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New Zealand progressively reopens borders for international students in 2022 with new start in 2023
Note: The information in this story was correct at the time of publication, however, some steps in New Zealand's border reopening plan have now been brought forward. Click here to check the current border reopening steps.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) welcomes the Government’s announcement to reopen New Zealand’s borders. This is a positive step for international education.
The announcement outlined a five-step process for reopening borders from 28 February 2022, initially for New Zealanders to return from Australia and then from the rest of the world.
The Government also announced a fourth border class exception for up to 5,000 international students to enter New Zealand for study from mid-2022, in addition to the earlier cohorts approved in 2020 and 2021.
From October 2022 normal visa processing will resume, enabling international students to enroll for study in New Zealand in 2023.
ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson says today’s announcement is an important step towards rebuilding a strengthened and sustainable international education sector. “The border reopening steps outlined today enable the international education sector to progressively open through 2022 for the existing cohorts, with a new much larger cohort able to enter New Zealand for study before semester two. More details of the new student cohort will be determined by the Ministers of Education and Immigration and advised in due course.
“There's also an opportunity for students from Visa Waiver countries such as Japan and South Korea to enter New Zealand from July for short visits of up to three months.
“The Government has demonstrated their commitment to international students and educational institutions in 2023, with normal visa processing resuming in October 2022. This means international students can plan towards being in New Zealand for courses starting in 2023.”
Mr. McPherson said education providers could now plan with greater certainty for the year ahead.
“It has been an incredibly challenging period for New Zealand education providers, international students, and those who support them. The sector has shown considerable patience as the borders were carefully managed to minimize the threat posed by COVID-19. Today’s announcement is an opportunity to rebuild and reshape the sector to meet the challenges ahead.”
Mr. McPherson said the innovation and diversification into online learning and delivery of courses offshore, including pathway programmes over the last few years, would remain a feature in the industry as it moved forward. Today's announcement also prepares the way for New Zealand students to resume international studies abroad in the future.
“All New Zealand education providers know the value of building international partnerships, and developing new ways of meeting student needs. These are important building blocks for future resilience and quality education outcomes.
“In addition, from 14 March 2022 students entering New Zealand through the border exception cohorts will have the opportunity to self-isolate, rather than going through Managed Isolation and Quarantine facilities - subject to complying with all the required health and border requirements.”
Mr McPherson stressed the importance of seeking advice before moving forward with applications for enrolment. Students who have questions about this border class exception should contact their agent or preferred education provider in the first instance.
Students can also visit NauMai NZ, which provides useful information for international students in New Zealand or preparing to travel to New Zealand.
He rā ki tua – Better days are coming!
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Strengthening education links in US
The trip included speaking at the world’s largest annual international education conference (NAFSA), as well as interviews with international education media including Chronicle of Higher Education, PIE News, and Times Higher Education. Chris Hipkins also met with US government officials and education professionals from various organisations and institutions.
The trip began with an open forum discussion with New Zealand education representatives. Chris Hipkins responded to questions relating to the challenges New Zealand faces as it reopens and rebuilds its international education sector. He then met with Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado. Their discussion touched on commonalities between New Zealand and the State of Colorado and compared approaches to education reform and improving education outcomes for students, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. They also discussed the importance of research collaboration, particularly as it relates to STEM subjects and the global climate crisis. The meeting ended with agreement that deeper relationships between institutions in Colorado and New Zealand would be beneficial.
Speaking at the opening plenary at NAFSA, Chris Hipkins emphasised that New Zealand is once again ready to welcome international students. NAFSA leadership invited the Minister to a private reception after the plenary where they shared their enthusiasm for New Zealand reconnecting with the world. During his day at the Denver Convention Center, the Minister also took a tour of the conference exhibit hall, chatting with both New Zealand and international educators.
“It was wonderful for the Minister to get this chance to engage with our education providers and get a broader look at the international education field,” says Lisa Futschek, ENZ’s General Manager International. “It was great for him to see how well-regarded New Zealand’s education system is in the global international education ecosystem.”
