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ENZ launches inaugural education showcase in Saudi Arabia
The event followed Trade Minister Todd McClay's visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss several education initiatives, leading a trade delegation with five education organisations.
The New Zealand Showcase covered New Zealand’s expertise in teacher training, school management and operations, and early childhood education delivery. The event was hosted in Riyadh at the Saudi Ministry of Education, chaired by the Minister of Education, Ahmed Al-Issa, with the support of New Zealand Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Hamish MacMaster. The event included representatives from the University of Waikato, Cognition Education, and Little Schools.
Saudi Arabia is implementing education reforms, a response to lower oil revenues, with a focus on growing private education capacity in the country. Saudi officials and investors have shown a particular interest in partnering with New Zealand to set up new school and early childhood education networks, and to raise the performance of existing private schools.
ENZ’s Middle East and Acting South Asia Regional Director, John Laxon, says initiatives such as the showcase are an excellent way to bridge any gaps in knowledge, and promote what New Zealand organisations have to offer.
“The showcase has created a great awareness of New Zealand’s world-class education system, and established partnerships to address some of the common education challenges faced by Saudi Arabia and New Zealand,” said Mr Laxon.
“We are very grateful for the support of Minister Al-Issa and the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, and the New Zealand organisations who supported the event.”
Ambassador Hamish MacMaster and Minister Al-Issa chair the New Zealand Education Showcase
School exam reform in China
The changes are part of the Guiding Opinion on Further Advancing Exam and Student Enrolment Reform at High School Level, officially released by China’s Ministry of Education. Key features of the Guiding Opinion include:
- The intention to combine the Middle School Completion Exam (Chuzhong Huikao) and High School Entrance Exam (Zhongkao) into one ‘Middle School Academic Achievement Exam’ (Chuzhong Xueye Shuiping Kaoshi).
- Middle school students (Years 7 – 9 in China) will have the freedom to choose optional subjects whose exam results will contribute to the final Middle School Academic Achievement Exam (alongside their usual compulsory subjects, for example, Chinese literature and maths).
The overarching objective of the reform is to advance students’ development by allowing them to choose elective courses to complement compulsory subjects. This reform is consistent with adjustments to Gaokao, China’s College Entrance Exam, where students have the option to choose what they want to study, and can pursue what they are good at.
Piloting of the reform is expected to begin at a provincial level from 2018 onwards, and will not affect students enrolling until then.
Rosemary An, ENZ’s Education Manager based in China, says that when these changes come into play, they will likely have some impact on Chinese students who decide to study abroad.
“The changes show an effort by China to mitigate exam burdens and to emphasise the value of all-round development. An added benefit is that if these Chinese students decide to study in New Zealand, they are likely to adapt more quickly to New Zealand secondary schooling as they will have already experienced ‘course selection’ in their home country.”
While it is still too soon to predict what this development will mean for overseas study trends, Rosemary recommends that any institutions recruiting Chinese school students should be aware of this development.
The ENZ China team will keep an eye on the progress and impact of these reforms, and share any updates as they occur.
Innovative award scheme announced in Seoul
At the seminar, agents and providers received updates from Immigration New Zealand and ENZ, had one-on-one discussions and attended the announcement of ENZ’s hotly anticipated new award scheme for Korean students, a video competition called I want to study in New Zealand. The award encourages students to research New Zealand’s education offerings, and get creative by putting together a short video (60 seconds or less) that shows what they want to study in New Zealand and why.
Five awards, ranging from NZ$5,000 - $8,000 to go towards tuition fees, will be given to the students who produce stand-out entries. Agents who put students forward for the scheme will also be rewarded, with four places up for grabs on an ENZ agent famil to New Zealand in 2017.
Cecily Lin, ENZ’s Acting Regional Lead - North Asia, says that in this market it is important to strengthen relationships with agents, and interactive schemes like this are a win-win.
“Promoting New Zealand as an education destination and attracting more Korean students starts with mobilising Korean agents.”
“Through this competition we can acknowledge the important role Korean agents play in this market, and reward their efforts in attracting both quality and high numbers of students.”
The details of the scheme can be found here.
For any queries about the scheme, please contact Cecily Lin or Onnuri Lee (Cecily.Lin@enz.govt.nz and lee.onnuri@enz.govt.nz)
Asia NZ report highlights 'huge scope' for NZ ties with India
The report – India and New Zealand: Growing our connectivity – was written by Graeme Waters, a former high commissioner to India, and highlights the way New Zealand’s cultural landscape is being enriched by our growing ties with India.
Mr Waters said he was impressed how dynamic the Indian community in New Zealand was, and how it continued to grow.
In talking about education, Mr Waters said that recent issues with the Indian student market meant New Zealand authorities needed to deal firmly with students and agents who breached standards, but longer term the "answer seems simple - quality not quantity".
