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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.  

• 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

• 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.

• 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/

• 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.

• New Zealand shines at the 35th annual EAIE Conference

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), in collaboration with all eight New Zealand universities and UP Education, demonstrated a commitment to international education and partnership. 

  

  The conference’s theme 'Go Create!' set the tone for a flurry of meetings and engagements between New Zealand representatives and international partners centered on innovation and collaboration in international education. 

  The New Zealand Pavilion proudly unveiled the refreshed Education New Zealand brand, featuring a sleek, modern design that aligns with the iconic New Zealand Government fern. This updated visual identity reflects the quality, ambition, and global impact of New Zealand’s international education offering. 

  The pavilion also showcases imagery from the new global campaign, "New Zealand Taught Me", which highlights how knowledge is nurtured across the country. Through powerful alumni stories, the campaign illustrates the transformative experiences international students gain in New Zealand. 

  

  From L to R: ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu, New Zealand Ambassador to Sweden HE David Taylor and ENZ Associate Director of Engagement Europe Olga Elli at the New Zealand pavilion.

  A key event of the week was the New Zealand networking function, hosted by New Zealand Ambassador to Sweden and the wider Nordic region, HE David Taylor. ENZ representatives and visiting New Zealand institutions utilised the opportunity to connect and share with partners from across Scandinavia.  

  EAIE is one of the most significant global gatherings for international educators, government agencies, and academic leaders. It provided a valuable opportunity for New Zealand education institutions to engage with peers, present their offerings, and foster meaningful partnerships all in one place. 

  ENZ Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, said EAIE was a powerful reminder of the opportunities that lie in international education.  

  " From reconnecting with long-standing partners to exploring new possibilities, the energy and interest in New Zealand education was truly exciting,” she said.  

• Allocation priorities for student visa applications

  Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has changed the way they allocate international student visa applications from students in New Zealand, so they have more flexibility and can process these applications more efficiently during the summer processing peak.  

  INZ’s allocation priorities change from time to time to reflect current demands and will be posted on their website. You can view these allocation priorities here.  

  Tuition fee receipt reminder 

  When a student is in New Zealand (onshore) and submits an application for a student visa, it is a requirement to provide a tuition fee receipt with the application at the time of submission. 

  The approval in principle process is not available for students who are in New Zealand. Any onshore application should include evidence a student: 

  - has paid their tuition fees in full for one year or one programme (whichever is shorter); or 

  - that they are exempt from paying tuition fees and their education provider has confirmed this. 

  If the receipt is not provided with the application, then it has an impact on the processing and the application takes longer to be processed. For more information, you can find INZ's Student visa application information sheet for continuing international students here. 

  International education data  

  Every year, INZ publish data on the offshore student visa approval rates and application volumes for education agents by market. They also publish the overseas student visa application decision data broken down by country. 

  Updated data for 2024 has now been published: View this data here 

• Around the world in five

  United Kingdom

  UK: student visas down as dependent applications plummet
  
  The UK Home Office has published data showing a large decline in student dependent applications since new legislation was introduced at the beginning of this year, as well as a fall in student visa applications. 

  Australia

  Australian government to set international student cap - ICEF Monitor - Market intelligence for international student recruitment 

  The Australian government has announced a legislative package with a series of new measures for the country’s international education sector. The measures include a cap on new international student enrolments, a prohibition on education providers holding ownership positions in education agencies, a ban on agent commissions for onshore student transfers, and more stringent oversight of education providers and agents alike.  

  India

  Record immigration is colliding with housing crises across the world

  India Times is reporting that countries like Canada and Australia are reevaluating their immigration policies to address the pressures on housing affordability and sustain economic growth. 

  United States 

  Agents worried over high US visa rejections for African students

  International education actors in Africa are uniting with their US partners and activists to call on the study destination’s government to ‘rethink’ visa policies for African students. 

  SEA 

  Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand rise in THE Asia rankings

  India has overtaken China as the second-most represented country in the Times Higher Education Asia University rankings 2024, with 91 universities compared with the neighbouring nation’s 86 institutions. 

• International education front and centre during Prime Minister’s trade mission to SEA

  From 14 to 20 April, New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon led a delegation of New Zealand business and government leaders to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Included in the delegation was Tracey Bridges, Board Chair of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), who joined a small group of education sector representatives, as well as other New Zealand Inc partners, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and New Zealand Story.  

  ENZ’s offshore teams based in Singapore and Thailand played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the international education events, ensuring international education was front and centre throughout the visit.  

  Tracey said that it was pleasing to see that our sector received significant attention throughout the visit and that it played an important part in the New Zealand export story.  

  “Being part of this delegation gave ENZ the opportunity to reinforce the significant economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic value that international education brings to New Zealand. 

  “It was also a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening bilateral relations. The delegation particularly enjoyed meeting so many New Zealand alumni and hearing how their New Zealand education has had a profound impact on their personal and professional success,” added Tracey.  

  Positive attention on our sector was achieved from the start when Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas signed an Enhanced Collaboration Agreement with Singapore’s PSB Academy’s Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah. This collaboration is a first for a New Zealand university and marks a significant expansion beyond traditional offshore teaching partnerships.  

  From Singapore, the delegation moved on to Thailand, where ENZ facilitated further international education events. Massey University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) under the Thai Ministry of Education. Under the MoU, Massey University in collaboration with ENZ will host in-market English training workshops for more than 100 Thai teachers under the supervision of OBEC in June 2023. This took place during a joint press conference at the Thai Government House, witnessed by the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. 

  ENZ Thailand, in partnership with Rajamagala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), then hosted New Zealand Member of Parliament Mr. Paulo Garcia, along with 27 delegates at the RMUTP campus for several cultural performances and tours. Later that afternoon, the ENZ Thailand team hosted a New Zealand Alumni Network event inviting the education representatives on the delegation, media representatives and 25 alumni who have all made substantial contributions to the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Thailand. 

  ENZ’s Regional Director Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes said that Prime Minister Luxon engaged enthusiastically with the alumni and was able to see first-hand the role that international education plays in strengthening people-to-people connections around the world.  

  “During this event Prime Minister Luxon presented the Distinguished Service Awards to acknowledge the New Zealand Alumni Association in Thailand and the invaluable support it gives to international education.  

  “In addition to this Award, the Prime Minister presented an Eminent Alumni Award to a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to furthering bilateral ties between our two countries,” said Ben. 

  The Thai leg of the itinerary finished with a cocktail reception commemorating the Prime Minister’s visit. Over 400 guests representing various New Zealand Inc agencies, key local stakeholders from government agencies, educational institutions, private corporations, and education agents attended the event, reinforcing the close education ties between New Zealand and Thailand.  

  Lastly, the delegation travelled to the Philippines which for many members was their first visit. The time was effectively used here to engage with a number of ENZ’s key stakeholders invited to New Zealand Inc engagements across the programme.  

  At the close of the trip, Prime Minister Luxon said "the commercial announcements and deals between the delegation on the trip and counterparts in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines represent the growth of long-term, strategic partnerships. 

  "These relationships bind our countries closer together and deliver increased prosperity for all those involved."

• 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.