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• Report from GHEDEX 2022

  This year saw a welcome return to an in-person event, attracting good numbers of students and international education stakeholders. ENZ showcased New Zealand as an education partner for Oman during the “Quality in Higher Education” conference that took place alongside GHEDEX. While in Muscat, ENZ also hosted an event for Omani alumni of New Zealand universities. Twenty-eight attended, from seven universities, providing a useful networking opportunity.

  Officials at GHEDEX confirmed that as our border is reopening, New Zealand is included in the just-released Omani Ministry of Higher Education’s 2022/23 handbook for scholarships. Feedback from education agents suggests that fewer scholarship students overall are expected this year.

  Dr Nadia Kasto, New Zealand Academic Advisor for the Omani Consulate-General in Melbourne confirmed that from next year, all Omani scholarship students will be able to make their own decisions about the country and university that best suit their study needs.

  “All universities have to work very hard to promote themselves to Omani students in order to get as many students as they can.”

• Digital masterclass a runaway success

  Two New Zealand academics were among the speakers showcasing the latest technological solutions to revolutionise education at this second SEAMEO – New Zealand masterclass.  

  Professor Richard Green from the Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury, who also co-chairs the NZ AI Researchers Association, presented on “AI is Revolutionising Sustainability, Food and Biosecurity”. Dr Suranga Nanayakkara, Associate Professor at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, presented on “Kiwrious: Keeping Kiwi Kids Curious”. The other two keynote speakers were from National Institute of Education, Singapore, and Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. 

  The event was broadcast on SEAMEO Secretariat YouTube Channel and targeted policy-makers, government officials, educators, teachers, lecturers at TVET institutions and universities in Southeast Asia and beyond.  

  “The high level of interest in this event reflects the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in the way we live, work and learn,” said ENZ’s Regional Director, Asia, Ben Burrowes.  

  “A huge part of the attraction of a New Zealand education has been our world-class teaching and learning environment. We have been focusing on teaching 21st century skills within our national education strategy. This includes soft skills enabling our students to become critical, creative and independent learners. Our use of digital technology in the classrooms is also widely recognised and remains a huge focus in our school and tertiary curriculum.  

  “This second Master Class gave teachers and educators in the Southeast Asia region an opportunity to learn more about what a New Zealand education can offer, and broaden their viewpoints on the technological disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.”    

  Officially admitted as an Associate Member Country in 1973, New Zealand's co-operative relations with SEAMEO include scholarships and provision of experts for SEAMEO Regional Centres. The first SEAMEO-New Zealand masterclass on “Education Technology and Digital Security” was held in September 2021.  

  The 2022 masterclass can be viewed from the following link on the SEAMEO Secretariat YouTube channel https://link.seameo.org/MasterClass/20220524

• Around the world in five 

  International 

  Survey shows that prospective students want more information during admissions 

  Branch campuses ‘not the way forward’ for New Zealand 

  Champions of international education revealed at The PIEoneer Awards 2022 

  NZ reviewing Recognised Agency scheme, plans to bring back Export Education Levy for providers 

  Video: StudyTravel Interview with Darren Conway, Chair of English New Zealand 

  Meritocracy and equity in higher education are not mutually exclusive 

  FutureLearn to ‘significantly reduce expenditure’ after losses 

  World University Rankings 2023: top marks for Australian sector 

  IDP research: Canada still most popular for HE, Australia gaining ground 

  Manaakitanga – a warm Kiwi welcome to international students 

   

  New Zealand 

  NZ-owned edtech companies pledge not to spy on Kiwi schoolkids 

  Bus driver thanks local heroes following assault 

  University of Auckland offers new scholarships for Indian students 

  Education sector plays catch-up 

  Varsity takes hit of $40m 

  Teen supporting Wellington's international student community wins GirlBoss award 

  Country's biculturalism attracting US students - Education NZ 

  International students return to Waihī 

   

  Australia 

  Australia to cap work hours for int’l students 

  Survey says Australia a top choice among prospective international students 

   

  Brazil 

  LATAM agents: demand for Canada and Spain 

   

  Canada 

  Canada releases strategy to extend permanent residency transition 

  Canada lifts part-time work limit for international students 

  Wrong way in Canadian international student recruitment 

   

  China 

  Chinese graduates lose taste for entrepreneurship 

   

  India 

  Jaishankar raises difficulties faced by Indian students in New Zealand with Kiwi leadership 