"The growth in the number of Indian students has been impressive, but it is now in both countries' interest to focus higher up the education value chain."
Among the individuals profiled in the report were Indian twin sisters Tashi and Nungshi Malik, who are studying sport and exercise at Southland Institute of Technology. Both sisters are accomplished outdoor adventurers including having climbed Mt Everest.
Mr Waters argued for better airline connections between India and New Zealand, which would bring more tourists and open the door to better trade connections.
He made the point that New Zealand's trade with India was only about 10 percent of our trade with China.
“It's a bit humbling to look at the stats compared to China and to realise that we're only operating at about a tenth of the level we do with China, so huge scope for advancement and lots of cultural advantages in doing so," he told Radio New Zealand.
Along with the main report, Mr Waters has also written India and New Zealand: The Ties that Bind Us, which looks at the historic relationship between the two countries.
Meet the Dream NEW scholarship winners
The initiative was launched in December 2015 by Prime Minister John Key as part of the FTA campaigning in Europe. The scholarship offers EU students one study abroad semester in New Zealand (valued at $12,500 NZD) - sending one student to each of New Zealand’s eight universities.
We received nearly 400 applications from across 21 EU countries, with the majority of students applying from Germany. Candidates were selected based on a combination of their fantastic academic results as well as creative motivational essays or videos.
The winners begin their New Zealand adventure in February 2017, and as official ‘Kiwi Ambassadors’ will keep us updated throughout their time in New Zealand.
Here the eight winners share with us the moment they heard the news, as well as what they are most looking forward to.
Patrick Rebacz (from Germany, going to Massey University)
“I have never been to New Zealand, so I am very curious about the culture, the landscape, the education system and the food. I am looking forward to meeting new people, getting lots of new ideas, being part of a great educational infrastructure and exploring the amazing landscapes. It will be an inspiring and rewarding experience.”
Veronika Rudolf (from Germany, going to University of Waikato)
"When I received the call about the Dream NEW Scholarship I couldn't believe it! Even after telling my family and friends, and starting the preparations, it still feels like a dream. I'm looking forward to my papers about Māori culture at the University of Waikato - I can't wait to start my journey and experience a whole new part of the world."
Lisa Kullander (from Sweden, going to Lincoln University)
“I was so excited when I found out that I won that I wanted to jump and scream with joy. It has given me the opportunity to fulfil my dream to study in New Zealand. There are so many things that I am looking forward to, like exploring the amazing nature. But as a landscape architecture student, what makes me most excited is all the knowledge and inspiration this opportunity will provide me with.”
Marvin Stüde (from Germany, going to University of Auckland)
“I am most excited to explore the beautiful country and to attend interesting courses about topics which are not taught at my home university. I have no doubt that I will have a great time during my study abroad!”
Read his essay submission here.
Laura Schnelle (from Germany, going to University of Canterbury)
"I am looking forward to living in Christchurch, exploring the great outdoors and learning new things about health education and motivational psychology!"
Read her essay entry here.
Simone Grilli (from Italy, going to Auckland University of Technology)
“I am definitely ready for this new adventure and know it will be one of the most important of my life. My mind is focused on the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, the unique culture and the All Blacks - the best rugby team in the World!”
Anna Czerwinska (from Poland, going to Victoria University of Wellington)
“I only shared the news with my best friend, my boyfriend and my sister – telling them that it could not be true, it was a dream. During the first week I didn’t tell anyone else about it - I still can't believe that it really happened!”
Watch her video entry here.
Svenja Niederkrome (from Germany going to University of Otago)
“I can’t put into words how happy I was when I found out that I’m one of the lucky recipients! For me, New Zealand is a little paradise at the other side of the world and I can’t wait to spend a whole term studying in such a unique place!”
Watch her video entry here.
ENZ builds agricultural links in Brazil
The agencies were the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock in Brazil (CNA, the Brazilian equivalent of Federated Farmers of New Zealand) and the National Service for Rural Learning (SENAR). Similar to New Zealand institutions, both agencies see innovation and technology as a key part of higher education, and value practical learning.
The CNA Technical University is focussed entirely on the agriculture sector, and has the highest evaluations from the Ministry of Education. It is now looking to partner with New Zealand education providers to internationalise their programmes. Distance learning also plays an important role at CNA.
SENAR operates in a slightly different way. Without physical classrooms, SENAR technicians take training and knowledge offsite to farms throughout Brazil, studying problems with clients directly and offering solutions and support. Technicians work with each client for two years, with the goal to make them independent of SENAR’s support. Courses can be from the most basic level such as hygiene, to management issues such as how to manage water and soil resources.
ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Brazil, Ana Azevedo, says New Zealand’s reputation in the agricultural sector, combined with the practical approach of New Zealand institutions, means providers such as these are eager to build partnerships with us.
