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  • Meet the Team: Lisa Futschek

    Hi Lisa. Could you please outline your own role and the role of the International team?

    ENZ’s International Team delivers on the strategies our organisation sets to best position New Zealand as an education partner in our key offshore markets. It’s a two-way flow with our skilled offshore teams not only delivering a vast array of in-market initiatives, but also providing crucial market intel contributing to the setting of our core strategies and objectives.

    We ask a lot of our teams. Not only do they bring crucial language skills and a deep understanding of the cultural context, but they are also marketers, event organisers, Government-to-Government experts, relationship managers, skilled communicators and more. They need to be as comfortable talking with a Minister as they are with a student seeking an education in New Zealand.

    My role is to set the direction, to coach, mentor, energise, and to ensure that the output of our team plays its part in realising the overall vision of our organisation.

    How is the COVID-19 pandemic impacting your team’s work?

    The impacts of COVID-19 on the International Team’s work have been wide-ranging.

    The first order of things related to the closed borders and the need to cancel, postpone or re-imagine the large number of in-market events that had been planned.

    At the same time, there was a square focus for both ENZ’s off- and onshore teams to support the experience of those international students who remained in New Zealand or had been unable to get here. This included everything from their access to online learning, accommodation needs, physical and emotional wellbeing, support through hardship, visa queries and connection to repatriation flights.

    Throughout all of this, the offshore teams have been heavily engaged in communicating with a full range of stakeholders – students, parents, agents, industry partners, NZ Inc partners and governements – to keep them abreast of developments and to assist in responding to their wide-ranging information needs. 

    Can you tell me a bit about your own professional background?

    I’ve always been interested in international relations. I spent 18 years as a career diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), living and working in Chile, Germany and New York City.

    Through those 18 years at MFAT, I gained an understanding of New Zealand’s place in the world. There is no doubt that we punch above our weight. Positioning our nation globally through diplomacy is highly rewarding but it is also a long game.

    What I have found particularly satisfying since joining Education New Zealand in 2013 is the short gap between effort and result. We get to see very quickly the impact of our work on thousands upon thousands of people whose lives have been transformed by  a New Zealand education. I’m proud to be able to play a part in that.

    People might think that diplomacy is something which happens exclusively at embassies and at a Government level. But in fact, education diplomacy is part of our organisaton’s DNA. And through our alumni we have created an enormous international network of ambassadors for both a New Zealand education as well as everything else our country has to offer.

    What do you do in your spare time? Can you tell us about the choir you sing in?

    Yes! I’ve been in a local choir called the Doubtful Sounds since 2014. It’s wonderful. It’s complete “me time”.  It’s away from work, it’s away from the family, it’s an escape from the normal preoccupations of life. I find it completely joyful.

    I love making music with other people. We’re not too serious; it’s not an auditioned choir and reading music is not a pre-requisite. I love the fact there’s a whole range of people involved. Our choir master Bryan Crump (of RNZ fame) is a brilliant musician and arranger of music, and is very active in getting us in public. We sing at  weddings, flash mobs in the street, the Fringe Festival, slots on RNZ. We sang last year in the Wright’s Hill gun implacement and at this year’s Newtown Fair. 

  • An update from ENZ's Events team

    Many of you are working closely with our international teams on in-market initiatives and programmes of work. The following update refers to the events as listed on the events calendar on our corporate website and does not include additional in-market activity.

    If you’ve confirmed to attend any of the upcoming ENZ calendar events for the second half of this year, the team will be in touch as soon as they can to update you on how the event will proceed.

    Events framework

    We are developing an events framework that will initially support events planned until the end of 2020 and look at alternative ways we can deliver events and fairs in New Zealand and overseas. This framework is in response to the current situation and the need to adjust how we do events over the next 12-18 months.

    We are aware delivering events virtually is a high priority, but we also understand that not every event will translate well to virtual delivery, and each market has its own challenges requiring a bespoke approach. The framework will consider each countries’ restrictions. It will also look at the viability of events taking place virtually or whether a hybrid approach could be used and be more effective.

    Virtual events platform

    To assist us in making the right decisions in event delivery, we are undertaking an initial scoping exercise of digital platforms that facilitates the delivery of events, fairs, and conferences online. 

    Our goal is to ensure our education industry has access to ‘best-in-class’ digital events options that align with our student audience needs. In order to align with your recruitment goals we will consult with industry partners to better understand what your requirements are for digital events, and whether an integrated ENZ platform could strengthen our ability to recruit students to New Zealand.

