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Former international student represents Aotearoa in Ecuador
With his career as an agronomist under way, Juan Pablo came to New Zealand on an MFAT-administered scholarship in 1988, wanting to build on his agricultural qualifications. After taking English courses at Victoria University Wellington Te Herenga Waka, he completed a two-year Diploma in Rural Studies at Massey University Te Kunengaki Pūrehuroa.
His time in New Zealand had such a profound impact on his life that he returned home determined to establish lasting bonds between the two countries. And there is no doubt that his appointment reflects just how much he has achieved.
Juan Pablo says he had dreamed of coming to New Zealand long before he got here. He had read ‘Grass to Milk’, Campbell McMeekan’s 1960s account of New Zealand’s dairying management practices which was well-known among dairy farmers in Ecuador. “I read the book and decided this is the place I want to go.”
Learning from the best
Very few students travelled to New Zealand from Ecuador at that time, most went to the United States for further education, he says. “Many people asked me why I was going to New Zealand, and people still ask me about it today. I tell them I went because I wanted to learn from the best.”
Juan Pablo says he was inspired by his lecturers, especially the late Professor Colin Holmes, a respected researcher, mentor, and advocate of the dairy industry.
“I came from an education system where the teacher held all the knowledge, where it was always black or white. In New Zealand it was totally different because learning was inquiry-based. Critical thinking was the method of developing knowledge.”
He says his experience was transformative on both a personal and professional level.
“The things I saw and learned, the New Zealand way of doing things, and the care and respect people had for each other had a powerful effect on me.”
Over the decades since Juan Pablo’s education experience in Aotearoa, he has built a highly-regarded career in Ecuador, founding and leading primary industry companies, accepting numerous board appointments, representing Ecuador in international free trade agreement negotiations, and being recognised with multiple honours for his contribution to the livestock and dairy sector.
Enduring ties to New Zealand
But he never forgot his ties to New Zealand, working tirelessly to strengthen the bilateral relationship and boost both business and education opportunities. He initially established a company to import agricultural products from New Zealand. When he later secured the role of General Manager of the Cattlemen’s Association, he passed on all his business contacts, and the organisation has been importing electric fencing components and seeds from New Zealand companies ever since.
“In 1988, we brought some cattle in from New Zealand for a breeding programme. Now many farms in Ecuador, including the ones I oversee, have cattle from New Zealand stock. And in the 1990s I helped to establish an education programme with Massey, which saw lecturers come to Ecuador to take short courses in dairy management.”
“When it comes to dairy farming, almost everything I know I learned in New Zealand - pasture management, milk production systems, electric fencing, animal welfare – and farmers have applied these practices successfully in Ecuador,” Juan Pablo says.
“New Zealand is top of mind for every farmer here. When you talk about New Zealand here, everybody knows about its reputation in agriculture. Going to New Zealand is on the wishlist for many people.”
Honoured to represent Aotearoa
Juan Pablo says he was deeply honoured to be asked to be New Zealand’s Honorary Consul in Ecuador, a role which is all about connections and creating opportunities which benefit both countries.
“I am very proud, and I’m happy because I now have the chance to advocate for Aotearoa,” he says. “The better the relationship with New Zealand, the better it is for Ecuador too. We must focus on what we have in common and make the most of it.”
He firmly believes international education is at the heart of relationship-building and collaboration between countries, even more than tourism and business. “You learn the values of a nation through education. Time spent studying in New Zealand will make you a better person.”
“International students will become New Zealand’s ambassadors to the world.”
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International Student Experience Survey 2023 now open
The International Student Experience Survey (ISES) surveys international students and alumni in Aotearoa New Zealand across all international education sub-sectors and at all stages of the student journey – from those who have just arrived in the country to those who have recently graduated.
The ISES aims to better understand the overall international student experience to identify what is being done well, and where improvements can be made.
It features insights and findings on nine, key aspects of the student experience journey –
- Decision making factors
- Study arrangements
- Arrival and orientation experience
- Education experience
- Living experience
- People and connections
- Value for money
- Work experience opportunities, and
- Future plans
The survey targets international students via multiple channels, with the student sample including those on current student visas, post-study work visas, and those post study, but not currently on a work visa. To maximise uptake, ENZ has also engaged with sector peak bodies and education providers to distribute the survey to their students.
Findings from previous surveys have informed ENZ’s Student Experience work, including the development of bespoke content on NauMai NZ that better serves international student needs, shaped student experience-focused outreach across government and informed partnership with community organisations.
