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• Around the World in Five

  USA

  Recognising the need for Americans to improve their international awareness, this article views study abroad as a “solution” to American foreign policy isolation. The article discusses the imbalance between the number of international students who study in the US (975,000) and the number of US students who study overseas (304,000), the Generation Study Abroad initiative that aims to double the number of US students who study abroad (and which ENZ is a signatory to), current US government support of study abroad and ideas around potential policy changes to further support study abroad.

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  China

  During the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) annual sessions in March 2016 (called the “Lianghui”, or “Two Meetings”), it was identified that skills in the high-end manufacturing industry, the science and technology service industry, IT, the cultural products and creative industries and the finance industry will likely become the most sought-after over the “13th Five-Year Plan” period (2016 – 2020).

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  Taiwan

  The number of Taiwanese people with a college, university or other type of higher education degree has increased to 5 million (42.68 of the population) in 2015, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) on Saturday. This is higher than the OECD average.

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  Brazil

  Jose Celso Freire, head of the international office of Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) and also president of the international education association of Brazil, FAUBAI, is optimistic about the future of the Science without Borders scholarship programme. Mr Freire said, “I don’t believe they will just cut the programme, but there’s a huge push that scholarships will be more focused on postgraduate studies.”

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  Vietnam

  Transnational education, study abroad and opportunities for collaboration were all on the agenda at an international education conference on integration in education jointly held last week by the Association of Vietnam Universities and Colleges (AVUC) and the Vietnam International Education Consultants Association (VIECA). Held at the Government Guest House Hanoi, the one-day conference welcomed international education experts from both provider and agent sides of the industry and was attended by more than 200 AVUC members, foreign embassy officials and representatives from several government ministries.

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• Reminder of new data collection requirements

  Private Training Establishments who do not receive SAC and/or Youth Guarantee funding from the Tertiary Education Commission, and are also signatories to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students are reminded that they are required to submit new data on their international students from 31 March 2016.

  The August 2015 change to the Private Training Establishment (PTE) Registration Rules made it a condition of PTE registration to submit specific data to the Ministry of Education.

  Consultation with exempted PTEs

  A temporary exemption was granted to PTEs that provide English Language training only. For further information on the exemption please refer to the NZQA website.

  An independent facilitator, Pania Gray of Kororā Consulting, is consulting with exempted PTEs on their approach to the new data collection requirements. Pania is consulting with exempted PTEs who are members of English New Zealand, via this representative body. Exempted PTEs who are not members of English New Zealand, and who would like to discuss the issues with Pania, are invited to contact her at: pania@kororaconsulting.co.nz.

  Background about the data collection project

  The Ministry of Education, Education New Zealand and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have been working on a project which will gather better information from Unfunded International Education Providers (UIPs) using an automated data collection system.

  The aim of the data collection project is to provide better market insights and analysis, and more targeted risk assessments, that will to help inform plans and activities relating to international education.

  Good data and in-market intelligence can influence government strategy and policy, and enable informed data-driven decisions to be made. These decisions can work to the benefit of international education providers, international students and the wider international education industry.

  More about the data and how to submit it

  The UIP Data Collection – SMS Specification document explains which providers are required to submit data and how the data must be submitted.

  Further information is available on the Services for Tertiary Organisations (STEO) website.

  If you have any questions, or need clarification on who the exemption applies to, please email UIP.Datacollection@education.govt.nz.

  The rule change took effect on 1 March 2016 and the new data must be submitted from 31 March 2016. If you require assistance with setting up the data return, please email UIP.Datacollection@education.govt.nz.

• Meet the Brazil expert

  Ana took the opportunity to clarify the recently-introduced – and then removed – tax on international education fee transfers and gain insights from Maura on New Zealand’s competitive advantage in the Brazil market.

  Ana: What is the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (BELTA) is and what does it do? 