Guests enjoying the New Zealand reception at NAFSA
Chris Hipkins then met with Deputy Assistant Secretaries of the US State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He reaffirmed New Zealand’s strong partnership with the US and the international education sector’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through our continued partnership with ECA around the Fulbright and Gilman scholarships, which enable students of limited financial means to study abroad.
“The Minister received a very warm welcome from our colleagues at the State Department who were excited to hear our borders are opening,” says Education Counsellor to the US and ENZ’s Regional Director to the Americas, Middle East and Europe, Amy Rutherford. “It’s great to have such a strong relationship with a government’s education agency committed to the same values that we are.”
A variety of organisations involved with the delivery of international education in the US also met with Chris Hipkins for a roundtable discussion. This covered the unique opportunities for New Zealand in the international education sector and what sets us apart from other countries and their education systems.
(l to r) Education Minister Chris Hipkins, Kahle Charles, Assistant Superintendent of Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, St Vrain Valley School District and Scott Cardwell, Co-founder and CEO, ImmerseMe. Mr Charles is signing the agreement between St Vrain and ImmerseMe.
On the final day of his visit, Chris Hipkins headed to Xero’s Denver headquarters to participate in a roundtable discussion with several principals and school superintendents in surrounding Denver school districts, as well as the New Zealand edtech company ImmerseMe and representatives from JillE Literacy. The conversation touched on the changing face of early childhood and school education due to COVID. Panellists were interested in the approaches and policies being implemented in New Zealand and all were agreed that we would benefit from working together and learning from each other to improve education outcomes. At the end of the roundtable, the Minister witnessed the signing of a seven-year partnership agreement between ImmerseMe and St. Vrain Valley School District, and the gifting of GlobalEd’s JillE Literacy books to roundtable participants.
The Minister’s involvement, along with the launch of the I AM NEW global marketing campaign, certainly helped lift New Zealand’s profile at NAFSA. There was a lot of interest inNew Zealand’s announcement of reconnecting with the world, and the eight universities and Te Pūkenga were kept busy meeting with partners each day of the conference.
The trip strengthened our connections with the international education community, including with US study abroad professionals recruiting students to study in New Zealand. As study abroad applications begin to open for January 2023 study, thanks to the Minister’s visit to NAFSA, the international education community will be well aware that New Zealand is ready to host students and can provide a unique and high-quality education experience.
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Exploring a vision for the ‘Future of International Education’ in Aotearoa
It was an action-packed week in Wellington for Emeritus Professor Bean and his business partner Helen Souness. They were invited to Wellington by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) to facilitate discussions on what the future may look like for Aotearoa New Zealand’s international education sector.
Professor Bean is former Vice Chancellor of The Open University in the United Kingdom and RMIT University in Australia, and is now CEO of the Bean Centre. Along with his business partner Helen Souness, former CEO of RMIT Online, they partner with education experts, education providers and technology companies to shape an education future that works for the rapidly evolving needs of learners, and the evolving landscape of work they will eventually be part of.
On Tuesday 1 August, ENZ hosted a cross-section of representatives from our international education partners in government, industry and tertiary education institutions at a full-day workshop. The aim of the workshop was to bring together our sector and collectively explore a vision for the future of international education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This work is a key part of Focus Area 2 of the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2022-2030 (NZIES) and how we can diversify our educational products and services and modes of delivery to create a more sustainable and resilient future.
ENZ’s Chief Executive Grant McPherson opened the event and said that it was a privilege to host experts in the field of international education and have them share their knowledge and experience on what is disrupting the world of tertiary and international education globally and what other countries are doing in the face of these challenges.
''I would like to thank everyone that came along with such energy and great ideas. It was a fantastic day and the collaboration between government, industry, and the education sector served to generate some inspiring ideas on how, as a country, we can innovate and differentiate our international education sector to remain competitive on the world stage.
