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  • New Zealand providers show global leadership at NAFSA 2025 

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), alongside representatives from eight tertiary providers wrapped up a high-impact week at the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference in San Diego at the end of May.   

    Under the conference theme ‘People, Place and Partnership,’ New Zealand’s delegation was in amongst over the 8,000+ global education leaders, strengthening institutional ties and driving new collaboration opportunities.  

    Representatives from the University of Auckland connecting with conference delegates in the New Zealand pavillion.

    The New Zealand pavilion comprised of University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Otago and Whitecliffe College. 

    ENZ Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, said being present at the world’s largest international education conference is not just about visibility—it’s about leadership.  

    “New Zealand’s education providers have a unique perspective to offer the global education community, and NAFSA is where those voices can shape conversations, forge partnerships, and spark ideas that transcend borders,” she said. 

    ENZ worked with NAFSA to host two sessions in the New Zealand pavilion. Both sessions were well attended, sparking discussions among conference delegates about reimagining higher education. 

    The University of Waikato panel session. From L to R: ENZ Director of Engagement, DuBois Jennings; Unviersity of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai; University of Waikato Associate Director Global Experiences, Jaydene Meadows and ENZ Acting Regional Director, Natalie Lulia.  

    The first session moderated by ENZ Director of Engagement North America, DuBois Jennings, featured a panel discussion titled ‘Te Ao Hurihuri Indigenous Internationalisation: Perspectives from Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato – The University of Waikato’.  The session explored the concept of indigenous internationalisation, focusing on the unique approaches and programmes delivered at The University of Waikato. On the panel was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, Associate Director, Global Experiences Jaydene Meadows from the University of Waikato, and ENZ Acting Regional Director, Natalie Lulia.  

    Associate Director of Global Experiences Jaydene Meadows said the outcomes for the University of Waikato well surpassed previous years at the conference. 

    “This year was significant for us, deepening the roots of current relationships, while promoting new programme offerings and working to develop new business opportunities.” 

    The University of Otago presented the second session titled 'Indigenising our university’s name and brandmark: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago'. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement Professor Jessica Palmer and Manager, Indigenous Internationalisation, Karamea Pēwhairangi reflected on a year since the global launch of their new brandmark, the journey to being gifted a Māori name, and how the University of Otago includes indigeneity in the University’s Internationalisation Strategy.  

    ENZ Acting Regional Director Natalie Lulia said both sessions showcased New Zealand’s unique approach to education that integrates indigenous knowledge, and she looks forward to building on the momentum of the conference. 

    “NAFSA certainly set the ball rolling for increased student mobility, enhanced research linkages, and stronger people-to-people connections between New Zealand and our international partners,” she said. 

  • New Zealand Geothermal training expertise powers Indonesia's renewables journey

    Indonesia has vast capability to generate geothermal power but has looked to New Zealand to provide targeted technical training in order to capitalise on its natural resources and support its renewables journey.

    For the past three years, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) has been providing that practical training through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s aid programme.

    The programme builds on long-standing relationships with the Indonesian geothermal industry which date back to the 1980s.

    New Zealand boasts an innovative and world-leading workforce

    Geothermal New Zealand Executive Director Mike Allen says Aotearoa New Zealand boasts an innovative and world-leading workforce in geothermal science, engineering, and plant construction, and that there is obvious mutual benefit in sharing our skills and expertise.

    “Students who have undertaken training in New Zealand always have a positive experience and when they return home, they are great ambassadors for us.”

    “The geothermal industry is good at maintaining contact with those who have received New Zealand training, and many of them come back and work in the industry here.”

    Mr Allen says the MFAT aid investment in the renewable energy space has also benefitted New Zealand in consultancy contracts, new business, research collaboration, and valuable long-term relationships. “The training we provide is very good for Brand New Zealand.”

    How Wintec’s international education programme is helping Indonesia

    What Indonesia specifically needed from Wintec’s international education programme was training in practical operational skills for their geothermal technicians and operators.

    Since 2018, Wintec has been working with technical institutes and universities to incorporate practice-based learning into their courses and has also provided staff training directly to the geothermal operators.