  Maura: BELTA is a non-profit organisation that works across Brazil. Launched in 1992, it was the first association working in the field of international education in Latin America. Today, BELTA agencies represent 75 percent of Brazil’s international education market. These agencies are committed to promoting, facilitating and delivering education and exchange services (educational and cultural programs of all kinds and for all ages, courses, internship and volunteer work programs), in Brazil and overseas. BELTA is often asked to share its experiences with other countries to help them organize their own associations.

  Besides promoting Study and Exchange Travel, BELTA monitors the standard of services offered by its associated companies, evaluating their performance from both a student and international partner organisation perspective. Only agency partners of the highest integrity and who agree to abide by the Association’s Social Statute and rigid Code of Ethics are allowed to join BELTA.

  Along with the Board of Directors, I am responsible for ensuring BELTA functions correctly, and for representing the Brazilian market to international government and education entities. BELTA is a member of the Federation of Agencies Associations, and I am its president for the next four years.

  The income tax on international transfers relating to educational purposes (such as student exchange programmes) has recently been in the news. The Brazilian government has now announced that it will not charge those transfers. Would you clarify and comment on that? 

  At the start of January the Brazilian government decided to end the tax exemption for payments due abroad. The proposed rate for the new tax was between 6.38 percent and 33 percent. Fortunately, on 26 January 2016, the Department of Federal Revenue published that study abroad programs would be exempt from the new tax.

  Brazilian students are now able to plan their international exchange programs with the knowledge that they will not have to pay this tax. This good news for our New Zealand partners!

  We know the weakening of the Brazilian Real in relation to the American dollar and the Euro has had an impact on the demand for education abroad to those destinations. Do you believe that New Zealand may be a more desirable study destination in the current economic scenario? 

  New Zealand has a big market in Brazil because of the favourable exchange rate and the high quality of the education. The opportunity to work while studying is also very appealing for Brazilian students. All of these conditions combined places New Zealand in a special position as a destination for the Brazilian student. 

  Brazilian students are looking for qualifications that will help them succeed in the challenging job market. They are looking for postgraduate and specialized programs that will position them well in the job market, when the Brazilian economy is back on track. New Zealand is well-placed to fulfil this demand.

  What’s your connection to New Zealand? What’s your view of New Zealand as an education destination for Brazilian students and what advice you would give to NZ institutions wanting to attract Brazilian students?

  I have visited New Zealand as part of my job, visiting a range of education institutions. I have also had the opportunity to visit the country with my family as a tourist. It offers great education and lifestyle opportunities for students and fantastic tourism experiences.

  Students are able to live in a very safe environment, can choose from a great variety of high quality institutions and subject areas, in all kinds of cities or towns. And all within a country with beaches and mountains, fields and farms, with very hospitable and well-educated people.

  New Zealand is a top education destination and I love its people! This is my very personal opinion!
  
  

  Institutions wanting to receive Brazilian students should:

  • offer high quality academic programmes and excellent facilities, including accommodation

  • work with high-quality agencies

  • promote the school regularly throughout the year

  • offer good advice on visa processes

  • be open and understanding to the cultural differences between New Zealand and Brazil.

  Find out more about BELTA at http://www.belta.org.br/

• Rosehill College and Te Hihi primary school partnership thrives

  Just ten minutes down the road, Te Hihi School is a full primary school in rural Karaka with around 200 students and 17 staff. Rosehill College has a well-established international student programme and Te Hihi is just starting out.

  “In the past we have had the odd Korean student come to our school, but with Anne’s help we have developed an international student business plan, I’ve been to an ENZ fair in Guangzhou and we’ve hosted a study group from Taiwan,” says Kevin Bush, principal at Te Hihi School.

  Anne Henwood is the Director of International Students at Rosehill College and she takes Te Hihi’s marketing material with her whenever she goes overseas.

  “Our relationship with Te Hihi school is a real pleasure – and it makes good sense,” says Anne.

  “As well as offering families a pathway for their child from primary to secondary education, our relationship shows we have strong connection with the local community and a serious commitment to our children.”