“Because CNA only offers agricultural studies, they are looking to partner with institutions who share their focus. This is where New Zealand has an advantage, as our reputation as leaders in the agricultural industry, combined with our practical hands-on education system makes New Zealand a very attractive study destination for young Brazilians in this field.”
Following the meeting, CNA has offered to contact ENZ with partnership ideas to present to New Zealand institutions. We will aim to build on these discussions in the coming months for tangible results.
Photo by Tony Oliveira/Trilux
Iran trade visit seals breakthrough deal for New Zealand universities
The visit secured several major education outcomes, including a ministerial announcement that the University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University would be reclassified as ‘excellent’ by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. These universities will join the University of Auckland and University of Otago, who have already been given the top ranking. These classifications play a significant role in guiding Iranian students in choosing where to study abroad. All of New Zealand’s universities are now classified in the top two categories.
Above: signing the Education Cooperation Agreement

A higher education co-operation agreement was also signed between Ministers, which provides a platform for increased academic and research co-operation between the two countries.
ENZ arranged several university recruitment events as part of the visit programme. Some 80 per cent of Iranian students in New Zealand are studying at PhD level. ENZ Chair Charles Finny, who led the education delegates on the visit, said this is a key area to build on.
“These initiatives will significantly boost our universities’ recruitment of Iranian students, particularly at the PhD level,” said Mr Finny.
“I look forward to New Zealand universities making the most of this opportunity in the coming years, and commend the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury and Auckland University of Technology for participating in this ground-breaking visit.”
US institutions tour New Zealand ITPs
Despite a shaky start to the week, the US visitors undertook a successful study tour which involved visiting six ITPs: Unitec Institute of Technology, Waikato Institute of Technology, Wellington Institute of Technology, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Otago Polytechnic and Southern Institute of Technology.
ENZ funded the IAPP as part of an agreement with IIE and was designed to focus on professional and vocational education (PAVE).
ENZ Director of Education - North America, Amy Rutherford said the US institutions had gained a solid understanding of the ITP sector during the study tour, as well as the unique offerings of each institution and potential areas for collaboration.
“Historically, ITPs have not had much interaction with US institutions, but ENZ’s presence in the US coupled with the support of US-based organisations like IIE will help develop PAVE collaboration,” said Rutherford.
The IAPP is designed to help develop partnerships between US institutions and institutions abroad. The programme began in April this year with a series of webinars involving New Zealand ITPs and US institutions, and will finish with development of strategic relationships between the New Zealand and US institutions in 2017.
US representatives from Hawaii, California, Michigan and Pennsylvania were particularly interested in how ITPs work with their communities, engage with industry and schools, and develop curriculum offerings to meet the needs of the local economy. They were also impressed with the breadth of ITPs’ internationalisation goals and successes, and the strong Māori cultural links of each institution.
For more information on IAPP or the work ENZ is doing in the US, please contact Amy Rutherford: Amy.Rutherford@enz.govt.nz
ACG expands its New Zealand vocational group
ACG Group Chief Executive, John Williamson, said that acquisitions are part of ACG’s plan to broaden its portfolio of high-quality educational services.
“With ongoing demand for recognised, quality educational qualifications, we are well positioned to grow, either through developing new offerings ourselves or acquiring providers whose philosophies and standards match ours,” said Williamson.
ACG’s vocational diplomas, degrees and courses are offered in a range of creative industries such as IT, tourism and hospitality, trades and services, health, and early childhood. The acquisitions will now see ACG delivering education to over 12,000 students through its 35 campuses across three countries.
ACG’s other institutions include Yoobee School of Design, New Zealand Management Academies, New Zealand School of Tourism and New Zealand Career College.
Animation College is New Zealand's leading character animation college, delivering both traditional and 3D animation courses. AMES is one of New Zealand’s top IT education providers, while South Seas Film & Television School is a leading film, television, screen acting, animation and photography training institution.
Cricket great bats for NMIT
NMIT chief executive Tony Gray said the cricketer is a household name in Sri Lanka and India. These are both important markets for overseas student recruitment, making Jayawardena an influential asset for NMIT.
"We’re fortunate to have such a superstar batting for NMIT. He has been a regular visitor to NMIT and genuinely believes in the opportunities that NMIT can give fellow Sri Lankans,” said Tony.
"Having Mahela as brand ambassador will help us show Sri Lankan students that Nelson and Marlborough are the places to come to study and enjoy life at the same time."
The arrangement will see Jayawardena promoting the educational attractions of NMIT in Sri Lanka, appearing on banners, posters, videos and social media for the institute.
Tony Gray says NMIT wants to build its Sri Lanka numbers, especially students attracted to accountancy and business programmes. Currently, less than 20 per cent of Sri Lankan students who want to attend university in Sri Lanka are able to gain a place due to high demand and limited spaces - making overseas education very attractive.
"We already have more than 30 Sri Lankans studying at NMIT and living in Nelson. They fit in very well, speak very good English and work hard,” said Tony.