    “New Zealand has a strong history of apprenticeships and operator and technician training programmes,” says Jo Douglas, who manages the project for Wintec.

    “We took the raw material from our curriculum and repackaged it to meet their needs. We have been involved in curriculum change, training the trainers, and changing their approach so inquiry-based learning and problem-solving is encouraged. We are delivering technical short courses on a range of subject matter in order to fill skills gaps.”

    The programme has been hugely successful for Wintec. It has provided a range of technical training to over 700 participants. But Covid has forced changes to how the content is delivered.

    Staff developed blended online modules which have seen students doing some online learning and then coming into digital classrooms to observe practical demonstrations by tutors. “We even had a tutor who built a model geothermal cooling tower in his living room and students had to interact with the demonstration online.”

    And it is not only the students who are benefiting. “It gives our tutors the chance to teach in entirely different situations, to take their core knowledge and adapt it to new circumstances and with different expectations. It challenges them and gives them the opportunity to see another perspective.”

    This geothermal education story is one of many instances where New Zealand’s education providers are sharing their research, experience and education expertise with sectors or industries around the world. Facilitated by respective governments, a New Zealand education is helping other governments to help their people by addressing the country’s challenges or opportunities.

  • Stronger together: TNZ and ENZ support school sector growth through agent famil

    The week-long programme brought eight agents from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Wellington, Marlborough and Canterbury.

    The aim was to give agents first-hand experience of New Zealand’s short-term study offerings in schools, strengthen connections with regional education providers, and explore opportunities to develop tailored study tour programmes.

    The famil was funded by TNZ, with ENZ collaborating with Schools International Education Business Association of New Zealand (SIEBA) to manage the itinerary and logistics.

    ENZ Senior Market Development Manager (China), Felix Ye, and TNZ Trade Development Manager (Greater China), Sandy He, led the delegation of eight agents - providing on-the-ground support and sector insights.

    In the year ended December 2024 New Zealand exported $1.29 billion of education related travel to China. This represented 35.8% of all exports of education related travel. For trade in education related travel China, People's Republic of ranked 1 of 140 for highest export value. [1] According to data from Stat NZ, 7.9k Chinese students holding visitor visas came to New Zealand for short-term programmes or study tours - the majority visiting during China’s school holidays in July. [2]

    The agents visited St Mark’s School in Wellington, meeting with Erica Harrison, the Acting Principal, and her team.

    The agents met with 15 schools across the three cities, including a mix of private, state-integrated, and single-sex schools. The journey began in Wellington with a warm welcome at Rāroa Normal Intermediate, where the group received a traditional mihi whakatau — a first-time experience for many.

    Deputy Principal Dave Gillies said it was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s experiential learning focus.

    “We’re excited about developing professional relationships with the agents and the opportunities that will grow from this visit,” he said.

    Students from Chisnallwood Intermediate School perform a haka to welcome the group to the school.

    In the South Island, the group explored a range of school offerings and regional initiatives.

    In Blenheim, agents gained insights into the unique characteristics of state-integrated education at Richmond View School, Marlborough Boys' College, and Marlborough Girls' College. 

    In Methven, Mt Hutt College showcased its tailored short-term programme, featuring sustainability-focused tourism at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and hands-on alpine and agricultural experiences – a creative integration of local resources into learning.

    The famil concluded in Christchurch, where SIEBA and Christchurch Educated gave overviews of the New Zealand school system and introduced how their initiatives support the growth of international education across the sector.

    ENZ Regional Director of Greater China, Dr Ron Xavier, said study tours are a growing area of interest among Chinese agents.

    “This famil gave a genuine sense of what New Zealand schools can offer — from cultural experiences to hands-on learning — and helped connect agents with educators who are eager to host students,” he said.

    ENZ and TNZ plan to work closely with participating partners to develop new study tours across different regions for 2026, helping raise awareness of New Zealand as an education destination for Chinese students.

    SIEBA Executive Director, John van der Zwan, is looking forward to experiencing the benefits of the study tour famil. 