''This is especially important work given the challenges that the international education sector is facing not just in Aotearoa but also around the globe. Professor Bean and Helen Souness really inspired us to think about the future of our sector from the point of view those around us including learners, communities, and industry, in the face of these challenges’’, said Grant.
Professor Martin Bean and Helen Souness had this to say about the 1 August workshop.
YouTube YouTubeProfessor Bean also said “I was delighted to participate in a week of deep thinking as we collectively imagined a brighter future for New Zealand’s international education sector.
“It’s clear that the world of work and tertiary education is changing rapidly and it’s great to see that colleagues in New Zealand are determined to meet the challenges and build a strategy to thrive in turbulent times”.
Another highlight of the day included a presentation from social innovators Hinepounamu Apanui-Barr and Briana Te Haara-Barr on the work that Tokona te Raki: Māori Futures Collective is doing in finding indigenous solutions to global challenges. Their case study and discussion provided valuable input to the day as we then discussed Aotearoa’s unique value proposition.
ENZ’s Sector Engagement General Manager Wendy Kerr, whose team is leading the work involved with Focus Area 2 of the NZIES, said that in the days following the workshop, the ENZ innovation team met with our international education agency partners to reflect on the discussions and wonderful ideas that were brought to the table during the day’s workshop.
“It’s not often we get a chance to shape the future and this week has proved a valuable foundation for many in our sector to contribute to the course of the future of international education for Aotearoa. And what an exciting privilege that is.
She added, ''Now the hard work really begins, and ENZ will be leading the development of a green paper that will be the basis for consultation with our international education partners including government, education providers, industry, iwi, the wider community, and of course, our learners. Watch this space for the exciting developments to come!’’
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AUT international students connect with senior citizens
A uniquely engaging initiative supported by New Zealand Police and AUT recently brought together international students and local senior citizens to connect in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The initiative was an outcome of a meeting of the Auckland Agency Group, of which Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao is a member and enabled international students to understand and start to integrate into local culture guided by senior residents and members of the wider Auckland community.
As the last 12 months have seen the welcome return of international students to our campuses and communities, New Zealand Police Ethnic Services teams around the country, including in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, have been busy engaging with international students in a number of ways.
Around 18 students met with 10 senior citizens at the Northbridge Residential Village.
The event helped international students engage with their local community, establishing intergenerational bonds, helped them access support networks, engage in cultural exchange, and actively participating in community affairs.
The event included a panel discussion involving members of Northbridge Residential Village, AUT international students, and New Zealand Police. The panel discussion unfolded in two key segments: the initial part addressed the dynamics of culture shock, while the subsequent portion revolved around the overarching themes of diversity and inclusion.
AUT Students Association, International Affairs Officer, Yun Ke, said that the AUT international student interaction with local senior citizens event was a great success.
“We have received immensely positive feedback from students about the event, which is exciting.
“This interaction saw double the participation by international students, as compared to a previously held event in September,” Ke said.
San Winkyi, an international student from Myanmar, was grateful to New Zealand Police for the way they supported the event.
“The police’s presence and assistance contributed significantly to the event's success, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to international student safety and wellbeing,” San said.
For Huabiao Xiao, an international student from China, the interaction was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate cultural differences while enjoying communicating with an open and inclusive local community of senior citizens.
“Spending time with local seniors and police officers was an amazing experience, far beyond anything I could have imagined. These elders are simply the epitome of local cultures and society, and I deeply appreciate their differences and uniqueness. At the same time, I appreciated how New Zealand police officers are committed to promoting a community culture,” Huabiao said.
Education providers with international students who are interested in organising a similar event are welcome to contact Faymie Li, faymieli@enz.govt.nz or Ross Crosson, ross.crosson@enz.govt.nz.
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New Zealand education on the world stage at NAFSA 2024
More than 8,500 international education professionals descended on New Orleans to take part in the 76th annual NAFSA Association of International Educators (NAFSA) conference from 28 to 31 May. Due to its scale, the conference is an important strategic platform for New Zealand in raising brand awareness for our international education offerings.