ENZ’s Student Experience Manager, Ross Crosson said that the ISES provides a rich data source to understand the student experience.
“Research-informed findings must inform all our mahi. This survey helps us better understand our students’ experience living and studying in New Zealand, which can be used to inform decisions to improve that experience,” Ross said.
“We look forward to sharing survey findings with the sector, and discussing those findings with them, later this year."
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Education links recognised during Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Malaysia and Republic of Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent Trade Mission to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea involved a wide range of education-related events. They proved the perfect opportunity to recognise New Zealand’s education cooperation with both host countries while also raising New Zealand’s education brand awareness. The events also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections that were started through international education and continue through links to alumni and the industries they have gone on to work in.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul held on 5 September.
Representing our sector during the Mission was Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, and John van der Zwan, Executive Director of Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and NZ Inc agencies worked closely with the sector delegates on the education components of the Mission which included two education-related arrangement signings, education representatives at the two Gala Dinners, the Green Room with Influential Alumni event in Kuala Lumpur, and the New Zealand – Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul.
Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Joining the Mission for the education elements of the programme was ENZ’s Acting General Manager – International, Mr Ben Burrowes. Mr Burrowes said that having education representatives and dedicated education components feature strongly on the Prime Minister’s agenda supports the education sector with our brand awareness and elevates New Zealand’s reputation in these two important source countries for international students.
"During the series of events, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong connections between our people that have been nurtured through education.
“At one of the alumni events in Malaysia which featured Malaysian alumni who are now influential leaders in politics, business, science, and education, Prime Minister Luxon spoke of the importance of such alumni networks in fostering these connections,” said Mr Burrowes.
While in Korea, ENZ’s Acting General Manager International, Ben Burrowes, provided an appreciation gift to our school sector partner, Seoul Metropolitan City Office of Education to recognise their commitment to supporting young learners through global citizenship initiatives.
Professor Edwards said that he found the discussions on trade and education with Malaysia and the Republic of Korea highly valuable.
“Lincoln University signed two significant agreements during the trip: firstly, we signed an MoU with Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance research collaboration in agriculture and food security, and then a second MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) to support student training in specialised agricultural education programmes.
“The new agreements will broaden Lincoln University’s collaborations with international institutions and further expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s global education partnerships,” said Professor Edwards.
Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) in Seoul.
Representing the school sector for the Republic of Korea leg of the Mission, John van der Zwan of SIEBA provided remarks at the education event on fostering school cooperation and participated in local education site visits after the Trade Mission programme concluded. Mr van der Zwan also visited a local education agency and a school in Seoul where he taught twenty years ago.
Executive Director of SIEBA Mr John van der Zwan speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony.
Mr van der Zwan said that the Trade Mission was a special opportunity to join with the Prime Minister to promote the New Zealand school sector for international education.
“Our schools are seen as world-leading, providing excellent education to students from the Republic of Korea. The education event organised by ENZ and attended by the Prime Minister was a highlight for SIEBA with important connections made with education officials looking to strengthen people-to-people links with schools in New Zealand,” said Mr van der Zwan
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From the Chief Executive: Encouraging progress across the sector
Kia ora koutou,
Earlier this month, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) released the latest international student enrolment data, which shows the sector’s recovery continuing at pace. The results reflect steady progress driven by the sustained effort of education providers, supported by ENZ’s brand and promotional activity in an increasingly competitive global market.
This sense of progress was also reflected at the recent SIEBA hui in Christchurch, where there was a strong sense of collaboration and shared focus on rebuilding and growing the schools sector.
There is also significant activity underway across our international markets. Recently, a successful famil brought China-based education agents to New Zealand, showcasing Christchurch, Tauranga and Hamilton, and connecting them with a wide range of providers including ITPs, universities, schools, economic development agencies and international education organisations. For many, it was their first visit to New Zealand, building firsthand understanding and confidence to promote a broader mix of providers.
We’re also representing New Zealand at the NAFSA conference in Orlando this week, one of the world’s largest international education events. ENZ is joined by all eight of New Zealand’s universities, presenting a unified national profile and reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a high quality, innovative and welcoming study destination.
In Malaysia, last month’s Study with New Zealand roadshow continues to build strong connections by linking providers directly with students, schools and government stakeholders, while supporting long-term partnerships and student pathways.
We expect this positive trajectory to be further supported by Education Minister Erica Stanford’s announcement to contract an independent organisation to help schools build capability in international education. The selected provider will deliver practical support to help schools enrol and support international students, lifting capability across the schooling system – including for those not currently hosting international students. ENZ will run the tender, manage the contract and report progress to the Minister.