  In New Zealand, Jaishankar raises visa delay issue: ‘I urge a fairer treatment’ 

  Indian students going abroad to face a triple whammy of inflation, forex and interest rates 

   

  Indonesia 

  “The potential is huge” – Indonesia’s TNE and outbound market 

   

  Thailand 

  Back then, New Zealand Education Guidance Accept Thai students ready for scholarships 

   

  Vietnam 

  New Zealand Education Expo 2022 will take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 

  Pursuing disciplines in sustainable development is attracting many younger generations 

  New Zealand's biggest education event officially returns with a range of valuable scholarships 

  How has Gen Z changed after the global citizenship course from New Zealand? 

  Vietnamese teachers impress New Zealand lecturers 

• From the CE: Holiday greetings!

  Education providers and agents, other NZ Inc agencies, and our own passionate and committed international teams, enabled New Zealand to retain an active presence in our key partner countries while the borders were closed – creating online events and promotions, finding innovative ways to enable students who were caught overseas to continue their studies online, and working hard to sustain and develop vital relationships. At the same time, we worked with you to look after international students remaining in New Zealand, and to enable selected students to travel here through the cohort processes. 

  Reduced restrictions in some countries created some very useful opportunities for travel and direct personal engagement in the first half of the year.  

  New Zealand’s successful participation at NAFSA in the United States at the end of May was a major highlight – it included a high profile role for Education Minister Chris Hipkins, the launch of Te Pūkenga’s international strategy as well as participation by all eight of New Zealand’s universities, and the launch of the sector’s new global marketing campaign, I AM NEW.  

  This award-winning campaign, which showcases unique aspects of a New Zealand education, has so far achieved a total reach of 184 million people – generating 52.7 million engagements across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, WeChat, Weibo and Bilibil, attracting a high level of interest at offshore events and positive media coverage.  

  Minister Hipkins’ visit to NAFSA was the start of an education-focussed trip to the United States, Brazil and Chile. The value of this first trip and the ones that followed later in the year cannot be overstated – they have sent a strong message that New Zealand is open for business and ready to welcome international students once again. Subsequent visits to Asia by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and by Minister Hipkins again included meetings with key politicians, officials, education providers, agents, alumni and other stakeholders, and gained significant media coverage in the region.  

  Over recent months we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of international students here. New Zealanders also have the opportunity to experience international education in Asia and Latin America once again, with the resumption of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships. 

  These have been welcome developments, but there is still a way to go to rebuild student numbers enrolling with institutions in New Zealand. It’s also increasingly clear that the long-term future of international education needs to be much broader than student mobility. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao was already working with the sector on innovation pre-Covid, and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of this diversification work, to support greater resilience and long-term sustainability. The refreshed New Zealand International Education Strategy 2022-30 and the 2020 Strategic Recovery Plan for International Education have set the framework for our work in this area during the year.  

  Finally, as we head towards the holiday break, I’d like to thank everyone for your support this year. I look forward to working with you again in 2023 to rebuild an international education sector that is sustainable, resilient, and innovative, and of high value for students, providers, and all of New Zealand. 

  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. 

  Grant McPherson 

• Huge education potential with Viet Nam

  “It was a great privilege to be part of this visit. We were warmly welcomed everywhere, and there was a lot of interest in New Zealand education,” says Grant McPherson, Chief Executive at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).  

  “An education forum in Ha Noi was a late addition to the programme, in response to a request from Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training - this shows the high level of enthusiasm and energy for this relationship.” 

  Eleven representatives formed the New Zealand delegation for the education forum. Key officials and education sector representatives from Viet Nam joined the event, which was hosted by Vice Minister Nguyen Van Phuc. Institutional autonomy, scholarships, and foreign investment in education were the three main topics on the agenda, generating animated questions and discussion. 

  Three education arrangements were signed during the Prime Minister’s visit. The Education Cooperation Arrangement between the Ministries of Education in both countries was renewed, with the signing witnessed by the two Prime Ministers. 

   

  University of Auckland Vice Chancellor Dawn Freshwater also signed two arrangements with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCM-UT), relating to qualifications in computer and data science. 

   

  The visit also included an opportunity for the Prime Minister and the delegation to meet with around 70 Vietnamese alumni.  