    Attendance at virtual fairs

    We are all receiving invitations to virtual fairs and we are assessing which events we will attend as it is essential New Zealand remains visible during this period. To help inform these decisions, the events team would welcome information on the events you will be participating in through to the end of 2020. Please email them at events@enz.govt.nz with this information, or if you have any further queries.

  • Emergency benefit for temporary visa holders

    Emergency Benefit, which was available for eligible temporary visa holders until 28 February 2021 from Work and Income at the Ministry of Social Development, has been extended to 31 August 2021.

    It’s a weekly payment to help with basic living costs while the person arranges to return home as soon as they can.

    You can direct in-need students to this Work and Income link to find out if they will qualify and how to apply.

    Who is eligible

    Foreign nationals may be able to get the Emergency Benefit if they:

    • have a current temporary New Zealand visa that is not sponsored, for example a visitor visa, student visa or work visa
    • are in financial hardship with no other means of support (other than money to buy a flight home)
    • either:
      • are arranging to return home as soon as they can, or
      • can't get home because of COVID-19 travel restrictions but will do so as soon as flights are available
    • are taking all reasonable steps to find other means of support, including looking for work; consular assistance; savings or support from family, friends and organisations in NZ or overseas
    • have a valid passport
    • have a New Zealand bank account
    • have an Inland Revenue (IRD) number.

  • Recovery plan for the international education sector

     

    The Minister of Education has announced a long-term recovery plan for the international education sector.

    It includes a $51.6 million investment from the COVID-19 recovery and response fund to help reset New Zealand’s international education sector.

    The Plan consists of three concurrent workstreams that focus on stabilising the international education sector, strengthening the system, and accelerating the transformation of the sector as signalled in the 2018 International Education Strategy.

    It includes:   

    • $20 million in support for state and state-integrated schools to continue to employ the specialist international workforce to provide teaching and pastoral care to international students in New Zealand this year. 
    • $10 million targeted and immediate funding to private training providers of strategic importance (including English language schools) to preserve the foundations of the sector. MOE is developing eligibility criteria which will be implemented by TEC; providers can apply to TEC from mid-August.  
    • $1.5 million for English Language Schools to deliver English language training to migrants to help them to succeed in our schools and communities. 
    • $6.6 million to continue pastoral care and other activities normally funded by the Export Education Levy. 
    • $500k for NZQA to ensure the quality of New Zealand education being delivered offshore, and continue strengthening ongoing quality assurance processes.

    ENZ will administer:

    • $3 million for marketing and brand protection activities to keep New Zealand’s education brand visible in key markets and to ensure we capitalise on the strong international reputation New Zealand has gained through its handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
    • $10 million to develop new future-focused products and services to drive growth in our system onshore and offshore, to ensure a more resilient sector. This will include: 
    • An offshore pathways initiative to enable learners to begin their New Zealand education journey from their home country and to study programmes that pathway directly into bachelors and masters degrees in New Zealand, providing greater flexibility for learners and resilience to shocks. 
    • A New Zealand digital platform to provide a single strong New Zealand brand and presence to enable New Zealand providers to deliver their education products and study programmes to more people offshore, and to meet changing learner needs.  

    Education New Zealand will also support and drive the Recovery Plan through its annual activity. This will include brand positioning, maintaining engagement with students, partners and agents offshore, student retention and transitions, building the international reputation of New Zealand education, and working with the sector and regions on innovation and new modes of delivery.

    The Ministry of Education has developed criteria for the allocation of funding for Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and English language schools, to be implemented by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). 

    Fund for PTEs in financial difficulty due to COVID-19

    The Private Training Establishment (PTE) Targeted Assistance Fund (TAF) closed on 11 September 2020. 

    PTE ESOL Provision Fund

    The PTE ESOL Provision Fund closed on 28 August 2020.

    Further information

  • New Zealand and Viet Nam commit to strategic education partnership

    A refreshed Strategic Engagement Plan on Education was signed this week between Education New Zealand (ENZ) and Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

    The signing – ahead of a virtual leaders’ meeting between Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Viet Nam Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc – marks the elevation of the two countries’ relationship to a ‘strategic partnership’ and heralds a deeper level of education cooperation.

    The renewed Strategic Engagement Plan 2020-2023 will feature initiatives across education sectors in New Zealand and Viet Nam, including joint programmes in the tertiary sector, innovative education models in blended and online delivery, continued collaboration to improve institution-to-institution partnerships for English language training, and alumni engagement.

    Among the refreshed plan’s proposed initiatives are innovative education models in blended and online delivery, which will be particularly relevant to how New Zealand and Viet Nam build on their education relationship in a post COVID-19 environment. 

    New Zealand will continue its commitment to support Viet Nam’s efforts in achieving its 21st century education objectives to produce well-trained, work-ready graduates with the skills necessary to compete in a rapidly changing global market.

