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  • New Pastoral Care Code of Practice for Tertiary and International Learners Released

    Today, the Government released a new Code of practice for the pastoral care of tertiary and international learners, to take effect by 1 January 2022, as required under the Education and Training Act 2020.   

    This revised Code is the product of many conversations, engagements, emails, phone calls, and hui.  We are thankful to everyone that has spent time to help improve the wellbeing and safety of tertiary and international ākonga. 

    The overall purpose of this work is to develop a system of supports for the wellbeing and safety of domestic tertiary and international learners, through one set of clear rules and expectations for providers that can be tailored to their learners’ needs. 

    We have summarised the key changes and provided links to the new code and Ministerial Press release, below  

    What does the new Code mean for tertiary providers?

    Tertiary providers will need to consider how their overall systems and resources support learners’ wellbeing and safety. 

    It will be important for providers to build and maintain strong relationships with learners and other interested stakeholders to identify and define the issues that are important for their communities and develop appropriate strategic goals, plans and practices around them. 

    Providers are expected to:

    • build capacity across their organisation to engage and empower learners to manage their own wellbeing
    • proactively identify and respond to learners who may face additional challenges as early as possible and tailor extra support to meet their needs.
    • respond effectively in an emergency.

    The new Code continues to focus on outcomes and flexible practices that enable providers to support their learners in ways that best meet their needs.

    What does the new Code mean for tertiary and international ākonga?

    The Code will make providers more accountable to learners, their families and community. The new Code expects tertiary providers to consult with learners, and other stakeholders when developing, reviewing, and improving their strategic goals, plans and practices. It also expects providers to be transparent about their wellbeing structures, strategies, practices and performances.

    What’s changed for international ākonga?

    The new Code covers domestic and international tertiary students and international students in schools. The goal is to ensure consistency within tertiary providers rather than having separate Codes for international and domestic learners in the same provider. The new Code continues to spell out the expectations that apply now for providers regarding the specific needs of international learners. There are no changes to requirements for schools, in New Zealand, who host international students.

  • Consultations

    Open

    There are no open consultations at this time.

     

     

    Closed

    New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Rules

    The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is reviewing the NZQA Rules to reflect amendments to the Education and Training Act 2020 which came into effect on 1 August 2022, and to ensure the rules remain up-to-date and fit for purpose.

    Consultation closed on 21 October 2022. Go to https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/rules-consultation/

    New Zealand International Education Strategy 2022-2030

    The Minister of Education is refreshing the New Zealand International Education Strategy. The Ministry of Education has developed a draft Strategy and was seeking your views on the proposed changes.

    Consultation closed on 28 June 2022. Go to https://consultation.education.govt.nz/te-puna-kaupapahere-policy/new-zealand-international-education-strategy-2022/

    Enrolling international fee-paying students under Year 9

    The Ministry of Education was seeking your views on the future of enrolling international fee-paying students under Year 9 (primary and intermediate level).

    Submissions closed on 11 March 2022. Go to consultation.education.govt.nz/international-education/intlenrolunderyear9

    Immigration policy settings

    The New Zealand Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry into what immigration policy settings would best facilitate New Zealand’s long-term economic growth and promote the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

    Submissions closed on 24 December 2021. Go to www.productivity.govt.nz/inquiries/immigration-settings

    ENZ made its own submission to the inquiry, which you can read here (links to Productivity Commission website).

    Draft policy statement: high value for international education

    The Ministry of Education was seeking your views to help it define what ‘high-value’ means for international education.

    Submissions closed on 24 September 2021. Go to consultation.education.govt.nz/international-education/highvalue/

  • Around the world in five - August 2022

    International 

    New Zealand border fully open for international travellers 

    New Zealand’s reopening to all students... 

    New Zealand sector optimistic as it reopens to all students 

    Chris Hipkins, New Zealand Minister of Education 

    NZ Centre at Peking University to continue 

    New Zealand visa fees to increase 

    Former int’l student in New Zealand deported due to drink-driving offence 

    China an anomaly as usual choice factors return 

    How universities can support international students beyond orientation week 

    New Zealand 

    Safest country in the world revealed: New Zealand climbs to second in Peace Index 

    Kiwi high schoolers are the future of entrepreneurship with award-winning pitch 

    Overseas students welcomed back to Hamilton as travel restrictions end 

    International students finally return to Christchurch 

    Positive signs Indian students still find NZ an 'attractive destination' 

