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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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Around the world in five
NEW ZEALAND
While You Were Away: New Zealand’s Journey to a More Inclusive International Education Experience
This past year, issues of race and inequality have been thrust to the forefront of global consciousness amidst a pandemic that has made international travel – and education – more complex than ever. During this time, New Zealand has taken the chance to reflect on the role of international education in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
GLOBAL
How will university campuses change post-pandemic?
In much the same way that the transition to work from home has caused corporations of all sizes to dig deep to understand the high value tasks that occur most successfully when teams gather in person, higher education may soon be shifting its campus model in response to the integration of virtual learning into its ongoing pedagogy.
GLOBAL
International student recruitment and online communications in the age of COVID
A round up of strategies and tips for adapting student communications for recruitment marketing during the pandemic.
AUSTRALIA
Australia launches International Education Strategy consultation
The Australian government is looking for input from students, educators and the higher education sector on a new strategy for international education in Australia.
CHINA
China to tighten grip on edtech industry and online learning
China’s Ministry of Education announced on March 31 that education departments should limit the times at which primary and secondary school students take part in online learning to ensure they are getting enough sleep.
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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 -
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
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Overseas graduates are inspirational and exceptional
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Experience new things and independence
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Higher quality of education
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Financial support i.e. scholarships
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To fulfil my fly fishing obsession
Things I hope my NZ education will provide for me
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Change
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Professional development
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Friendship network
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World class education
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Personal development
Things that influenced my decision to study abroad
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Safe, clean and student friendly environment
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More job opportunities and linkages
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Multicultural environment
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State of the art technology and top notch quality of education system
Things that surprised me about NZ
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You can take a banana to the exam room
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Slang is the new English
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You can banter with professors – no more ‘yes sir’
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Four seasons in one day
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Ethics approval is required for animal studies – even for mussels!
Things I would tell my friends about studying in NZ
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Surprising kindness – a kiwi high school teacher decided to pay for my studies overnight
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To see people go to school bare footed
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NZ institutions offer a world class standard of education and you will definitely change as individuals to become a well-rounded person
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Explore – do outdoor activities
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The freedom of expression
Things I would say to recommend NZ to potential students
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Come to one country and see the whole world
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Number 1 place to experience study and witness the best of nature
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The best place for study and family life
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It is really safe here – 2nd safest county in the world. Low crime rate, Low accident rate.
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Mixed religion – freedom to practice our beliefs
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Around the world in five
United Kingdom
International education leaders in the UK have expressed concerns about new proposals to place a levy on the income that institutions earn from international student fees.
Global
A new global survey makes it clear that the more restrictive visa policies that have been introduced in leading destinations over the last 18 months continue to have a profound impact on international student mobility.
India
New research reveals that career advancement is the primary motivation for Indian students choosing to study abroad.
Europe
In the wake of Trump’s moves, the EU is hoping to offer a political safe haven for US scientists and academics.
Australia
Following the recent federal election in Australia, the makeup of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new ministry is beginning to take shape.
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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.
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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.”
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Around the world in five
FINLAND
University World News: What makes international students want to stay on or go?
Three-quarters of bachelor degree graduates and two-thirds of masters and doctoral graduates live on in Finland for three or more years after their degree, according to new research.
NEW ZEALAND
Checkpoint: Education NZ chair details exemptions for foreign PhD students
Interview with Education New Zealand Chair Steve Maharey. "They can come from any country as long as they are involved in PhD study, or they are Masters students."
GLOBAL
University World News: Combating discrimination against international students
Our findings outline disturbing trends in discrimination and racism that must be dealt with urgently by universities in the immediate aftermath of COVID and in the longer term. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, we provide the following suggestions for ongoing social support for and inclusion of international students
UNITED STATES
The PIE News: “Perceived barriers” driving prospective students away from US
While the US higher education community has overcome many of the political and Covid-19 related challenges facing the international education sector, a great deal of “perceived” barriers remain for prospective students considering the US, which could be detrimental for recruitment efforts in the future.
JAPAN
Japan eases restrictions for international travellers, including students
Japan is opening its borders again to international students with visas for longer-term studies. The number of daily arrivals is limited for the time being with greater emphasis given to key sending markets in Asia.