This year, the New Zealand Pavilion featured imagery from ENZ’s new brand campaign Learn New Every Day. The pavilion provided an eye-catching focal point to showcase the New Zealand education brand, our education products and services and proved a friendly meeting point for the hundreds of meetings and engagements held over the course of the week.
With an audience of thousands of international education professionals in one place, the University of Otago harnessed the opportunity to launch its new brand. Jason Cushen, Director – International from Otago said that NAFSA was the perfect place to launch amongst our global partners and friends, the university’s new tohu (symbol) and Te Reo Māori name, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, a metaphor meaning A Place of Many Firsts.
ENZ’s NAFSA team at the celebration of the international launch of the University of Otago’s new brand and Te Reo Māori name – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. From left to right: Natalie Lulia, Associate Director of Engagement North America, DuBois Jennings, Director of Engagement North America, Amy Rutherford, Regional Director for Americas, Middle East and Europe, Ben Burrowes (Regional Director for Asia, excluding China and Acting General Manager International), and Janine Huxford, Manager, Global Events and Education Agents.
To open New Zealand’s participation at the event, ENZ and all eight universities co-hosted a networking event ‘The New Zealand Experience’. Welcome remarks were shared by Amy Rutherford, ENZ’s Regional Director for Americas, Middle East, and Europe and Counsellor (Education) with Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Otago, as MC for the evening.
Amy said that the networking event was an opportunity to celebrate reciprocal partnerships, which form the cornerstone of the New Zealand International Education Strategy.
“Key partners and stakeholders from around the globe were invited to connect with our New Zealand education representatives at the networking function. It also gave us the opportunity to showcase and celebrate New Zealand’s international education with old friends and new and set the tone for a busy and positive week of more networking, meetings, and valuable engagements.
“This entire week is incredibly important for amplifying our visibility and credibility as a small but high-value education host country on the world stage. Having a presence here means we can meet face-to-face and build sustainable relationships with a wide range of players in our sector on a scale that, due to our location in the world, we do not get to do every day,” added Amy.
ENZ’s Regional Director AMEE, Amy Rutherford, with Carlos Enrique Vecino Arenas - Director for International Affairs, Universidad Industrial de Santander and Giovanni Anzola, Director International Relations, Universidad Externado during a meeting with Colombia Challenge your Knowledge at the New Zealand Pavilion. Amy is holding poi which were given as gifts to partners.
ENZ also took part in a panel talk called ‘What is indigenous-led internationalisation’? The panel explored how indigenous and non-Western knowledge and worldviews are essential for intercultural learning through the experiences and work of Māori education experts. The panel provided examples of how indigenous ways of knowing and being can enhance intercultural learning and what Indigenous-led internationalisation looks like in practice.
Moderated by DuBois Jennings, ENZ’s Director of Engagement North America, the panel of experts included Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Otago, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, Manager at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and Natalie Lulia, ENZ’s Associate Director of Engagement. The session was very well attended with the NAFSA Board Chair LaNitra Berger commenting that the session was incredibly informative and well done.
ENZ’s Associate Director of Engagement, Natalie Lulia participating in a panel talk called ‘What is indigenous-led internationalisation?’ at NAFSA 2024.
Natalie said that it was a wonderful opportunity to be invited to showcase the important work that Aotearoa New Zealand is doing within our indigenous internationalisation ecosystem and our unique approaches to international education.
“It is not often you get to hear the perspectives of expert voices from iwi, university, and government agencies who are the driving forces behind this work, let alone on an international platform such as NAFSA.
“We are seen as a world leader in this area, which is why the session proved so popular and people were having to sit on the floor! I am looking forward to continuing this discussion next week at the British Columbia International Education Week Conference in Vancouver where I have been invited to speak on this topic, alongside the CE for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Professor Wiremu Doherty,” added Natalie
Following the success of New Zealand’s participation at NAFSA 2024 it will be ENZ’s turn to host our friends from NAFSA in a few weeks. We will be welcoming Dr Fanta Aw, CEO and Executive Director of NAFSA, and LaNitra Berger, NAFSA President and Chair of Board of Directors, to New Zealand when they will attend the NZIEC KI TUA conference from 6 to 8 August in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.