    Aotearoa's EdTech companies are taking on the world 

    China 

    PM Speech to China Business Summit 

    India 

    New Zealand announces Soha Ali Khan as its new education brand advocate for India 

    University Of Auckland: Mumbai Team Win University Of Auckland Business Case Competition 

    The Inaugural Round of Joint-Research Proposals at New Zealand Centre at IIT Delhi Announced 

    Te Pūkenga announces new international education strategy to boost global connectedness 

    Japan 

    New Zealand and Japan mark 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations 

    Japan aiming to recover international education sector in five years 

    Thailand 

    Thai students are buzzing and ready to fly to New Zealand high school, counting down to New Zealand opening on August 1, 2022 

    New Zealand launches I AM NEW 2022 campaign to accept international students 

    United States 

    Internationals behind quarter of US billion-dollar startups 

    Viet Nam 

    Seeing the value of education better through the pandemic 

    Director of ENZ Vietnam: "Being a mother helps me master financial balance skills" 

    New Zealand offers 30 Scholarships for Global Certificate of Competence 2022 to Vietnamese teachers 

    Migration and ROI fuelling Vietnamese interest in overseas study 

    The first international conference on “Global Citizen Education” 

  • Around the world in five - September 2022

    International 

    Ardern welcomes students back to New Zealand 

    Amended NZ education strategy released 

    Finding value in technology for education 

    New Zealand university plans biggest ever job cuts 

    Gender gap ‘impossible to overcome’ without ‘intervention’ 

    NZ: Victoria partners on TESOL in Vietnam 

    Linguistic racism can take a high toll on international students 

    New Zealand 

    Watch: PM Jacinda Ardern on Covid-19 Rules, Construction Industry and International Students 

    Italian students feel greater connection to nature after learning about Whanganui's Te Awa Tupua legislation 

    Tauranga education showcase returns to South Korea 

    Education NZ’s plan to woo Asian students 

    ESOL outdated: English for speakers of other languages guilty of othering 

    Return of international students marks new era for sector 

    International students: How changes in Asia could affect how young Kiwis learn 

    Australia 

    Western Australia government launches Agent Incentive Scheme, extends student bursaries 

    China 

    China will again welcome international students 

    Colombia 

    NZ Embassy welcomes Colombia agents 

    India 

    University of Auckland announces scholarships worth NZ$1.5 million for Indian students 

    Rural Indians join rush to study abroad as prospects dim at home 

    Indonesia 

    9 Indonesian women complete Girls in Tech scholarship programme 

    Italy 

    The Convitto Nazionale di Cividale flies to New Zealand with the DEP Project - Digital Exchange Program 

    Japan 

    Government sets goal of 100,000 students going abroad by 2027 

    Malaysia 

    Many Malaysians returned as experts after New Zealand education, says High Commissioner 

    New Zealand’s University of Waikato keen to collaborate with Malaysian universities 

    South Korea 

    New Zealand, Korea well placed in digital ecosystem to work together: ambassador 

    Winners of Student Reporter Contest recognized at ceremony 

    Thailand 

    Rose Garden Rangsit School joins hands with ENZ to organize coding camp 

    Guidelines for laying the foundation for successful learning and teaching English Introducing "learners" is a key principle of teaching English 

    Vietnam 

    Quang Tri teacher receives full scholarship from New Zealand Education Agency 

    University of Auckland supports students from South-East Asia 

  • NZ’s updated Code of Practice – caring for international students 

    The following article is based on a presentation by Julia Moore from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) at NZIEC KI TUA 2022 in August. NZQA is responsible for administering the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code), which came into effect in January this year. 

    All domestic and international tertiary students, and international students in schools, are now covered by the Code. Offshore learners are also covered, with updated guidance from NZQA explaining what is expected, and what pastoral care might be provided for people studying offshore.  

    Wellbeing is closely connected with success in education, and this is recognised in the updated Code. The Code signals a new way of thinking about success for learners which includes wellbeing and acknowledges that being heard and responded to is part of wellbeing. 

    “International learners should be able to have their voices heard and heeded,” Julia said. 

    The Code sets a framework for the relationship between providers and students. It acknowledges solutions are best found locally, so the Code requires providers to work out what is appropriate in their own setting, and for meeting the needs of diverse learners. Learners and their communities need to be included in the design, review, and improvement of practice. Taking care of international learners has become an organisation-wide responsibility for the education provider, rather than the sole responsibility of pastoral support teams or the international office.  