  With a pathway through to Rosehill College, a Te Hihi School student can stay within the area and possibly with the same homestay family for the full course of their schooling in New Zealand.

  Kevin has also noticed the benefit of having international students in the school on his Kiwi students.

  “In August we had a year 8 short term study group come from Taiwan for five weeks – our children had their eyes opened as they got to know children from another culture. Asia is an area that they don’t get a lot of exposure to but going forward as a country, Asia is going to be important to them as adults,” says Kevin.

  “The children that come to New Zealand on their own show remarkable resilience. The friendships that they make while they are here, especially if they stay on for secondary school, are likely to last a lifetime – providing valuable global connections for our children.”

  In June, Anne hosted a visit by an agent from Guangzhou who spent the morning at Rosehill and the afternoon at Te Hihi.

  “The agent really enjoyed her visit and it was great to show her both schools in one day, to demonstrate the strength of our working relationship and what we have to offer as a package,” says Anne.

  “Back in her office in China she will have a much better understanding of our education system and everything we have to offer when she is talking to parents about sending their child to New Zealand.”

  Marketing as a team is a long term proposition that will only bear fruit over time. As principal of a small rural school, Kevin is realistic about their capacity for international students.

  “I’m planning for around six international students to come to Te Hihi over the next couple of years which seems like a low target but I am excited by the diversity even a small number of students will bring to our school,” says Kevin.

  Anne agrees saying: “International students bring culture and diversity, as well as a willingness to learn, to be part of the whole English environment.”

  “Some Rosehill students may never get the opportunity to travel so the experience they get at school with other cultures becomes very important.”

• Competition winners and interns enjoy trip of a lifetime

  A separate competition was launched in India called ‘Fashion for Fleming’, requiring fashion students to design a t-shirt for ENZ’s Brand Ambassador, Stephen Fleming. The competition encouraged students from India to incorporate creative designs showcasing the unique values of both countries. The winner received a two week internship at AUT’s Fashion School.

  As well, over the past couple of months, two students from Viet Nam and India, and one each from Indonesia and Malaysia undertook all-expenses paid internships at various institutes in New Zealand.

  We’ve received some outstanding feedback from the interns and the respective institutions, both during the internships and after the students returned home. Here’s a taste of what they said:  

  Armeet Narang, a student from Symbiosis Institute, Pune won a four-week internship at Avondale College

  "My experience in New Zealand as an intern is something I will cherish in the future. The people, culture, food, and the work ethic is very much different than in India, something that left me speechless. It was robust and fresh, something I believe every student needs in their college life. Perhaps, what left me astonished was the education system over there, so much more developed. Avondale College and the staff at the International Department were so warm and welcoming I settled right in. It was too good to be true for me. My homestay parents were simply perfect. A month after my return, I still miss that place - the weather, the food and the people. Such an opportunity is sure to open many doors for me, and I cannot be grateful enough.” - Armeet Narang

  “Avondale College welcomed the opportunity to host an intern from India and we were most pleased with the successful candidate when he arrived. Armeet immediately became one of the team at the Avondale College International Department, and set up his work station in the reception office - a signal to us he was here to integrate with the students, learn how a busy office worked, and to offer a new perspective.

  Initial discussions on how Armeet could add value included doing a SWOT analysis, reviewing current strategies of NZ Schools active in the Indian market, and developing a marketing strategy and plan for Avondale College to implement. Having a particular interest in use of media and digital channels, Armeet launched into a review of the current Avondale College website and Facebook usage and developed a best practice model to head towards.