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Around the world in five
Australia
The latest Agent Perception Survey from Navitas has demonstrated the impact of policy changes in Australia and Canada on demand and how the countries are viewed, and also shows that students are casting the net wider for higher education options and that demand for alternative destinations is growing.
India
Future of overseas education is set for major transformative shifts, driven by advancements in AI and immersive technologies. AI-led Virtual Reality tours are just one aspect that is set to revolutionise student exploration of overseas campuses.
South Korea
At the same time as leading Western destinations – e.g., Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom – are applying brakes to slow or reverse the expansion of their foreign enrolment, several Asian destinations are doing the opposite: pursuing policies to boost international enrolments to record-high levels. Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea have all set ambitious new international enrolment targets.
United Kingdom
The UK government is considering replacing the Secure English Language Test (SELT) with a Home Office-owned testing model as part of an overhaul of the language requirement for student visas.
United States
International applications to US institutions continued to grow in 2024/25, though at a slower pace than in previous years, a new survey published in August 2024 has revealed.
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From the CE: China, the GCC, and a warm welcome
Tēnā koutou katoa
Recently I arrived back to New Zealand after a whirlwind visit to Beijing to attend the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE).
While there, I was delighted to announce that New Zealand will be the Country of Honour at next year’s conference in 2025. New Zealand and China share a long and important relationship - it remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner and CACIE is the biggest international education conference in China – connecting professionals, researchers and international education stakeholders.
Overall, the visit was extremely useful and included engagements with the President of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), senior Chinese Government officials, opinion leaders and media, as well as visits to education providers and meetings with New Zealand Inc Agency heads. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with ENZ’s China team in market.
Ed Tuari from our leadership team has also just returned to New Zealand after undertaking a market confirmation exercise in the Middle East region. The purpose of the exercise was to connect with key stakeholders and partners working in the region to establish what opportunities are available in international education, and to explore what level of resource ENZ may need to allocate to the region in the future. His travels took him to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.
Some good news to report on New Zealanders’ perceptions of international education and international students in New Zealand. The results from our latest survey show that 72 percent of respondents believed that international education and international students benefit New Zealand. This is similar to previous years' scores which is promising.
For the first time this year, the annual survey asked respondents if they wanted to see more or fewer international students in the country. Forty-one percent of those surveyed said they would like to see more, with another 36 percent supporting the same number of students. 82 percent of New Zealanders agreed that international students contribute to our cultural diversity, with 79 percent feeling they help local students learn about other cultures and ways of life, as well as contributing to local businesses during their studies. A thriving and sustainable international education sector needs the support of New Zealanders to create a welcoming environment for international students, so the results are pleasing to see.
Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te manuhiri
With your food basket and my food basket, the visitors will be cared for.
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao -
Hong Kong student wins Wellington award for unstinting community service
The Year 12 student from Wellington Girls’ College has been named a winner at the annual Wellington International Student Excellence Awards for her contribution to the city’s international student community and her tireless community service.
She was among a group of 24 high-achieving secondary and tertiary international students recognised at the event for excelling academically, in the arts, sport, community, or online.
As the only child of a teacher and a primary school assistant, Jasmine came to New Zealand in November 2019 to complete her education. Leaving behind a competitive school environment, and a tense and complex political environment, she arrived in Wellington ready to embrace the open and culturally diverse environment she found herself in.
Jasmine says that she had always wanted to get involved in community activities, but until arriving in New Zealand she lacked both the confidence and the opportunities.
“As an international student here, I have been given so many opportunities. I want to treasure all of them and get involved.”
Jasmine quickly understood the value of participation and leadership.
