to complete homework.

   “The long school hours were a bit daunting,” said Riley Bartosh.

  The students also enjoyed learning calligraphy, and doing physical exercise Chinese-style – always carried out in groups.

  The students said the experience had made them more independent and opened up their minds to further travel in the future.

  “Now I’m more open to different cultures and how others live,” says Riley Bartosh.

  “I am interested in pursuing a career that involves communication with other countries. China has opened up opportunities that would never have been available otherwise,” says Stephanie Austin.

   “I’ve been on school trips to Portugal, Amsterdam and Turkey since I’ve been at this school,” says Ngawaka Ririnui. “It’s inspired me to travel more and experience how others live.”

  “I am going to continue learning Mandarin at our school so that I can speak three languages – English, Maori and Mandarin,” says Te Wairere Te Moana.

  Annemieke said Tauranga Intermediate School has offered biannual overseas school trips to its students since 2000. The school reinvests some of the revenue it receives from international students to fund these trips.

  She said that in Term three, a group from Yantai Number two Middle School was making a reciprocal visit to Tauranga.

• What do Kiwis think about international education?

  Our sector’s successful future requires the public and other stakeholders to know about, and value, international education.

  ENZ Director Student Experience & Global Citizens, Sahinde Pala, says the research shows us international education is not front of mind for most New Zealanders.

  “However, when the benefits of international education were explained to the research participants, most were really onboard. They were also surprised they hadn’t heard it being talked about publicly and in the media.”

  Participants responded extremely positively to the fact international students spend in their community, including to help create jobs across many sectors.

  Sahinde says the research showed it is vital that communications broaden the conversation. This means sharing stories about the rich full breadth of other international education benefits New Zealanders care about now including, global citizenship, cultural diversity, tourism, and the fact education is a way to share our innovative ways of thinking, learning and living to benefit the world.

  Great fresh insights into how to communicate with Kiwis

  Sahinde notes this research gives us the first understanding of the ‘profiles’ of New Zealanders regarding international education – promoters, passives and detractors – and how to share communications that will increase public support.

  Encouragingly, half of the NZ population are in the promoter group, with a further 47% in the passive group, and only 3% in the detractor group.

  “The greatest social licence gains can be made through the ‘promoter’ group which makes up half of Kiwis. These people either know about international education or they fit a profile of having experiences or attributes that mean they are interested in New Zealand’s place in the world and cultural connectivity. The really great news is promoters will talk to others about international education if they hear it being discussed, and in a way that is meaningful to them.

  “This is the task for all of us across the international education system,” she says.

  The research also shows that two-thirds of New Zealanders are supportive of students coming into the country in 2021. “This is helpful to understand as we want to ensure those who have stayed and those who come this year receive the manaakitanga Think New promises them,” Sahinde says.

  Putting the research findings to work and next steps

  Using the insights from this research, ENZ is developing a communications toolkit, including ‘right fit’ messaging, for those in the international education system to use in their own public and stakeholder communications. This is scheduled for release in May.

  The toolkit will sit alongside this research, and ENZ’s new regular The Insight Story publication, which provides international education data and insight, as social licence tools to help increase awareness and support for international education.

  ENZ is also increasing its own communications to help increase awareness of what international education is, where it is going under the Recovery Plan and NZIES and ultimately, how it benefits students, New Zealand and our global relationships.

  ENZ will continue research to understand perceptions and support for international education, including to look at ways of getting real time insights into public sentiment and support.

  Read all about it! 

  The report is now on IntelliLab​.