  Armeet took every advantage of getting out and about in Auckland and the North Island. His trip culminated in attending the All Blacks game against Australia. His first rugby match he described it almost as good as an IPL match. From our perspective the internship was a huge success with learnings from both Armeet and institution. Many thanks to ENZ for the opportunity. We are solid advocates for such projects.” - Chris Klaassen, Director of International, Avondale College  

  Nguyen Hoai Thuong, Vietnam won a four-week internship at Palmerston North Girls High School

  “What I love most about New Zealand is that people are very friendly. I didn’t feel like I was in a foreign country, but at home, as a family member. The environment in New Zealand also captured my attention, since people have good awareness of environment protection, and it did have an impact on me after coming back to Vietnam. I also learnt a lot from my colleagues, not only marketing knowledge, but also their passion. They inspired me and made me realise that once you pour all your heart into doing something, anything can be meaningful and memorable. I really hope that one day I can go back to NZ, to learn more and explore more, and most of all, to see again the people giving me the best time of my youth.” - Nguyen Hoai Thuong  

  Pham Phuong Lam, Vietnam won a four-week internship at Academic Colleges Group

  “The one-month internship at ACG was an unforgettable experience. Auckland is a small, multi-cultural city that has made me feel welcome since my very first day. I love the people here, they are friendly, open and very kind. Working in ACG is my first working abroad experience. My colleagues always support and give me good advice to know more about international marketing. ACG has many education institutions that has helped me gain an overall view of New Zealand education, which is famous for critical thinking development and taking good care of international students.” - Pham Phuong Lam

  

  Competition winners: Intern Edo with Vice Chancellor Stuart McChutcheon and Deputy Vice Chancellor Jenny Dixon.

  Edo Dwi Prayogo, Indonesia won a four-week internship at The University of Auckland

  “I was surprised how easy the Vice Chancellor was to talk to. I feel so lucky to have this whole opportunity. This is my first internship, and I’m having so many new experiences. I’m really enjoying the work environment – it’s so interesting to learn how an organisation reaches international markets, and to be involved in that.” - Edo Dwi Prayogo

  “Having Edo with us for a month has been fantastic. He has made an excellent contribution to the team and we have benefitted from the insights he has provided into the Indonesian market and Indonesian culture.” - University of Auckland International Marketing Manager Shane Ball  

  Kong Kah Weng (Eric), Malaysia won a four-week internship at Choose New Zealand Education Alliance

  Life here is completely different compared to Malaysia. What I have noticed so far, New Zealand is much more structured, less polluted, westernised, the standard of living is higher, buildings are flat, less traffic congestion, convenient public transportation and the city is filled with outrageously beautiful natural scenes.

  My first day working with Novo Education was remarkable, work culture here is very different. Working hours can be flexible; capability, trust and responsibility are amongst the key qualities of being a good staff. I have been catching up and learning many different tasks as an intern. In fact the work environment moulds you towards a positive working culture.

  I have got to know some friends here doing their undergraduate program at a polytechnic institution. In Malaysian’s mind, polytechnics are lousy. This perception does not apply to New Zealand surprisingly. Instead, they offer various types of programmes, well recognised locally and internationally up to postgraduate level. On top of it, they cost less than university.

  Lamb and beef taste like heaven! Many other local productions like diary, chocolate, chips and wine are a must try.  My honest opinion, I think I feel in love with this country and things around.” - Eric Kong

  “Novo Education has been delighted to host the ENZ prize winning student from Malaysia, Eric Kong, as an intern for 4 weeks. Eric visited the campuses of Choose New Zealand members in Auckland, New Plymouth, Whitianga, Greymouth and Christchurch, and is even more enthusiastic about New Zealand education than before he arrived, and was very active in posting positive comments on social media. In turn he has provided us with some insights and research into potential niche markets in Malaysia, and we feel quite excited about future opportunities there.