    “We aim to support providers’ continuous improvement in taking a whole-of-organisation approach to pastoral care, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and responding appropriately to the diverse voices and wellbeing needs of their learners,” Julia said. 

    You can listen to NZQA’s full presentation at the link below. 

     

    NZQA holds regular workshops on the Code, and you can find out more here  

    Links to further information: 

    Read the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021  

    Code resources for tertiary providers 

    Code resources for school signatories 

     

    If you have any questions, please email the code team at NZQA: Code.Enquiries@nzqa.govt.nz  

  • From the CE: The need to connect remains critical

    Kia ora tatou,

    This month I want to add some colour, and give credit, to the work New Zealand institutions and the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) team have been undertaking offshore in the continuing drive to raise awareness of NZ education options and opportunities.

    I have mentioned before how much of this activity is often ‘unseen’ from New Zealand, and yet it is pivotal to our marketing and outreach to potential students, their parents, agents, institutional and government partners. The principle focus of this effort is to engage with students, build awareness, and drive interest and enrolment in New Zealand education providers. But that is not all. These activities and events, play an important role of ensuring the sector and its institutions remain connected to key international counterparts and government agencies, lifting the profile of New Zealand as a destination for international education while building long term resilience for the sector.

    Here is a quick update on some of this International activity. Images of some of these interactions are shared in our international photo gallery update here.

    China:   Massey University and ENZ organised a Massey University friends and alumni reception in the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing on 27 August. About 50 participants attended the event including alumni and partners of Massey University. The event was particularly timely following China being the Country of Honour at NZIEC Ki Tua earlier in the month and highlights the important linkages between government to government and institutional relationships in key markets.  

    India:    ENZ was a gold sponsor of the IC3 Institute annual conference, held in Hyderabad on 23 - 24 August. ENZ was joined at the event by representatives of seven New Zealand universities and saw strong interest among counsellors in New Zealand as a study destination. More than 2,000 delegates attended the two-day event.

    Brazil; Colombia - Latin America:  Following on from strong interest shown in New Zealand at the first in person expo at the Australian Centre Expo in Sāo Paulo in August, ENZ’s Director of Engagement Latin America, Javiera Visedo, took the opportunity to reconnect with providers and stakeholders across New Zealand after attending NZIEC Ki Tua. In Auckland, she delivered a market insights session to local ELS and PTE sector representatives highlighting opportunities for growth.

    Malaysia: The first instalment of the Indigenous People Talk series took place on 13 August with Dr Hazel Abraham from AUT joining Malaysian academics to discuss the importance of education and technology to empower indigenous communities in both countries.

    Indonesia: Universities New Zealand signed an arrangement with LPDP (the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education) on 2 August in Jakarta. The Arrangement was signed by Prof Neil Quigley, University of Waikato Vice Chancellor and Chair of the UNZ International Committee, and Andin Hadiyanto, President director of LPDP. New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, HE Kevin Burnett joined representatives of all eight New Zealand universities to witness the ceremony.

    South Korea: In three short days from 31 August to 2 September, the ENZ team organised an Agent seminar, a New Zealand Education night reception and the New Zealand Education Fair. All were well attended and interest from attendees was high.

    Thailand: Similarly, in a compressed week from 25 - 30 August, the ENZ Thai Team coordinated Agent seminars, the New Zealand Education Fair in Bangkok, and follow-up school visits and agent fairs in the Thai provinces of Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chonburi.

    Vietnam: In the lead up to the New Zealand Education Fairs which will take place in October, the ENZ Vietnam team participated in the GSE Education Fair by hosting a ‘Study with New Zealand’ session on 9 September.

    If you are interested in learning more about how your school or institution can participate in building connections with international students, contact our international team through this link.

    Within New Zealand, we were delighted to welcome the first cohort of students from Ichihara City to undertake a study tour at Waimea College in Nelson from 6 - 20 August. Reinforcing the importance of the study trip, ENZ’s Lisa Futschek joined the Mayor of Ichihara in Wellington to discuss further strengthening of the Education Cooperation Arrangement with Ichihara City that was originally signed in 2020.

    Our sector engagement team continued its briefings of key sub-sector peak bodies to outline the ENZ Annual Plan and how it impacts their sector. This included briefings for the SEIBA Board, QTI and ITENZ, and English New Zealand. This followed briefings early in August with international directors of New Zealand universities and Te Pūkenga. Feedback from the bodies was appreciative of the explanation and sharing of the plan, with questions raised at the briefings a key part of the transparent and helpful feedback we received.