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Building relationships in Brazil and Chile
The visit was an opportunity to highlight that New Zealand is reconnecting with the world, increase the visibility of New Zealand’s education offering, strengthen bilateral and system connections, and boost the visibility of New Zealand as a preferred destination for students from Brazil and Chile.
During the visit, Chris Hipkins highlighted New Zealand’s unique, high-value education offering, met with counterparts to support bilateral relationships, and connected with education agents, alumni, and New Zealanders based offshore. He also made clear that New Zealand valued the depth of the education relationship in each country, and his interest in continuing these relationships.
The New Zealand delegation included Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ); Lisa Futschek, ENZ’s General Manager International; Freddy Ernst, Senior Policy Manager International Education from the Ministry of Education; and Jacque Bernstein, Senior Private Secretary. In Brazil and Chile, Chris Hipkins was also accompanied by Matthew O’Meagher, Director for the LatAm Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence and ENZ in-country representatives Amy Rutherford, Javiera Visedo, and Bruna de Natale.
There was a significant media coverage following the visit, including an interview with O Estado de São Paulo, a major nationwide Brazilian media outlet, and a television interview with Pablo Cuellar from Mega Channel, Chile, to promote New Zealand education.
“We would love to see more Brazilians coming to study in New Zealand,” Chris Hipkins said during one of these interviews.
Brazil visit
Minister Hipkins with Ronaldo Aloise Pilli – Vice-president / Board of Trustees FAPESP (on his left) and Carlos Américo Pacheco – Executive Board Executive Director FAPESP.
The programme in Brazil included meetings with Patrick Tranjan, São Paulo State Under Secretary of Education, to discuss São Paulo-New Zealand education cooperation and present New Zealand as an education destination for high school students, and with Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP) to demonstrate high level New Zealand Government support for growing New Zealand-São Paulo research engagement.
Chris Hipkins and delegation meeting representatives from São Paulo State Universities: USP (Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, Provost), UNICAMP (Marcos Travassos Romano, Pro-Rector of Research) and UNESP (Amadeu Moura Bego, Adviser to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies)
Chris Hipkins also attended an event with New Zealand education agents, alumni, institutions, and business contacts, and visited the University of São Paulo (USP) which included a meeting with key stakeholders from the Council of Deans of São Paulo State Universities.
“It is absolutely brilliant that our Government is demonstrating such strong support to grow research engagement between our two countries, and that our Minister considers agent engagement and alumni as being key to futureproofing our industry,” Ms Futschek says.
Minister Hipkins and Alexandre Argenta, BELTA President, holding the Piko Iti gifted during the reception in São Paulo for agents and alumni.
The visit to São Paulo was a recognition of the value of international education relationships, and the potential for New Zealand to grow our education partnership with Brazil. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil was New Zealand’s largest source of international students from Latin America. Institution-to-institution relationships are particularly strong, with longstanding partnerships and research collaborations. The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America are a valuable part of this relationship – of the 400 New Zealanders funded through these scholarships, 109 have been for study in Brazil.
During his visit, Chris Hipkins noted the warmth shown towards New Zealand by Brazilian universities, and the benefits of developing a dual focus. All universities mentioned their growing education engagement with New Zealand institutions, and their wish to further develop this cooperation.
USP’s willingness to consider a “New Zealand Corner” in their International Office demonstrates the success of the investment ENZ has made in its internationalisation focus on Brazil. This work, which began in 2016, has been aimed at developing relationships with highly ranked Brazilian universities.
“New Zealand and Brazil have many issues in common to work on, which they both care about, such as climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, indigenous education. We can gain a lot by exchanging experiences in this regard,” Chris Hipkins said.
Chile visit
The programme in Chile included meetings with new Education Minister Marco Ávila to discuss education cooperation, especially around intercultural education, and to sign a refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA); with the new Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Flavio Salazar, to discuss potential areas of cooperation, scholarships, and reciprocal education engagement opportunities; and with the Board of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) to witness the signing of an ECA between ENZ and CRUCH that will promote international education and exchange.