  We wish him very well in his continuing studies. Thank you to Education New Zealand for the opportunity to participate in this internship programme, and we can certainly recommend it to any other institution in the future. ” - Bruce Cleland, Chairman, Choose New Zealand Education Alliance  

  Somsurvo Chatterjee, a student from NIFT, Kolkata won a two-week internship at the AUT University’s Fashion School

  “I am learning new, innovative ways of garment designing at AUT, which will help me incorporate new design elements when I go back to Kolkata. I am enjoying the student life and culture in Auckland, people on campus have been very friendly and the students from the fashion department organised a surprise picnic for me at the studio which means a lot considering I am in a new country. I will cherish my time and learnings at AUT for life. - Somsurvo Chatterjee

  

  Winner of the ‘Fashion for Fleming’ design competition Somsuvro Chatterjee with his winning design for Stephen Fleming inspired by the Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral.

• Sharing the international student experience

  In August, ENZ and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade brought together 30 international tertiary students representing all ten ASEAN countries, and ten New Zealand students who had participated in the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia Understanding South East Asia programme. The purpose? To celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and ASEAN by strengthening connections among students, and to provide the students with a platform for sharing their views on the international student experience in New Zealand.

  Over 100 nominations were received from a range of New Zealand’s universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments for students from ASEAN countries to participate. Each nominating institution had at least one representative at the two-day programme in Wellington. Participating students were enrolled in a range of programmes from Level 4 certificates through to doctoral level.

  Many of the nominating institutions created online media content around Student Voice and the students themselves set up a Facebook page especially for the event which attracted media attention both in New Zealand and overseas.

  The students heard from industry experts on the importance of alumni networks, the value of a New Zealand education, and the importance of ASEAN-New Zealand links in business.

  Lester Khoo from AUT University engaged the students on how a New Zealand education can launch careers in ASEAN, with one student responding:

  “The launch pad was really useful and changed my perspective of being an ASEAN student. I used to think very selfishly about my own career not about the development of my country and other ASEAN countries. The launch pad makes me realize there might be something that I can do to improve my country and the relationship between New Zealand and ASEAN countries.”

  In the key download session of Student Voice 2015, the students employed “Design Thinking” methodology to share their international student experiences and to think creatively together to reframe any challenges as opportunities.

  There was lots of discussion around the quirkiness of New Zealand life which the students rated as very appealing. This included getting to understand and use Kiwi slang, and the relaxed and welcoming way everyone treats each other. Life in New Zealand is “sweet as”.

  Integration in New Zealand was a topic that was very important to the students. They collaborated to develop a range of solutions to improve the integration process for international students in New Zealand. These included initiatives for New Zealand institutions but also advice for international students themselves. Some of the ideas for initiatives focused on campus events, and social media activity, to encourage an appreciation of cultures, and for international students to actively look for opportunities to engage with their New Zealand peers.

  ENZ will be sharing further detail directly with the New Zealand institutions who engaged in Student Voice.

  One student commented on the integration process by saying, “independence especially in a foreign country is a challenge, making it more difficult when homesickness strikes and adaptation is hard. But I think it’s all part of the process, because in a brighter perspective, New Zealand offers a wide opportunity to search for new paths in expressing yourself and adopting to different cultures and people.”

  The students also listed some of their “top fives” on a range of topics.

  Reasons for picking NZ as your study destination

  

  • Overseas graduates are inspirational and exceptional

  • Experience new things and independence

  • Higher quality of education

  • Financial support i.e. scholarships

  • To fulfil my fly fishing obsession

  Things I hope my NZ education will provide for me

  

  • Change

  • Professional development

  • Friendship network

  • World class education

  • Personal development

  Things that influenced my decision to study abroad

  

  • Safe, clean and student friendly environment

  • More job opportunities and linkages

  • Multicultural environment

  • State of the art technology and top notch quality of education system 

  Things that surprised me about NZ

  

  • You can take a banana to the exam room

  • Slang is the new English

  • You can banter with professors – no more ‘yes sir’

  • Four seasons in one day

  • Ethics approval is required for animal studies – even for mussels!