    The urgency for the international education sector to address challenges and opportunities of the future continued on from the NZIEC Ki Tua conference in mid-August  through to the recent ITENZ conference held in Christchurch on 12 and 13 September.  The PTE sector has faced some of the most challenging conditions in recent times, but the determination of those attending to identify and take opportunities to regain their previous strength was impressive and bodes well for the sector’s path to a brighter future.

    On the marketing front, visits to the Study with New Zealand (SWNZ) website continued to perform well with the total number of active sessions lifting nine percent to 125,203 during August. Of particular interest was the strong interest from Thailand which overtook India in August as the main source of interest with a spike in activity before and during the Education Fair in Bangkok. As we move through the year, other markets are also expected to show lifts in activity associated with local market fairs and promotion.

    This week also saw ENZ host the first Tertiary Education Institution Manaaki Scholarship workshop in Auckland since ENZ took over the management of the scholarships programme last November. The workshop was attended by all eight universities and Te Pūkenga, with support and involvement from MFAT, Manaaki alumni and Skills Consulting Group. The scholarships not only benefit the students, but also the sector who gain access to many international students through this unique programme.

    As I look back on this month’s review it is obvious to me that to continue the rebuild of the international education sector for New Zealand the need to connect remains a critical part of the recovery. Whether it is happening in other countries or here in New Zealand, it is important to remember we are a ‘people’ business – we need to get out there and connect. Safe connecting.

    He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! 

    What is the most important thing in the world?  

    It is people! It is people! It is people! 

    Ngā mihi,

    Grant

  • From the Acting Chief Executive: A lot to be proud of

    Tēnā koutou katoa 

    Earlier this month a New Zealand business publication ran a column that challenged the role of international education in delivering our Government’s objective of double the export earnings. As you might expect, I could not let the challenge go unanswered. You can read the full response on the ENZ website, but I thought there was merit in highlighting a couple of the key points along with some of the excerpts as they provide a good summary of the state of international education in New Zealand today.  

    The first point I made in my response confirmed that students are returning. We recently published the Ministry of Education’s enrolment data for 2023 (part-year) which firmly backed this up.  

    “Students are returning to New Zealand. In the first eight months of 2023 international student enrolments topped 59,000 with all sectors experiencing growth except wānanga. Accepting that it is from a low base, comparing 2023 to 2022, Universities have bounced back strongly reporting a 15% increase from 24,040 to 27,535.“  

    “In the first eight months of 2023 English Language Schools saw the greatest percentage increase in international enrolments, increasing by 347% from 1,565 to 7,001. Schools reported a 114% increase from 5,925 to 12,662. NZIST Te Pūkenga, a 32% increase from 4,955 to 6,560 and Private Training Establishments (funded and unfunded), a 13% increase from 5,000 to 5,671.”   

    Of these enrolments, students from India continue to provide the second highest number of enrolments in New Zealand. In recognition of our valued partnership, I am delighted to announce that the Republic of India will headline as Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA 2024.  

    The designation of Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA celebrates our international education connections with partner countries and I am pleased that we can celebrate the growing education connections between our two countries in this way. You can read more about this announcement along with a call for speakers in our E-News story here.  

    The second point from my response that I would like to reiterate is that: We have a plan and the sector is working together to deliver. 

    I highlighted that “The New Zealand International Education Strategy, revised in 2022, sets out a multi-year action plan to develop a high-value, resilient and innovative education sector for both international and domestic students. Further the new Government’s manifesto made clear their vision and priorities for international education. “ 

    “I can also assure you that the sector is working together to achieve its goals, that all eight universities participated in a recent ENZ-led delegation to India, is just one example of the co-operation.”  

    It was very timely that I then received a wonderful note of appreciation from a Dunedin City Councillor this week for the work of the many people within ENZ and the sector involved with the recent Korean agent famil. This was further evidence that we are working collaboratively as a sector and delivering benefits to the international education ecosystem and our regions.  

    Councillor Christine Garey said “The input from ENZ has helped over the years to establish and maintain an international education ecosystem in the city. It’s encouraged transitions between school and tertiary education and supported a strong growth agenda with increased higher quality students staying longer.  

    However, of particular benefit has been access to inbound/outbound famils and delegations. ENZ’s support in bringing agents to our city has been especially valuable and allowed us to showcase what Ōtepoti, Dunedin has to offer. There is no replacement for this in person experience and we look forward to these visits continuing to rebuild relationships globally. 

