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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.
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.
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.
Government delegation from South Korea visits New Zealand to reconnect with several of our education providers

New Zealand and South Korea have strong education links and one unique partnership is the education cooperation under the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) which has historically included education programmes for Korean school and tertiary students.

The visiting delegation included representatives from the Korea Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the Korea Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) and Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA), the implementing agency for the MOF-funded project.

The delegation was welcomed to the ENZ Wellington office with a mihi whakatau on their first day. ENZ, Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) colleagues joined together for waiata and kai with our Korean guests.

Following a welcome and mihi whakatau in Wellington, the group travelled on to Nelson where they visited Te Pūkenga Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and Nayland College. The visit to Nayland College was an opportunity for the Korean representatives to gain a better understanding of the pastoral care for school students and the unique offerings such as outdoor education and horticulture programmes.

Kay Lee, ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – Korea, said it was important for the Korean delegation to experience firsthand the welcoming and safe environment of New Zealand schools to regain confidence in the Schools Visits Programme.

“After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Korean Government was concerned about sending students, especially younger students, overseas to study particularly on scholarship programmes because parents wanted assurance their children will be well looked after. In the debrief with the Korean representatives, it was clear they gained confidence from speaking to the New Zealand institution representatives around the procedures and systems in place to support students.”

“We hope that this renewed confidence will mean that we start seeing Korean government scholarship school students studying in New Zealand again in the near future”.

High on the agenda during the delegation’s visit were the School Visits and Tertiary Training Programmes, both of which were affected significantly during the pandemic.

From 2016 –2019, the School Visits Programme provided 150 high school scholarships per year for South Korean students from rural areas to attend New Zealand schools for eight weeks. The Korean Government planned to continue the Schools Visits Programme with its own funding in 2020, however, the programme was cancelled due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.

An alternative programme was run by MAFRA and MOF from December 2022 which involved short-term English Language Training for school students in Korea with three New Zealand teachers travelling to Korea to teach English (Read about their experience here).The Korean organisers have decided to run the English language programme in Korea again with six New Zealand teachers traveling to Korea to teach English in January 2024.

Nayland College demonstrated manaakitanga by welcoming the group to rainy Nelson but provided an Asia Kiwi lunch complete with meat pies and sushi!

Like the Schools Visits Programme, the pandemic interrupted tertiary programmes and the revised programme ran in January 2023 with short term group programmes. The site visits in November to Te Pūkenga NMIT and Lincoln University provided an opportunity to discuss the institutions’ proposals to host Korean tertiary students in January 2024.

Also discussed was the importance of reciprocity and it was noted that Korea is a popular destination for New Zealanders under the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA) scheme. Since 2016, the scheme has awarded scholarships to 196 individuals or groups for study, intern or research programmes in Korea. Lincoln University, in particular, has been successful in facilitating group PMSA programmes focused on agriculture to Korea.

Dr Mark Burdass, Aquaculture Programme Coordinator and Tutor, introduces the hands on learning in the aquaculture programme at Te Pūkenga NMIT.

At the conclusion of their visit, the Korean delegation expressed their gratitude to the institution hosts for making their time in New Zealand memorable and valuable through fruitful discussions. The delegation emphasised the importance of conducting these meetings in person and visiting the campuses to meet with institution staff and academics. The ENZ Manapou ki te Ao team is pleased to continue close cooperation with our Korean education partners to facilitate connections with New Zealand education providers for the education programmes.

If you are interested in finding out more about the education initiatives originally outlined in the KNZFTA, you can read about this in a 2016 E-News article here - New opportunities for New Zealand and Korea.
Prime Minister’s Scholarship group round opening soon for applications
New Zealand organisations and institutions will soon be able to apply for this year’s group round of Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America.

This award is administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), enabling New Zealanders to experience international education and continue to build and maintain key trade relationships between New Zealand and key Asian and Latin American regions.

Acting Group General Manager, International Marketing, Brand & Scholarships, Sahinde Pala, said the group programme is flexible, and applicants are encouraged to think creatively about their learning programmes.

“We invite organisations and institutions to design a learning experience that can give learners the chance to follow their passion, develop connections, and make an impact in our global and local communities” she said.