Minister Hipkins witnessing the Education Cooperation Arrangement being signed by Chief Executive Grant McPherson, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, and Rector Oscar Corrales, Universidad de Valparaíso in Chile.
Chris Hipkins also attended the Chilean Kiwi Alumni Board dinner and an edtech engagement event at the Universidad Diego Portales (UDP). He also hosted the 50th anniversary of the establishment of New Zealand’s first diplomatic post in Latin America (in Santiago), to reinforce the strong bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Chile.
Some key discussions included cooperation, scholarships, student and research mobility, and reciprocal education engagement opportunities. Indigenous exchange and opportunities to support capability and capacity development of young, emerging indigenous leaders were also of very high interest.
“Some of the key takeaways from this visit were the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, indigenous-led international education engagement, and internationalisation,” says ENZ Regional Director Amy Rutherford. “It is exciting to see the opportunities for collaboration in these areas.”
On his return to New Zealand, the Minister highlighted diversity, equity and inclusion, education agent engagement and alumni engagement as being key to the future of bilateral education relationships in the region.
New Zealand providers are invited to contact Javiera Visedo, ENZ’s Director of Engagement Latin America at latinamerica@enz.govt.nz for further information on the visit, or to discuss plans for engagement in the region.
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Busy season for international education in India
The week after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade mission to India, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) hosted the New Zealand – India Education Connect 2025 and flew the flag for higher education in New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Association for International Education Conference 2025 (APAIE).
New Zealand – India Education Connect 2025
ENZ hosted the New Zealand-India Education Connect focused on NZ universities strengthening academic and research partnerships with India. The event coincided with APAIE 2025 and was designed to align with India’s National Education Policy 2020 and support the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
H.E Patrick Rata welcoming attendees of the New Zealand-India Education Connect.
The inaugural session at the Connect event served as a valuable platform to provide an update on the recent high-level bilateral engagements between New Zealand and India during the Prime Minister's visit. It also highlighted the continued prominence of education as a key theme across these discussions.
The event started with high-level bilateral updates by New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India, Patrick Rata, followed by an education overview by ENZ’s Chief Executive, Amanda Malu. Immigration New Zealand also attended and provided a market update as well as conducted a workshop with a selection of Indian education agents.
The programme was strategically designed to provide university representatives with expert intelligence and insights to support the development of their India engagement strategies, aligning with the evolving priorities and demands within the Indian context.
Panel discussions featured senior government officials and sector leaders, who shared perspectives on the increasing significance of deepening education sector collaboration between New Zealand and India. They also highlighted the opportunities presented by India’s National Education Policy 2020 to further strengthen these bilateral ties.
Following the New Zealand – India Education Connect programme and ahead of APAIE, ENZ hosted its NZ Networking Reception which was attended by more than 100 guests.
APAIE 2025
Running in tandem with New Zealand-India Education Connect, ENZ coordinated the New Zealand pavilion at the 2025 APAIE Conference, held in New Delhi from 24-28 March.
The pavilion featured 11 NZ institutions including, all eight New Zealand universities alongside representatives from the Southern Institute of Technology, Whitecliffe College, and Ignite Colleges. The pavilion also had in-attendance key representative from Immigration New Zealand to support providers and stakeholders.
This is the first time APAIE has been held in India that resulted in phenomenal engagement from Indian stakeholders, especially coinciding with this year’s theme on ‘Cultivating Global Citizens for the Future: The Higher Education Imperative in the Asia Pacific and Beyond’.
New Zealand featured strongly across eight panels, with ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu contributing to three panel discussions on Indigenous Perspectives in the Internationalisation of Higher Education; a regional update from New Zealand and Laos; and National Strategies for International Education: Three Perspectives from Asia-Pacific. The wider New Zealand speakers led critical conversations on international collaboration, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable education practices.
Director of Engagement for India, Jugnu Roy, said the New Zealand pavilion was buzzing across the three days of the conference.
“APAIE 2025 was an incredible opportunity to connect with global colleagues, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives on the future of international education. The conversations offered plenty of inspiration and practical insights to take away,” she said.
APAIE aims to advance education through enabling greater cooperation between institutions to enrich and support international programmes, activities and exchanges; and to promote the value of international education within the Asia-Pacific region.