    Study Dunedin and the international education ecosystem are in good heart here in Ōtepoti Dunedin, working collaboratively and effectively. We look forward to ENZ’s continuing support and especially, we warmly look forward to welcoming future famils to our city.” 

    Keep up the great work, everyone. 

    He manawa tītī  

    Endurance is a virtue that cannot be understated. 

    Dr Linda Sissons 

    Acting Chief Executive 

  • Indigenous internationalisation a hot topic across North America

    The topic of Indigenous Internationalisation has been proving a popular one at international education events across North America recently. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Associate Director of Engagement, Natalie Lulia, was asked to share her thoughts alongside experts in panel discussions in both the United States and Canada in May and June. The invitations offered a good opportunity to showcase the important work that Aotearoa New Zealand is doing in indigenous-to-indigenous engagement and internationalisation and our unique approaches to international education. 

    It was at the 76th annual NAFSA Association of International Educators conference in New Orleans that Natalie was first invited to take part in a panel talk on the subject “What is indigenous-led internationalisation?”. Natalie was joined on the panel by Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Otago, and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, Manager at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.  

    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. 

    The panel was moderated by DuBois Jennings, ENZ’s Director of Engagement North America, who noted that the session was extremely well attended.  

    “It was very inspiring listening to our panel of experts share their thoughts with a very attentive audience. It was so popular that people were standing at the back, which is indicative of how the global international education community values our expertise in this area,” said DuBois. 

    A te ao Māori approach to education was then the feature of Chief Executive for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Professor Wiremu Doherty, who delivered a powerful keynote address at the British Columbia International Education Week Conference in Vancouver in June. Natalie joined Professor Doherty in a panel presentation on: ‘Talking Circle: Exploring the intersection between Internationalization, Indigenization, Decolonization and what it means to be Indigenous Serving. Also on the panel were Sarah Child and Kelly Shopland from North Island College in British Columbia, Canada who had recently returned from visiting Aotearoa New Zealand with a group of indigenous Canadian students in May.  

    ENZ’s Natalie Lulia participating in the panel discussion on ‘T Talking Circle: Exploring the intersection between Internationalization, Indigenization, Decolonization and what it means to be Indigenous Serving’ at the British Columbia International Education Week Conference in Vancouver in June.

    Professor Wiremu Doherty, CE of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, delivers his keynote address on Māori education at the British Columbia International Education Week Conference in Vancouver in June.

    Natalie said that it was an honour to have been invited to speak at both events, alongside experts who are the driving forces behind this work within iwi, universities, and government agencies in Aotearoa New Zealand 

    International educators around the world are showing increasing interest in the unique approach we take to international education here in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are seen as a country that is leading the way in indigenous-to-indigenous engagement and internationalisation.  

    These opportunities are not just a chance to share our experiences, but importantly an opportunity to learn from each other. We can learn from indigenous educators, thought leaders and communities here too - this is important in building reciprocal and meaningful partnerships,” said Natalie. 

    Natalie added that “This is a key area that Aotearoa New Zealand can leverage to support student mobility, research collaboration and partnerships with institutions around the globe. ENZ will continue to  work with our education partners, Māori and indigenous communities and use these platforms to share our expertise and ultimately grow indigenous international education for our country”.  

    Upcoming platforms to continue showcasing Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to indigenous internationalisation will take place at the next Global Inclusion 2024 Annual Conference in Washington DC on 29 October to 1 November.  Then in March 2025, the ENZ North America team will be leading a one-day symposium highlighting indigenous international education at the Forum on Education Abroad conference in Toronto, Canada.  

    If anyone is interested in connecting with the ENZ team in North America to have a chat about this topic or receive further information, please email northamerica@enz.govt.nz.    

  • Rise in international students rating New Zealand experience positively

    In the 2024 International Student Experience Survey, students lifted their positive rating of their experience to 86 percent, two percent higher than the previous year.  

    In addition, the number of students who rated their experience as “excellent” lifted eight percent to 41 percent. 

    The results were announced today at the international education sector conference, NZIEC KI TUA, which was organised by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). 

    Commenting on the survey results, ENZ Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons said the results demonstrate the high quality of the New Zealand education experience both inside and outside the classroom. 

    “That we have a significant increase in the number of students rating their overall New Zealand experience as excellent is something to be celebrated. The results are a reassuring testament to the ongoing recovery of the sector and our ability to deliver international students what they highly value in a study destination.  

    “We are delighted to see how positive students are about the people they meet and connections they form in New Zealand. This speaks strongly to the enriching ties these students will have to our country in the long run, and how we will benefit and learn from each other,” Dr Sissons said. 