Successful past applications have included semester exchanges, language immersion, indigenous-to-indigenous exchange programmes, internships, and research projects.

Applications can be made by any education provider (including universities, institutions, wānanga, iwi, hapū, whānau, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments).

About the scholarship

All citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand over the age of 18 can apply for the scholarship. Recipients do not need to be in tertiary education, as the programme aims to make international educational opportunities accessible to all New Zealanders.

The scholarships cover tuition fees for offshore institutions, and a contribution towards internship fees, flights, living, accommodation, and visas.

Since the programme’s beginning in 2013, at least 3810 scholarships have been granted to New Zealanders.

Applications are open from 26 February to 11 April, find out more by visiting the Prime Minister’s Scholarship website.

You can also email any questions to the ENZ Scholarships team at scholarship@enz.govt.nz.
Executive team
David Downs | Chief Executive

David Downs is the Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao. David leads the organisation’s work to grow the value and impact of international education for Aotearoa New Zealand. He brings extensive international and marketing leadership experience, most recently as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Story Group.

Prior to this, David held a range of general management roles at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, supporting New Zealand businesses to grow internationally, particularly in the technology sector. Earlier in his career, David held senior leadership roles with Microsoft across New Zealand and Asia Pacific. He is known for his strong understanding of New Zealand’s global reputation and competitive advantage, and for his passion for storytelling and connecting New Zealand to the world.

Sahinde Pala l Group General Manager, International & Sector Engagement

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.

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.

Anna Gestro | Group General Manager, International Marketing, Brand & Scholarships

Anna leads the strategy, delivery, and teams behind ENZ's global marketing, brand, and scholarships — focused on connecting students with opportunity and Aotearoa with the world. Her focus is on elevating Aotearoa's global brand, deepening student connection, and driving growth through impactful storytelling and strategic partnerships.

Her career spans over 20 years across marketing, strategy, and executive leadership in both public and private sectors. She has worked across global brand and commercial programmes for organisations such as Lion, Fonterra, and New Zealand Cricket — blending deep consumer insight with strategic delivery.

Anna’s experience also includes international roles in Singapore and New York, where she’s helped promote New Zealand’s innovation, values, and capability globally.

Anna is also a board member of Basketball New Zealand, where she brings her commercial and strategic expertise to the development of sport. Across both sport and education, she sees a common thread: the power to unlock opportunity, level the playing field, and connect people across borders and backgrounds.

Ed Tuari l 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.
Kiwi students encouraged to join leadership summit
The Summit, now in its third year, is aimed at senior high school and first-year tertiary students. It is designed to celebrate the close relationship between sister cities in New Zealand and China by empowering the next generation of global citizens and leaders.
From 13 – 19 July, the students will take part in workshops and work on projects about global citizenship, social responsibility, leadership and more while in residence at St Andrew’s College. The Chinese delegation will then visit Queenstown and Dunedin while hosted by Taieri College, showcasing our southern cities over four days.
Last year’s Summit was awarded Best Youth Project 2018 by Sister Cities New Zealand.
After previously running in the sister cities of Auckland and Qingdao, this year’s event will be hosted by Christchurch, sister city of Wuhan, and has been acknowledged as an official youth event for the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism.
Further details and a registration form can be requested from summit@globalengagement.ac.nz
What’s new on The Brand Lab this month?
The ENZ Brand Lab is a rich source of images, videos and other marketing tools to help our industry partners promote New Zealand education.
Orientation images and vox pop videos
ENZ visited one of our local university campuses over orientation to find out how new international students were enjoying their first days of study in New Zealand.
We asked students to answer three questions about their experience so far. You can find these videos on the Brand Lab by searching “Vox pops”. Or share the videos directly from our Facebook page by following the links below.
To find the images from this shoot, go to the Brand Lab and search for “Orientation”.
To find the images from this shoot, go to the Brand Lab and search for “Orientation”.

Future Proof video
The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked New Zealand #1 in the world for preparing students for the future. ENZ’s Future Proof Yourself video features international alumni sharing how their New Zealand education helped to prepare them for the future. The video has been very popular across our social media channels and has been viewed more than 30 million times.