“Arriving in a new country where you don’t know anyone can be a lonely experience, and it’s easy to just hang out with people from your own country, but I have made great friends, both from New Zealand and around the world, and gained support through the organisations I’m involved with.”
From helping to reinvigorate the International Club at school, Jasmine went on to be a key player in the establishment of the Wellington International Students’ Association, which not only connects international students across city schools, but also seeks to build relationships between domestic and international students.
Domestic and international students learn from each other
She believes there is much that domestic students stand to learn from international students.
“They get to see a perspective from another part of the world. Coming here to study has allowed me to immerse myself in New Zealand's culture and learn far more about the country than I would if I was a tourist.
“I’m sure the same applies to New Zealand students who haven’t had the opportunity for exchanges or travel. Through encouraging domestic students to get involved in our events we have built stronger connections.”
But Jasmine hasn’t stopped there. From Mary Potter Hospice to Conservation Volunteers New Zealand to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), she has put in the mahi. She recently earned her SVA Silver Service Award pin for clocking up more than 250 volunteer hours working to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Taking her community service to the next level, Jasmine has been selected to represent Wellington Girls’ College in the National Ambassador programme. She will join other like-minded students from around the country working to connect, support, and empower international students.
All of this while juggling studies, sport, mentoring, and music. However, she insists that she has gained more from her community service than she has given.
Volunteering builds skills and network
“Volunteering gave me the opportunity to get out there and build a strong network with experienced people. I’ve gained important inter-personal skills like customer service and communications, and I’ve also learned a lot about New Zealand culture.”
Jasmine says being an international student in New Zealand has also allowed her to appreciate some of the important issues which other communities, such as the LGBTQIA, face.
“I appreciate the inclusiveness towards gender minorities here. In Asia, people are much more reserved about their beliefs and opinions but here we can have open discussions and everyone can be passionate about sharing their thoughts. It has had a powerful influence on me.”
Global citizen skills important
The global citizen skills acquired through international education are so important for the current generation of students heading off to Uni or into the workforce, Jasmine says.
“It’s important to know people from other parts of the world, understand some of the issues they face, and appreciate their culture and beliefs. Building relationships in-person is so much more valuable than learning from the internet.”
“The diversity of ethnicity and cultures, religious and political opinions here in New Zealand has really enhanced my worldview.”
Jasmine is delighted to have been recognised for her contribution to the community, and says her parents were thrilled when her name was announced at the awards ceremony. “Not only are they proud of my own achievements, but they feel that I am representing Hong Kong well in New Zealand.”
Jasmine’s parents were among 214 friends and family of recipients who joined the livestream of the awards ceremony from around the world.
As for the future, Jasmine is looking forward to completing Year 13 and being a member of the student executive next year, striving for the SVA Gold Award for volunteering, being a National Student Ambassador, and ultimately heading to the US to study Computer Science.
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From the CE: Growth on the go
Kia ora koutou,
This month, the Government announced the International Education Going for Growth Plan – this is an exciting, positive step forward for international education as we chase a big growth target to double the value of New Zealand international education by 2034.
It’s an ambitious target. However, with the strong and steady growth we have seen in international student numbers in 2024, the Growth Plan will help us boost that growth track to make New Zealand the destination of choice for international students.
At its heart, the Growth Plan is about striking the right balance between achieving sustainable growth for the sector, while providing our international students with an excellent experience in New Zealand and enabling our communities to understand the broad benefits that international education brings.
I am pleased with the work that is underway to progress the plan’s implementation. Over July and early August, ENZ is holding a series of market focused, cross-sector sessions to share market plans for 2025-26. The sessions will provide sector representatives with a topline update on market plans, growth targets, the approach for subsectors, and market activity.
I believe these sessions will prove useful in clarifying how ENZ intends to engage with the sector to activate and deliver the plan.
And with the way our latest 2024 enrolment numbers have continued their upward surge, we are on the right track to advance towards our growth goals. Our enrolments are now at 72 percent of pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019, with most sub-sectors contributing to this growth.