    “Study tours have significant potential, we look forward to the outcomes of this famil increasing the exposure of New Zealand’s regional schools in the China market,” he said.

     

    Paddling a waka on the Avon River. Beyond education, the famil also highlighted New Zealand’s unique culture and natural beauty. From visiting Te Papa and Wētā Workshop to paddling a waka on the Avon River in Ōtautahi Christchurch, agents experienced the blend of tradition and innovation that makes New Zealand a compelling destination.

    [1] Tourism data | Corporate and Stats NZ

    [2] https://tourismnewzealand.com/insights/tourism-data/

  • New Zealand strengthens its position as a study abroad destination for Brazilians

    Figures from the 10th annual Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (Belta) Seal Survey 2025 show that New Zealand has climbed to the sixth most chosen destination by Brazilians studying abroad – compared to seventh place in 2024. 

    The survey ran from February to April this year and brought together insights from 586 education agencies and 1,780 students from across Brazil to understand trends, behaviours, and preferences in the international education sector. 

    At the survey launch in May, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale, discussed the country’s growing relevance as a study destination for Brazilian students.

    Speaking at the survey launch event in May, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale said "The data shows that New Zealand has not only maintained its appeal but has also strengthened its position on the radar of Brazilian students, especially amid uncertainties in other markets."  

    Dive into the data  

    Language courses remain the most sought-after programs, accounting for 91% of preferences among the agencies surveyed.  

    Why Brazilian students are choosing New Zealand 

    According to the data, the main factors driving the choice of New Zealand as a destination are: 

    • High quality of life and safety 

    • Academic excellence with a focus on innovation 

    • Ease of obtaining a student visa 

    • Permission to work while studying 

    • Economically and socially stable environment 

    In addition, the growing demand for enriching cultural experiences, closer contact with nature, and the opportunity to develop socio-emotional skills has placed New Zealand in the spotlight — particularly among students who value a comprehensive education. 

    Additional insights from New Zealand-focused questions 

    A complementary survey, also conducted between February and April 2025 with 586 education agencies and 1,780 students across Brazil, highlighted specific factors influencing the decision to study in New Zealand. 

    The survey revealed that 75% of respondents who showed interest in New Zealand also considered it one of their top study destinations — ahead of countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. Students associate New Zealand with high-quality education, a good international reputation for its institutions, and globally recognised qualifications. 

    Additionally, New Zealand stands out for offering work opportunities during and after studies, socio-emotional skill development, and access to nature and outdoor activities — these factors align with current student preferences for holistic and life-enriching study abroad experiences. 

    If Brazil and/or any other Latin American country is part of your business plan for the 2025/26 financial year, please contact the in-market team via Latinamerica@enz.govt.nz. 

     

  • Driving student interest in Indonesia through strategic co-funded initiatives

    ENZ and SUN Education delivered a jam-packed programme of student recruitment events in Surabaya and Jakarta in late May to drive student interest and connect New Zealand providers with potential partners for academic collaboration. 

    Surabaya 

    The activity began with an introductory meeting between Universitas Airlangga’s International Office and visiting New Zealand providers to explore opportunities for academic collaboration between our two countries.  

    The meeting was attended by representatives from the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, the New Zealand Honorary Consulate in Surabaya and SUN Education.  

    Discussions centred on potential areas of partnership, including articulation pathways, staff exchanges, guest lectures, and joint research initiatives. 

    The following day, providers met with prospective students at the Study in New Zealand Exhibition in Surabaya.  

    The exhibition featured the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, UP Education, University of Otago, Le Cordon Bleu, the Southern Institute of Technology and Lincoln University. 

    The event attracted around 200 students and their parents.  

    Study in New Zealand exhibition attendees learning about tertiary education options in New Zealand.

    Jakarta

    Over to Jakarta, ENZ organised an exhibition featuring a strong line-up of New Zealand institutions, comprised of all eight of New Zealand’s universities alongside the Southern Institute of Technology, Le Cordon Bleu, University of Canterbury International College and UP Education.  

    The fair attracted approximately 250 students and parents, all eager to explore the diverse study options and world-class education opportunities that New Zealand has to offer. 