It’s encouraging to see New Zealand education continue to gain momentum. ENZ remains committed to supporting the sector with market intelligence and insights to help providers respond to emerging trends and target opportunities for sustainable growth.
Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata; ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.
Seek the distant horizon; and cherish those achievements already won.Ngā mihi nui,
Linda Sissons
Acting Chief Executive -
Contracting support to grow international education in schools
The support for schools was signalled in the International Education Going for Growth Plan and announced by Education Minister Erica Stanford at the SIEBA hui in mid-May.
ENZ will run a tender to find an organisation to help schools establish processes to enrol international students and meet their regulatory obligations. We will also hold and manage the contract and report progress to the Minister on a quarterly basis.
The initiative will help schools lift capability at every stage of the international student journey, providing practical tools to attract and care for international students, and enabling sustainable growth across the system.
An independent organisation will deliver this work, recognising that sector expertise and established networks are key to building school capability and capacity.
All schools can access the support, including those that do not currently enrol international fee-paying students. The intent is to lift capability across the schooling sector, not just in schools with established international recruitment programmes.
ENZ will finalise the scope and requirements of the tender before applications open in late June. The tender will be published on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS).
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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:
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Sam Hoben – Senior Advisor, Strategy and Governance, has moved to a new role at the Ministry of Social Development.
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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.
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NZIEC 2018 showcases global citizenship
Two Ministers attended: Minister of Immigration, Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, spoke about the Government’s changes to post-study work rights for international students, and Education Minister, Hon Chris Hipkins announced the International Education Strategy 2018-2030. Both Ministers spoke of the Government’s confidence in the bright future of New Zealand’s international education future.
Master of ceremonies, award-winning journalist Miriama Kamo, kept conference moving with humour and poise. She interviewed three international students on their experiences living and studying in New Zealand.
Yuki Sugito from Japan came to New Zealand after being interested in the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. Ada Wang from Nanchang, China, who is studying a Master’s degree at Victoria University, told us about the case she took to the Tenancy Tribunal and won. Angelique Viola talked about leaving behind a business and career in her native Philippines to study accounting at WelTec. All three are enjoying their lives and studies in New Zealand – and Kiwi food featured strongly, most especially their love for fish’n’chips.
We learned from Shanton Chang about the digital journeys of international students. And we became one of New Zealand’s top trending topics on Twitter.
Delegates enjoyed a taste of Brazil at the NZIEC Carnival on Thursday night.
NZIEC Country of Honour host, Brazilian Ambassador HE Paulo Camargo, spoke movingly of the connections between Brazil and New Zealand.
Surprise poet Karlo Mila delighted guests by pulling together two days of intense discussions in a poem specially commissioned for NZIEC 2018.
The largest number of industry presenters inspired, debated and informed delegates across six breakout streams providing new insights for improving the student experience, making a mark online, collaborating to win – and more.
And delegates took up the plentiful networking opportunities with gusto – many a korero was observed in the conference environs!
ENZ gratefully acknowledges all our conference partners and exhibitors, including Lead Partner BPO Intelligence, Premium Partners Vodafone New Zealand and OKNZ and Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Partners IDP IELTS Australia, QS and Western Union, Media Partner The PIE News, Programme Partner AFS New Zealand, Espresso Partner StuMagz and Country of Honour host, the Embassy of Brazil in New Zealand. Thank you one and all.
If you missed the opportunity to connect with our partners or exhibitors at conference, you can do so through the NZIEC website.
Conference delegates can provide feedback on conference through the conference app. If you have any suggestions for next year, please don’t hesitate to email nziec@verve.co.nz.
NZIEC 2019 will be held at the SkyCity Convention Centre on 7-8 August 2019. The theme will be ‘Navigating Our Changing World’.
We look forward to seeing you in Auckland for NZIEC 2019!
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From the CE: Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year and prosperous Year of the Dragon
The dragon is a majestic and lucky creature in folklore, symbolising bravery, creativity, and innovation. According to the Chinese horoscope, 2024 is a year full of potential and opportunities for personal growth, professional success, and social impact.
Potential. Opportunities for growth. Social impact. The Year of the Dragon is perfectly matched to international education in New Zealand.
Entering our second full year since the borders reopened, the good progress made in 2023 sets the platform for further growth in 2024. In November and December, Immigration New Zealand data tells us that the number of offshore applications exceeded all other months in 2023. While this is to be expected, it is without doubt a good sign for term one.