  Things I would tell my friends about studying in NZ 

  

  • Surprising kindness – a kiwi high school teacher decided to pay for my studies overnight

  • To see people go to school bare footed

  • NZ institutions offer a world class standard of education and you will definitely change as individuals to become a well-rounded person

  • Explore – do outdoor activities

  • The freedom of expression

  Things I would say to recommend NZ to potential students

  

  • Come to one country and see the whole world

  • Number 1 place to experience study and witness the best of nature

  • The best place for study and family life

  • It is really safe here – 2nd safest county in the world. Low crime rate, Low accident rate.

  • Mixed religion – freedom to practice our beliefs

• Staff changes at ENZ

  South and South East Asia

  It is with regret that we are saying goodbye to Regional Director – South and South East Asia (SSEA), Ziena Jalil, and Lead – International (SSEA), Francesca Hilbron, who have both decided to pursue other opportunities this year. ENZ wishes Ziena and Francesca all the best in their new endeavours.

  To ensure ENZ continues to maximise the opportunities the SSEA region offers New Zealand education providers, these two key roles will be filled on an interim basis from February 1 to June 30, while permanent replacements are found.

  Stepping in to these roles will be:

  John Laxon – Acting Regional Director India, (South Asia)

  John Laxon is taking the role of Acting Regional Director India, along with his current role as Regional Director, Middle East. John will continue to be based in Riyadh, but will spend some extended periods working out of India.

  Grant Fuller – Acting Regional Lead, South East Asia

  Grant Fuller, based in Guangzhou, will be Acting Regional Lead, South East Asia on a part-time basis. Grant has previously been NZTE Trade Commissioner in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, worked in Minister Joyce’s office and led the Board and Ministerial team at NZTE. Recently he has been working with MBIE, ENZ and Wintec on projects in Asia.

  Providers can feel confident that they can rely on continued support from the capable and experienced in-market SSEA staff led by Ben Burrowes, and Wellington-based John Mollo, with whom many of you work on a regular basis.

  The Americas and Europe

  Lisa Futschek – Regional Director, the Americas and Europe

  The country portfolio of Wellington-based Regional Director, Lisa Futschek, has changed. While continuing in her role as Regional Director for the US and Latin America, Lisa will swap her responsibilities in Japan and Korea for those in Europe. Lisa previously worked for MFAT in Germany so is well-placed help drive growth in the Europe market.

  Cecily Lin – Acting Regional Lead North Asia (Japan and Korea)

  Cecily Lin, based in Wellington, will be Acting Regional Lead, North Asia (Japan and Korea). Cecily’s experience as International Market Manager, Latin America and North Asia, makes her an excellent fit for a deeper role in supporting providers in Japan and Korea.

  Other changes

  It is also with regret that we announce the departure of two other staff who are moving on to new challenges:

  • Sam Hoben – Senior Advisor, Strategy and Governance, has moved to a new role at the Ministry of Social Development.

  • Cheryll Wagener – International Events Coordinator, has taken up a role closer to her home on the Kapiti Coast.

  Both Sam and Cheryll have made important contributions to ENZ, and we wish them well in their new roles.

  Rachel Brandon has joined the team as International Event Coordinator on a three month contract.

  Rachel has recently returned from Japan where she was part of the JET programme for three years. With a degree in international relations, experience as an international student in the Philippines and more recently as customer service lead for an online retail organisation, Rachel will bring valuable experience to the international event team.

• Wellington schools team up for international education

  Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Chilton Saint James School and Scots College will market collectively as the Wellington Private Education Network, and will jointly fund an office in China where an onsite Marketing Manager can grow key relationships in the market.

  The model has already seen a positive return, with Scots’ international student numbers more than doubling in the last 18 months. The schools are looking to develop a similar model in Thailand.

  “This collaboration project sees us able to fully utilise shared resources which no single school could do on their own. Given we all offer the same world class education experience, it makes sense,” says Graeme Yule, Scots College Headmaster.            

  The collaboration will also implement StudyCare, a pastoral care programme to enhance the experience for international students that will also “help welcome and support new students to Wellington,” says Kathy Lloyd Parker, Principal of Chilton Saint James.