    To close off a busy student recruitment period, a mini exhibition was hosted at Universitas Indonesia, the top-ranked university in Indonesia.  

    The exhibition was specifically for LPDP Affirmative Scholars and students interested in postgraduate-level study.  

    As part of the event, ENZ Market Manager, Naluri Bella, delivered a ‘Study in New Zealand’ session, which attracted around 100 enthusiastic attendees.  

    The session provided insights into New Zealand’s high-quality education system and scholarship opportunities, helping to raise awareness and inspire future postgraduate study pathways.    

    ENZ’s Regional Director (Asia) Ben Burrowes said the activities were designed enhance agents’ and students' awareness of New Zealand’s world-class education offering.  

    “These collaborations help position New Zealand as a competitive and credible choice for Indonesian students,” he added. 

  • Signing up to a bright future for the Deaf community

    A serious encounter with Ménière’s disease partway through his PhD studies was a life-changing event in more ways than one for Arash Tayebi. 

    The inner ear disorder resulted in him losing the hearing in one ear and facing up to the possibility he could become deaf in the future. Studying at Auckland University, and feeling far from his home in Iran, he says the experience hit him hard.

    But Arash turned one of the biggest challenges in his life into an opportunity. He became the driving force behind Kara Technologies, an award-winning start-up using digital sign language avatars to make communications of all kinds accessible to those with hearing issues.

    His own situation made him question the noticeable lack of deaf people studying at universities, becoming entrepreneurs, and holding leadership positions in the workplace. “I asked myself if I become completely deaf will I not be able to succeed in study and work?”

    Engaging with the Deaf community he learned of the real shortage of teachers of sign language, and the complexities in resolving that. Bringing in teachers from overseas is not the answer because they do not know New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Closed captioning, which can automatically caption speech is of limited use as young children cannot read, and existing avatars are not expressive enough for Deaf people.

    “I said let’s work together to come up with a solution.”

    Turning a vision into reality

    What started as a small project with Kelston Deaf Education Centre, now part of Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education New Zealand, ultimately morphed into Kara Technologies. But it took vision, determination, and “mind-blowing” support from people he met along the start-up journey.

    "The cool thing about New Zealand is that if you have a vision nobody will call you crazy, they’re here to help and happy to take a risk. That’s fantastic."

    “There was so much I needed to learn about running a business. I wasn’t rich, so I needed funding. And as the concept was new, I needed the support of the Deaf community.”

    Arash’s first break came when Kara Technologies was named Social Enterprise winner in Auckland University’s start-up business competition Velocity $100K Challenge in 2017, giving him access to seed funding and a mentorship programme. Then there was UniServices, which helps to commercialise promising student ventures through investment, advice, and connections. And in the wider community there was GridAKL, an innovation support community with a downtown campus. “If I had a problem, I could always find someone there who was happy to offer advice,” he says.

    Estimates of NZSL users vary significantly, from about 4000 for whom it is a first language to more than 20,000 who have some knowledge of it. Arash and his team are committed to their vision of improving meaningful access to information for the Deaf community, and they are already making an impact.

    Kara Technologies has produced a diverse suite of avatars, signed children’s books and a range of videos. It has been recognised many times for its innovative work, most recently being named a 2022 finalist in the Public Good category at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards.

    Looking to the future

    The team at Kara sees a future where TV shows, bank machines, travel websites, online registration forms, live theatre, social media, gaming, and virtual reality technologies are all equipped with sign language avatars. “We want the daily life of a Deaf person to be as easy as a hearing person,” Arash says.

    The company is currently trialling emergency messaging by using a set of pre-recorded motion-captured animations, making it possible to relay time-critical information quickly.

    Kara is already attracting interest in the US and Canada, where Deaf advocates are excited by the technology. “They are impressed that a small country can make such a contribution. It makes me proud because I call New Zealand home.”

    Arash says it’s hard to believe the decision he made to come to New Zealand to study in 2013 has led to where he is now. “I thought I would probably complete my PhD and end up in an academic teaching role. But I have a company, a team, a vision, and fantastic friends. It’s all happened because of the great support I’ve received here.”