    ENZ Chief Executive, Grant McPherson, said the Strategic Engagement Plan’s renewal provides an important opportunity to leverage and build on the longstanding education partnership between New Zealand and Viet Nam.

    “We value the vibrancy and richness that Vietnamese students bring to New Zealand campuses and communities, and we’ve been thrilled to see the growing number of students from Viet Nam choosing to study in New Zealand in recent years.

    “While COVID-19 has presented us with challenges, we are looking forward to welcoming Vietnamese students into New Zealand when it is safe for to do so, including through initiatives such as the New Zealand Schools Scholarships and the New Zealand Scholarships programme for postgraduate students.”

    The New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam, Wendy Matthews, said it was fitting to see the re-commitment to the Strategic Engagement Plan in 2020, which marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Viet Nam.

    “The New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship has gone from strength to strength in recent years and education has been an integral part of this growth. I am delighted to see New Zealand institutions embarking on new ventures with education partners in Viet Nam – together they are developing innovative and student centric approaches. As we celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations in 2020, I’m confident today’s signing will serve as an effective platform to further advance education cooperation between Viet Nam and New Zealand and deliver successful education outcomes for our students.”

  • What’s next for ENZ events?

    The trial of the EventsAIR OnAIR platform began in September with the Japan New Zealand Education Virtual Showcase and Agent Seminar, and will continue over the next few months for events like agent seminars in-market, the Viet Nam Student Showcase, and the Summer Retention Showcase.

    Over and above a video-conferencing application like Zoom, the EventsAIR OnAIR platform has functions like a virtual exhibition, live Q & A, and gamification features, where users can compete to win points.

    ENZ recently hosted our inaugural India New Zealand Education Week on the EventsAIR OnAIR platform. To have a look at the platform and how it works, you can register and view recordings of the event here.

    ENZ has an established relationship with EventsAIR, having previously partnered with them for lead capture at in-person events.

    ENZ Director – Channel Services and Partnerships, Dan Smidt, says what really clinched this new collaboration was the wide range of functionality EventsAIR had developed.

    “We didn’t want a platform that would simply recreate what you’d expect from an in-person event. We wanted something that would use digital features in a creative way, to really capture the attention and imagination of our attendees.”

    Participants are currently limited to providers who registered with ENZ for in-person events in-market before they were cancelled due to COVID-19. At the moment, ENZ is able to offer participation in these events at no cost to the sector.

    “In the results of a survey out to New Zealand providers earlier this year, the cost of developing or participating in digital events was one of the most important factors for those considering their event options,” Dan says.

    Even before COVID-19 caused global travel disruption and the widespread cancellation of in-person events, ENZ was looking into ways to host more events virtually.

    “We know that education providers and students are becoming more conscious of the sustainability of long-haul air travel,” Dan says. “COVID-19 simply accelerated our work in the online event space.”

    “This dynamic virtual events platform is the next logical step in the growth of the ENZ digital eco-system. We’re now able to think about how we do events in a whole new way.”

    Dan and the ENZ Events Team hope to develop a virtual and hybrid calendar of events for 2021 with OnAIR. Please watch out for more updates on our events work in E-News on our website.

  • From the CE: Honouring our commitment to international students

    The Government has announced today that a new border exception will allow 250 international PhD and postgraduate students to enter New Zealand and continue their studies.

    Read Minister of Education Chris Hipkins’ official release.

    This is a positive first step on the path to recovery and is consistent with the Recovery Plan for International Education.

    It is recognition that international education is important to New Zealand and will play a vital role in the country’s rebuild and recovery from COVID-19. Prior to COVID, international education was New Zealand’s fifth-largest export earner, earning $5 billion a year and supporting around 45,000 jobs.

    Moreover, the international students included in this group have had their postgraduate study or research disrupted by COVID-19, and cannot complete it due to the practical nature of their course. They have made a commitment to New Zealand, and that’s something we want to honour.

    ENZ’s next step is to work with tertiary providers as they identify and select eligible students, and to continue to work with other government agencies to ensure a safe and considered process is developed for these students to enter the country.

    ENZ is looking forward to further border exceptions that will benefit as many providers and students as possible, when it is safe to do so.

    We will also have work underway to make sure the students entering New Zealand receive a warm welcome and have the information they need to succeed.

    I am very proud of the manaakitanga that New Zealand education providers have been demonstrating throughout the COVID-19 crisis this year.

    Please continue to encourage your students to sign up to NauMai NZ, our digital home for students who have chosen to study in New Zealand. Over the COVID-19 crisis, it has continually been updated and expanded with information international students need to know.