To share the video on your own channels, search “Future Proof” on the Brand Lab or share directly from our Facebook page.
Register for the Brand Lab
It is quick and easy to register for the Brand Lab. Simply go to www.thebrandlab.enz.govt.nz and complete the registration form.
If you haven’t visited the Brand Lab in a while, please note that we migrated to a new website mid-way through 2017. The new Brand Lab is much easier to use with improved search functionality. If you haven’t used the new site yet, you will have to register again.
ENZ workshops in September
Workshop 1: Students’ view from their window travelling along the digital freeway
Technology is changing the way education providers engage with potential students. Placing you in the driver’s seat on the digital freeway, you will experience first-hand what international students see as they race toward their destination. As with any road trip, there are detours, attractions and temptations that can change the direction.
This workshop will use a segmentation model to identify what tools are available and what skills are required, and give examples of how education providers, at various stages of digital maturity, can leverage them for success.
Target audience: Participants involved in international strategy, marketing, recruitment and admissions.
Outcomes:
- Identify how your organisation is segmented and what tools are appropriate
- Gain exposure to example initiatives that best-practice providers have used to improve their student recruitment efficiency
- Connect with other practitioners about their experiences and identify opportunities for further exploration.
Workshop 2: Beyond the great firewall: social media in China
Coming to grips with digital and social media in China is no easy task. Between VPNs, firewalls and the influx of local alternative platforms, it can be a difficult market to gain cut-through.
This workshop will empower participants to get beyond the great firewall and embrace digital and social media platforms in China. It will showcase best practice case studies and how best to engage prospective students.
Target audience: Marketing and recruitment professionals and student services staff. It is best suited to those who already have some knowledge of Chinese social media.
Outcomes:
- Learn how to incorporate Chinese social media into your wider recruitment strategy
- Gain an understanding of the financial input required
- Learn how to integrate your campaigns with agents.
These workshops will be available in:
Christchurch – 11 September 2018
Venue: ChristchurchNZ, Level 3, 101 Cashel Street
Wellington – 12 September 2018
Venue: ENZ, Level 5 Lambton House, 160 Lambton Quay
Auckland – 13 September 2018
Venue: ATEED, Level 8, 139 Quay St, Auckland

Workshop 1 will run in the mornings from 9am-12:30pm, followed by Workshop 2 from 1:30pm- 5:00pm.
The registration fee for a single workshop is $375, or you can register for both workshops for $500.

These workshops follow a series of well-reviewed workshops delivered by HECG across New Zealand earlier this year.
Feedback from previous HECG workshops:
"This is the most useful workshop I have attended in a long time. I will be able to take back a lot of ideas that can be applied at my institution. Very keen to delve deeper into some of the topics further. Great presenters!"
Register now by clicking here.
If you have any questions, please contact alan.johnston@enz.govt.nz
Student visa approval rates
Updated student visa decision data
The 2017 student visa decision data is now available on the INZ website.
Education providers must use this list when enrolling international students, to confirm if the students come from a country with a high visa decline rate for the purposes of Rule 18.2 of the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013. This Rule specifies the English language proficiency testing requirements for international students from countries with a student visa decline rate of more than 20 percent.
The list is updated annually and comes into force for Rule 18 purposes one month after publication.
Education providers that enrol international students have until 25 February 2018 to adjust their enrolment policies. From that date, education organisations must use the published 2017 decline rates when enrolling international students, to determine which Rule 18 requirements apply.
Agent approval data for Viet Nam and the Philippines
Since 2016, INZ has published student visa approval rates of education agents in India on its website. INZ has now extended this to include the 2017 student visa approval rate data for education agents assisting student visa applicants in Viet Nam and the Philippines.
The data includes all education agent and adviser types, including offshore exempt agents and licensed immigration advisers.
The Viet Nam report is limited to education agents with five or more student visa applications completed in the stated time period, while the Philippines and India reports are limited to education agents with 10 or more student visa applications completed.
Please contact IEengagement@mbie.govt.nz if you have any questions.