  

  “Over the years, many Vietnamese students have studied in New Zealand, and they have become part of a network of influential alumni. These relationships span every sector of Viet Nam business and government,” Mr McPherson said. 

  “Five alumni showcased their businesses and social projects at the event and had the opportunity to discuss their work with Prime Minister Ardern Dave Quach, Hoa Pham, Nhien Le, Van Nguyen, and Ngan Le. Their work spanned sustainable textile manufacturing; a kindergarten that applies values of New Zealand’s early childhood education curriculum, Te Whāriki; mindfulness photography for social development; a tech-enabled platform that supports young people to pursue their study abroad dream; and an innovative agribusiness model for women of ethnic minorities in northern Vietnam.” 

  In recognition of the achievements of alumni and to support them as a community, Prime Minister Ardern  launched a digital badge for Vietnamese alumni, I AM NEW, at the event. 

  Education was on the agenda at a business dialogue on 15 November and a business breakfast on 17 November provided a valuable opportunity to catch up with local institutional partners and agents. 

  The Prime Minister’s visit generated significant media and social media coverage in Viet Nam, and built on an earlier series of targeted events to promote New Zealand education in Viet Nam: 

  • Viet Nam Agent Seminars that enabled numerous New Zealand institutions to connect with education agents in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City on 28 and 31 October, and where agents heard directly from Immigration New Zealand about student visa requirements 
    
    
  • ENZ’s Viet Nam Education Fairs on 29 and 30 October in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, enabling New Zealand providers to connect directly with prospective students and their families. These fairs generated similar levels of interest to events pre-Covid, and again included an opportunity for students to hear directly from Immigration New Zealand about student visa requirements 
  • Viet Nam School Leaders and Counsellors Meet-ups on 28 and 31 October in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, which enabled New Zealand tertiary providers to connect with representatives from international and private schools 
    
    
  • Launch of Te Pūkenga at an event that was well attended by education agents in Ho Chi Minh City on 31 October 
    
    
  • Education Workshop on Micro-Credentials in Future-focused Education on 1 November, in association with The MindLab and NZQA.  

  The sector has recognised the opportunities in education with Vietnam. Sector and government agencies’ work so far is helping to raise the profile of New Zealand and the quality of an education delivered by New Zealand. 

   

   

   

• New Zealand open and ready to welcome Colombian students

  More than 80 guests, including university authorities, school directors, government stakeholders, and education agents attended the event, which was opened with a haka performed by ENZ Manukura – Chief Advisor Māori Ed Tuari and Āriana Ngārimu-Goldsmith, Advisor Māori.  

  One of the highlights of the event was the launch of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s I AM NEW kākahu campaign in Spanish.  

  The I AM NEW kākahu marketing campaign was launched at NAFSA 2022 in May and features the stories of eight international students from China, Colombia, Germany, India, Japan, Thailand, USA, and Viet Nam. The students worked alongside Māori fashion designer Kiri Nathan to collaborate on the design of a new type of education garment that embodies cultural values that make New Zealand education unique.  

  Bryann Avendaño is the Colombian student featured in the campaign. His kākahu gown was on display at the event and he narrated the accompanying campaign video in Spanish (you can watch the video here) 

  “New Zealand has its eye on all things new,” Avendaño told the audience.   

  “How to think ahead for next generations, and this is the gown for the next generations. The way the gown is made by many hands and with a lot of thought put into it, it’s kind of an analogy of how science is made. It’s a collective effort to create new things, innovate, and make the world a better place.”  

  ENZ’s Director of Engagement – Latin America, Javiera Visedo, said Bryann’s message was a powerful and impactful.  

  “The video and the message he shared was so powerful, especially because it was made in Spanish, his native language.   

  “People were really impressed and proud to see a Colombian student feature in ENZ’s global brand campaign. 

  “Everyone appreciated how New Zealand’s international education includes and celebrates Colombia. It was perceived as honest, genuine, and authentic in a way that really represents New Zealand’s values and celebrates New Zealand’s culture.” 

  Some education agents said that it was a great way to promote New Zealand as a study destination, without being too explicit, and that they understood New Zealand’s biculturalism much better now.   

  ENZ’s Manukura – Chief Advisor Māori, Ed Tuari said he enjoyed the opportunity to connect with local agents and government officials and provide an opportunity to open a window to te ao Māori. “It was great to be able to support the opening campaign by interweaving aspects of tikanga (protocols) which included performing a haka, which definitely got their attention! 