  The programme has been developed by students and will be shared across all three schools.

  Jenny Williams, Principal of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is excited to see how the initiative will impact the wider community.

  “The reaction been very positive and we have already seen an increase in interest for placement at our schools. Wellington has a wonderful offering for international students. There is real benefit to our current students and the wider Wellington community in increasing international numbers and internationalising our city.”

  John Goulter, ENZ's General Manager, Stakeholders, Communications and Intelligence, is supportive of the collaboration.

  “This initiative is a great example of regional collaboration to bring more international students in to Wellington. As a capital city, Wellington has so much to offer international students, and this is a great step to round out the region’s appeal.”

• New Zealand is safe and open for business

  New Zealand’s international education industry is open for business as usual, says John Goulter, ENZ General Manager Stakeholders and Communications.

  “New Zealand remains a safe and welcoming place for international students to live, study and travel around,” he emphasised.

  “While last Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake gained global media attention, within a day of the quake, daily life in almost all parts of New Zealand had returned to normal.

  “All of New Zealand’s gateway cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown were open and all regional airports were operating – meaning people could continue to fly between destinations.

  “New Zealand is remarkably resilient to these kinds of events.”

  He emphasised that the earthquake was not centred near areas of high population density and its damage was not widespread.

  “Two-thirds of international students are in Auckland which was unaffected.

  “Similarly, Christchurch has been largely unaffected and the city is functioning as normal.”

  ENZ had received no reports of any injuries to staff or students at schools, private providers or universities.

  The earthquake had a big impact on Kaikoura, a small settlement several hours’ drive north of Christchurch in the South Island, and recovery work there would be ongoing for some time.

  There had also been aftershocks, which were expected.

  In Wellington, a small number of buildings in the central business district had sustained some structural damage, and these were being managed with minimal impact to normal business and daily life in the city.

  Mr Goulter said that Education New Zealand had been working closely with its international offices to share updates on the earthquake to keep our key markets informed, and to monitor media coverage and perceptions of the quakes.

  “We would like to reassure international agents, media, parents and potential students that New Zealand continues to be a safe, high-quality educational destination.”

  He suggested that international students due to travel to New Zealand to make direct contact with their education provider for further information, or to monitor the Ministry of Education's website for updates.

  Mr Goulter said he was confident that the recent earthquake activity would have minimal if any long term impact on New Zealand’s international student market.

• International students take to the field

  The AIMS Games International Sporting Championship is a pathway to sporting achievement for New Zealand students 11 to 13 years old. The games are held annually in Tauranga in September and have become a huge success. In 2016, the AIMS Games hosted more than 9,000 competitors from 275 schools, competing across 21 sports from rugby to swimming to aerobics.

  They are often one of the first times young athletes can test their skill at a national level.

  Building on its international recognition, the AIMS Games has now teamed up with Education Tauranga to create a programme specifically for international students. The programme will see New Zealand schools hosting teams from across the globe, allowing international students to experience New Zealand school life while training for the AIMS Games.

  Anne Young, Manager of Education Tauranga, said the development has a lot of potential to draw more students to New Zealand.

  “Combining a classroom experience with the games is really exciting," said Anne.

  "International students will meet New Zealand kids from throughout the country, and then be able to compete against their new friends at one of the biggest high-level youth sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere.”

  

  The games also aim to foster a positive attitude to sport. They aim to create a supportive culture amongst participating schools where success is celebrated, participation is encouraged and new friendships are formed.

  Tournament Director Vicki Semple is looking forward to hosting schools from different parts of the world.

  “For New Zealand students to be able meet and appreciate different cultures in a sporting context gives the games another flavour. 

  “I’m sure many lifelong international friendships will be made,” she said.

  An introductory video about the AIMS Games can be found here.

  For schools and agents wanting to get involved, please contact AIMS Games Tournament Director Vicki Semple at vickis@nzaimsgames.co.nz

  A free promotional poster can be downloaded here.