    He only wishes it was easier for innovators like him to stay on when they finished their studies. He would love New Zealand to introduce a Talent visa like Australia and Canada have. “If you have a cool project they will welcome you, but in New Zealand, you need to secure a job. I already have a job, but it is in my own company,” he says.

    “When New Zealand encourages international students to come here it needs to be able to harness their talent, nurture them, and benefit from their talent.”

    But Arash says he would always encourage students to come here. “Take yourself out of your comfort zone and you will meet amazing people. New Zealand is a crazy, creative country which could easily be your second home.”

  • Support

    To help fuel the continuing growth of New Zealand’s international education industry, ENZ offers services such as advice, funding and agent support.

    ENZ’s advice focuses on both business and market development, while its funding streams are available to New Zealand students and to education providers.

  • Advice

    ENZ’s business development managers provide New Zealand education organisations with advice to help them make the most of international growth opportunities.

    The entire ENZ team works to build the profile of New Zealand’s education system in key market with activities such as media visits, public relations and in-market events.

  • Getting social with Loay Al Shareef

    Loay profiles English-language destinations via Snapchat (30-50k views per video), Twitter (80k+ followers) and his YouTube channel Fallimha (600k subscribers).

    He came here under ENZ’s Visiting Media Familiarisation Programme, and as part of a broader #yoursummerinNZ English-language campaign in Saudi Arabia.  

    Heidi Stedman, Communications Lead hosted the visit in her penultimate week at ENZ, with Sahinde Pala, Regional Programme Manager, taking up the reins for the Auckland leg.

    Together with Loay and videographer Glen, they visited Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown to meet with Saudi students, sample local food and activities, and profile education options.

    Loay's visit, with the #yoursummerinNZ campaign, successfully delivered. Together they generated an extra 13,000 Twitter followers for @nzeducationsa during the three-week campaign, prompted 8,600 tweets, and received more than 3,100 entries in a competition to study English in New Zealand.

    English-language providers also reported enrolments coming directly from ENZ’s Twitter account during the campaign.

    I met Loay for dinner with six Saudi students on his last night in Auckland,” said Peter Bull, ENZ General Manager - International.

    “He talked endlessly about New Zealand, and how impressed he was with the education he'd seen.

    “He connected really well with the students, and they reinforced for him how good their own New Zealand experience was.

    “Ours was a story he clearly enjoyed telling.” 

    Peter20Bull20and20Saudi20blogger

     Above: Loay with Peter Bull

  • Agent Activity Fund in Colombia takes off

    The event was organised by Colombian agency Go Study, Work and Travel​ and supported by ENZ’s Colombia team, via their Agent Activity Fund.  In this inaugural round of the Fund, Colombian agencies were invited to “let their imaginations fly” in proposing ways to promote New Zealand and increase Colombian student numbers to New Zealand.

    Five agencies were awarded NZ$2,000 each, with Go Study, Work and Travel​'s information session being the first cab off the rank.

    As an incentive, all participants at the information session went into the draw to receive two 12-week, English-language scholarships donated by EDENZ and New Zealand Language Centres.

    The lucky scholarship winners were announced at the event.

    A guest speaker at the session was Colombian blogger Maggi Mora who studied English in New Zealand last summer via an English New Zealand International Education Growth Fund project, and raved about her experiences here.

    “This was a clear example of the benefits of different agencies working together,” says Lisa Futschek, ENZ Regional Director Americas and Europe.

    “An offshore agent, NZ institutions, a former student and ENZ all working together to promote New Zealand is a powerful thing.” 

    Javiera Visedo, ENZ Market Development Manager in Colombia, says upcoming projects funded by the Agent Activity Fund will focus on promotional activities using social media.

    “It was great to see so many agents interested in partnering with us and submitting projects for consideration.

    We would like to increase the fund next year because running it for the first time in 2016 has resulted in great exposure for New Zealand.”


    Note: If you’re interested in promoting your region to Colombian agents, then check out the ‘Networking starts at home’ story for an opportunity to meet with Colombian (and other) agents in Wellington on Friday 27 May.

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