    2024 sees the highest proportion of international students (41 percent) rating their overall New Zealand experience as ‘excellent’, up from 33 percent in 2023. This proportion is higher than any of the previous three surveys undertaken. This year also includes a much larger sample of 6,431 students compared to 4,755 students last year.  

    Students were most positive about the people and connections they experienced in New Zealand (90%), followed by education experience (87%), making study arrangements (87%), arrival and orientation (85%), and living experience (83%).  

    Students also positively rated their experience using an education agent, particularly their agent’s knowledge of their education provider’s application process (84%), New Zealand application options (81%) and how using an education agent reduced the time taken to complete their application (79%). 

    For further information: 

    Visit Tableau Public to access the data sets (login required) - International Student Experience Survey 2024 | Tableau Public

    Visit ENZ's Intellilab for the full report - International Student Experience Survey 2024 Report | ENZ IntelliLab

    Or contact: 

    Sai Raje | Senior Communications Advisor, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao  

     +64 21 479 649  

     

    Notes to Editors:   

    About the New Zealand International Student Experience Survey 2024  

    The New Zealand International Student Experience Survey aims to better understand the overall student experience for international students enrolled with New Zealand education providers as well as those who have recently completed their studies. The survey also aims to understand where improvements can be made to enhance the international student experience.  

    International students across all sectors and all stages of the student journey were invited to participate in this online survey. Fieldwork for this survey was conducted from 10 May to 4 June 2024 and included 6,431 respondents representing over 100 nationalities. 

     

    About Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/   

    ENZ is the government agency dedicated to helping Aotearoa New Zealand realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Our role is to promote New Zealand as a high-quality education destination offering excellent education and student experiences and to encourage New Zealand students to study overseas. 

    With approximately 105 staff in 16 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector which includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and universities. Internationally, we work with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector.   

     

     

  • Group General Manager appointments

    The appointment of three Group General Managers to ENZ’s Leadership team completes the organisation’s recent change process.  

    This week, ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu was pleased to confirm three new Group General Manager appointments to the ENZ Leadership team.  

    As you may be aware, ENZ has recently been through an organisational change process, which is now complete with these latest appointments.   

    Sahinde Pala has been appointed Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement; Julia Wootton is appointed Group General Manager, Strategy, Capability and Performance; and Anna Gestro has been appointed Group General Manager International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships 

    The Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement oversees the wider International team, alongside a newly created International and Sector Engagement (ISE) team, including four new International and Sector Engagement Leads.   

    The New Zealand-based ISE team is led by Director International and Sector Engagement, Sharon-May McCrostie, who has responsibility for overall engagement and relationships with peak bodies.   

    The team is the sector’s primary point of contact for ENZ in New Zealand. 

    The ISE team is responsible for working across sub sectors and facing into offshore markets to ensure a seamless flow of market and sector intelligence. The team is the sector’s primary point of contact for ENZ in New Zealand. 

    The ISE Leads are:  

    Alana Pellow – with responsibility for Americas, Europe, Korea and Japan  

    Alanna Dick – with responsibility for Greater China 

    Alex Glidden – with responsibility for South-East Asia (excluding Philippines)  

    Andy Walker – with responsibility for India, Philippines and Sri Lanka  

     

    Read on more about ENZ’s new Group General Manager appointments below. 

    Group General Manager appointments 

    Sahinde Pala – Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement 

    Sahinde Pala has been appointed Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement. Sahinde has been with ENZ since 2016 and has vast experience navigating international markets and developing smart strategies to boost student recruitment and sector engagement. She has also led the transition of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme. Sahinde will officially start in her new role on 17 March 2025.  

    Julia Wootton – Group General Manager Strategy, Capability and Performance 

    Julia Wootton comes with 10 years of senior leadership experience from Kainga Ora, the Department of Internal Affairs, and ACC. She’s an expert in strategy, performance management, and workforce reorientation, and she’s led successful transformation programmes across various Government departments. She will be joining ENZ on 14 April 2025.  

    Anna Gestro – Group General Manager International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships 

    Anna Gestro is currently CEO at HFC Engineering Group and has an impressive track record in global brand development, data-driven strategies, and audience engagement. Anna played a key role in transforming New Zealand Cricket into a more inclusive and purpose-led brand. Anna’s start date is still being finalised. In the meantime, Adrian Hirst will be Acting Group GM International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships.  

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