We are also seeing interesting trends in these enrolment numbers across subsectors, level of study and source markets and we look forward to sharing these insights with the sector. So make sure you sign up for ENZ’s webinar on 2024 international student enrolments to learn more about emerging trends with students, and how you can use this information in your organisational planning.
Last week, we said farewell to two of ENZ’s long-serving Board members, Linda Sissons and Lyn Provost, who completed their terms, and welcomed new members Sara Brownlie and Prabha Ravi with a mihi whakatau.
Finally, this week, I will be attending The PIE Live Asia Pacific event, where I will be speaking at a ‘New Zealand: Country update and trends’ panel session alongside University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Cheryl de la Rey and Deputy Editor of The PIE News UK, Kimberley Martin.
The session will discuss how New Zealand is poised for sustainable growth in international education and will cover the New Zealand International Education Going for Growth Plan and its ambitious target to double the value of international education by 2034.
For those of you attending the event, I look forward to seeing you there.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
Let there be closeness, not distance
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
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Kāpiti College’s doors are always open
With 83 students from 17 different countries currently enrolled, Kāpiti College’s international education programme is one of the largest in the Wellington region – no mean feat for a school ‘up the coast’ from Wellington city.
Theirs is an opportunities-focused approach, combined with strong ‘say yes, and work it out later’ attitude. Steve’s the first to admit it’s an approach that doesn’t suit everyone but, for now, it’s one that’s working for them.
This open and proactive way of working has seen them develop an array of innovative teaching methods and programmes to the benefit of both local and visiting students, including those with learning disabilities.
Interesting aspects and benefits of Kāpiti College’s programme include:
International class
Kāpiti College’s innovative approach to international education puts a strong emphasis on internationalising the Kiwi students, with a specialised ‘international’ class bring trialled this year. This Year 10 class sees Kiwi students learn social studies and English through an international lens and learn the basics of Mandarin and Thai language. International students join the class as they arrive during the year.
There is some competition to get into this class, with those who are successful being given the opportunity to travel to China and Thailand later in the year.
One such student, Max Ross, was awarded a scholarship to spend three and a half weeks at Pibulwitthayalai School in Thailand. Steve Burt visited Thailand a short time later to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the school, formalising the partnership between the schools and creating the foundation for a long-term engagement.
Pathways
Other education providers in the region also reap the rewards of Kāpiti’s successful international programme, with many Kāpiti College students choosing to remain in the area and enrol with them.
The aviation programme offered by the school in conjunction with Kāpiti Air Academy has proved just the hook to entice one of Kāpiti College’s international students to further his education in New Zealand.
The school also offers academies for golf, swimming, basketball and rugby.
Special programmes
The flexible and open approach of Kāpiti College’s international team has seen them host foreign students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. The smaller class sizes and specialist teaching ensures these students aren’t left behind and they feel welcomed by their peers and the staff.
Community engagement
Kāpiti College’s programme is supported by a strong homestay community. This creates a real sense of welcome for the students and brings about a strong understanding within the community as a whole of the value of international education.
The broad reach of the school’s engagement with the wider community has seen them build a strong relationship with a local Chinese real estate agent who acts as a willing ambassador for the college’s education programmes on her visits to China.
Offshore government engagement
Paul and Steve have worked at making good connections at a government level too, with the Thai Ambassador to New Zealand, H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, recently visiting Kāpiti College and praising their achievements in teaching Thai language and culture. The Ambassador also invited the families of the 17 College students soon to travel to Thailand to visit The Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington where he will provide them with an orientation programme.
The future looks bright for Kāpiti College’s ongoing success in it international programme but there’s one thing Steve is only too aware of: “We can’t take things for granted. It’s important to keep our eye on the ball as far as the student experience goes, as well as maintaining regular and meaningful contact with offshore stakeholders.”
H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Ambassador of Thailand to New Zealand meets with Kāpiti College’s International Thai Students