    In the early hours of Saturday, 2 October, ENZ’s NauMai NZ was awarded a Highly Commended in the Student Support category at The PIEoneer Awards. We are delighted to be recognised for this work alongside such a varied list of international organisations.

    You can read more about NauMai NZ in this issue of E-News.

    He waka eke noa (we’re all in this together).

    Grant McPherson

    Chief Executive

    Manapou ki te Ao

  • On the ‘road’ again

    ENZ’s team in South Korea, in partnership with the Seoul Board of Education, held their first-ever online school roadshow this October. It aimed to give Korean students a better idea of New Zealand and inspire them to study here in the future.

    Virtual webinars were delivered to over 500 students at 13 Korean high schools. Before each webinar, students were asked to send in their questions about New Zealand education, so their presentation could be tailored to reflect their interests.

    New Zealand Ambassador to Korea, Philip Turner, supported the roadshow with a pre-recorded video.

    “This strategic engagement with the Seoul Board of Education  is an example of how we’re working with key in-market stakeholders to keep the dream of New Zealand education alive in the hearts and minds of our future international students,” ENZ Regional Manager – East Asia, Ben Burrowes says.

    Maintaining the New Zealand brand in our offshore markets is a key part of the third workstream of the Recovery Plan for international education, ‘Transforming to a more sustainable future state’.

    Elsewhere in Korea, ENZ working on connecting NZ schools with Korean schools for virtual language exchanges. In September, Team Korea launched a digital platform for a local Korean audience that shares positive stories about New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, institution updates, and inspiring stories of Korean international students.

    “Before COVID, Korea was the fourth-largest student source country for New Zealand’s international education sector,” Ben says. “In 2018, nearly 2,500 Korean students studied at New Zealand schools, a five percent increase on 2017, and our market research indicates that the interest in a New Zealand education certainly still remains. It’s therefore vital that we maintain our brand presence and help to build a pipeline of Korean students for our institutions.”

  • Getting started with chatbots

    ENZ is the only country in the world that uses a chatbot to market to prospective international students.

    Tohu is a helpful little bot that sits on Study in New Zealand, NauMai NZ, and the Study in New Zealand Facebook page.

    It answers questions on everything from applying for a visa to what you can do for fun in New Zealand. It gives prospective students an answer to most of their questions immediately, freeing up ENZ’s social media team so they can focus on other projects.

    ENZ’s Director of Planning, Jamie Crump, has developed a whitepaper with ENZ’s chatbot agency partner, Theta, which lays out a framework for developing a chatbot.

    The five-step framework draws on Jamie’s Master of Technological Futures report, and is based on ENZ’s development of Tohu.

    Because ENZ staff can train Tohu on new information at any time, the bot is a versatile tool in our social engagement team’s toolbox. So far, Tohu has been utilised in the Ask New Anything campaign, and has most recently learnt new answers on the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand.

    “Prior to Tohu, with a social media team of two, it could take up to 24 hours for someone to get a response to their question. Now they can get an immediate response, and we know that Tohu can answer more than 80 percent of the most common questions,” ENZ International Social Media Manager, Nicole Baird, says.

    “So the team can spend time answering the specific questions, and doing more of the strategic things for our Facebook channel, rather than answering the same straightforward questions repeatedly.”

    Jamie’s initial research revealed that many people already like engaging with a chatbot, and that more and more consumers are using chatbots as a way of finding out information. For example, 48 percent of people would rather connect with a company via live chat than any other means of contact.

    Tohu is integrated with ENZ’s marketing database and automation software, Marketo. Instead of completing a form, students can sign up to the receive updates from Study In New Zealand or NauMai NZ. This feature also opens up possibilities for Tohu to become a more targeted, useful channel for prospective students.

    “The logical next step is personalisation of the chat experience, and that’s something we’re looking forward to exploring with Theta,” Jamie says.

    Read Get started with chatbots: A proven framework for chatbot implementation

  • ISANA NZ Awards 2020

    Nominations for the ISANA NZ Awards for 2020 are now being sought now and must be submitted by 5pm on 4 December. The three awards include:

    • The ISANA NZ Professionalisation Award recognises a practitioner who has exemplified an outstanding professional commitment to their international education work.
    • The ISANA NZ Award recognises an individual for their resourcefulness and outstanding commitment to international student welfare.
    • The Tracy Evans Scholarship recognises the outstanding work of an individual working in the New Zealand schools international education sector.

    Visit the Awards and Scholarships page on the ISANA NZ website.

    Nominations to be sent to: contact@isana.nz by 5pm, 4 December.

    Click here to register for the ISANA NZ Awards Ceremony at 11am, 9 December.

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