New Zealand’s reputation for delivering a quality education in a safe environment remains intact and attractive to learners.
This was further confirmed by the results of our student experience survey completed last year. It reported that 84% of international students rated their overall student experience positively. And that 83% of students would be likely to recommend New Zealand as a study destination compared to 81% in 2021.
I was also greatly heartened to see the results of our survey of New Zealanders’ attitudes to international education. It found that 75% of New Zealanders believe that international students benefit New Zealand. Specifically, New Zealanders were positive about the contribution international students make to local business during their study, their contribution to New Zealand’s cultural diversity and how they help local students learn about other ways of life.
This is a win-win. The learners are coming. They have a positive experience when they are here, and they are welcomed by the community for the contribution they make. In the Year of the Dragon this is confirmation of the potential and the social impact of international education.
Now we must turn that potential into reality, which is what the teams at ENZ are focused on working with you to deliver. International education at all levels is highly competitive, and potential does not just happen – even in the Year of the Dragon. In this edition of E-News you will learn about activities across all geographies and offices, and this week there is an ENZ delegation, comprising all eight universities, meeting important Government, agent and sector partners in India.
As I said in December, there is still much to do.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini.
It is not the strength of one person alone, but the strength of many that contribute to our success.
Ngā mihi,
Linda Sissons
Acting Chief Executive -
Around the world in five
GLOBAL
As competition intensifies, the MBA market moves East
A recent Chartered Association of Business Schools report from the UK points to the rise of Asian business education, with an increasing number of Asian business schools being named in global MBA rankings.
THAILAND
Cabinet approval for a new Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation
The Thai government has approved the establishment of a new Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation to support its strategic goals to drive innovation in key industries and human resource development.
IRELAND
International education quality bill moves forward
The Irish government has approved publication of an international education quality bill, that will introduce an International Education Mark for approved providers amid a new regulatory framework.
CHINA
Online education market will exceed US$103 billion by 2025
A UBS Securities report predicts that K12 online education will become an important force in the market for extracurricular tutoring, exceeding US$103.4 billion by 2025.
MIDDLE EAST
Jordan aims to further build its international enrolment
Jordan is emerging as an increasingly important study destination in the Middle East with international student numbers roughly doubling since 2011 and the government setting a target to attract 70,000 international students by 2020.
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From the Chief Executive: Greater clarity for 2022
The past couple of years have undoubtedly been tough. Despite this, we’ve worked together to provide additional support for current students, diversify programmes and services, strengthen relationships, build social licence, and maintain a presence in our key markets.
Our immediate focus now is on making best possible use of key steps in the government’s five-step plan to progressively reopen the borders:
- Fourth cohort of up to 5,000 international students as a border exception (step 3), with visa processing from mid-April in time for students to start their studies here in July
- Up to 3 months for visitors to come from visa-waiver countries (step 4) by July
- Visa applications open for all international students by October, in time for students to arrive at the start of the 2023 year.
Government decisions have now been made on the composition of the fourth cohort of students. Student numbers will be allocated across the sector, based on the proportion of international students who were attending each type of education provider pre-COVID in 2019:
- University 1,450
- Te Pūkenga 700
- School (Year 9 and above) 1,000
- PTE 850
- English Language School 1,000
Students will need to meet the same living cost requirements as the previous cohort, namely funds of $15,000 for school students and $20,000 for other students.
Over the coming weeks, we will work closely with peak bodies, education providers and the Ministry of Education, to finalise the allocation of these places to individual providers. In this respect, we have been able to set up an online system that should streamline the application process, and you will hear more about this soon.
At the same time, we are continuing to work towards the overarching goals set out in the International Education Strategy:
- Delivering an excellent education and student experience
- Achieving sustainable growth
- Developing global citizens.
In this month’s E-News, you can read about our participation at the Dubai Expo, as well as two key upcoming events in Oman and Saudi Arabia related to tertiary education: Global Higher Education Exhibition Oman from 27 to 29 March 2022, and the International Conference & Exhibition for Education in Riyadh from 8 to 11 May 2022.
As a reminder, other major education conferences in the first half of the year include APAIE 2022 from 27 to 31 March, which will be held online, FAUBAI 2022 which will be held online from 25 to 27 April, and NAFSA which will be held online from 4 to 5 May 2022 and in person in Denver, Colorado from 31 May to 3 June 2022.
I look forward to working with you over the coming year.
Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, Ki te kapuia e kore e whati - Alone we can be broken. Standing together, we are invincible.
Grant McPherson