  “We all believe in the value of international education nurturing global connections and the power of education to advance dialogues related to engagement of our indigenous people, social justice and climate.” 

• Successful New Zealand – India Education Connect Initiative held in India

  New Zealand – India Education Connect took place from 8 to 14 February, involving a high-level sector delegation made up of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, International Directors, academic heads, and regional recruitment staff from all eight New Zealand universities.  

  Led by Lisa Futschek, ENZ’s General Manager International, the delegation visited Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad. During the visit, ENZ signed two Education Cooperation Arrangements (ECAs) and one Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka; Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA); and Gujarat International Finance Tech City (GIFT City) respectively.  The ECAs and MoU provide a high-level umbrella arrangement for New Zealand universities to explore potential collaborations with each of the partners. 

  

  The New Zealand delegation with IIM Ahmedabad officials on 14 February.

  

  New Zealand universities delegation with Hon Dr. M C Sudhakar, Minister, Karnataka Higher Education Minister and officials of Karnataka Higher Education Council, Bengaluru on 8 February

  Ms Futschek acknowledged the special relationship India and New Zealand have, noting that this year marks the 72nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.  

  “India consistently holds the position of the second-largest international student market for New Zealand. The dynamic growth in the education partnerships between our two countries is attributed to strategic investments by universities, marked by heightened levels of internationalisation and strengthened commitments through the establishment of in-country representatives/offices by all eight. 

  “There is certainly much to be said for having power in numbers. Engaging as a group is a very good way to leverage connections with key government and private stakeholders that would otherwise be difficult on an individual institution basis,” said Ms Futschek. 

  The delegation visit to the New Zealand Centre at IIT Delhi (IITD) was one of the highlights of the programme as it facilitated discussions on resource mobilisation for long-term sustainability of the centre. The New Zealand Centre at IITD was established in February 2020 as a focal point for joint academic activity between New Zealand's eight universities and IITD.  The centre is a research-focused hub that fosters collaborative, sustainable, self-supporting research programmes in areas of shared national interest such as climate change, disaster management, urban planning, and the environment. The first big engagement at the New Zealand Centre included 10 joint research projects between NZ universities and IITD academics in 2022. Subsequently, a fellowship programme with a joint funding of NZ$ 100,000 was announced in 2023, and as part of this programme four New Zealand Fellows will be spending time working with IITD in 2023/24 and two IITD Fellows with New Zealand universities.  

  Ms Futschek noted that the New Zealand Centre at IITD is a great example of how the cohesion between our eight universities and IITD has led to a flagship project growing in scale and sustainably. 

  “This success has all happened while building our reputation for quality education and a commitment to bilateral relations between our two countries,” added Ms Futschek.  

  

  The networking reception organised by ENZ in Delhi during the ENZ Connect series, was attended by a group of 24 students from University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington, who were in India as part of the PMSA India immersion programme. They not only engaged with the ‘friends of NZ’ attendee, but also performed a Bollywood dance they had learnt during their six weeks in India, much to the delight of the audience.

  Other activities conducted during the week included a media roundtable, led by H.E. Ambassador David Pine at the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi. The roundtable reached over 984 million people with a PR value of over NZD 624,000, further increasing the brand awareness of New Zealand’s world class education across India.    

  

  Media Roundtable at New Zealand High Commission in New Dehi, led by NZ High Commissioner to India, HE Mr David Pine, Lisa Futschek, GM International, ENZ and Brett Berquist, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement University of Canterbury.

  New Zealand universities also had a strong presence at QS India summit 2024, which coincided with the New Zealand – India Education Connect, helping delegates reflect their interest and achieve visibility in the Indian B2B space. ENZ was invited by QS to be a strategic partner at this summit. 

  

  The delegation at the QS India Summit 2024.

• New Zealand star of the show in leading Brazilian international education magazine

  In late April, the Consulate-General of New Zealand in São Paulo welcomed professionals from the international education sector for the launch of Belta's magazine ei – International Education. The event served to celebrate New Zealand as the magazine's feature country and was attended by government officials and Brazilians who studied in New Zealand institutions and now hold prominent positions in their professional fields.  

  Belta (Brazilian Language and Travel Association) brings together the leading Brazilian agencies offering travel programmes focused on international education. Agents associated with Belta are recognised for the safety and excellence of the services they provide to students. 

  The New Zealand delegation from Universities New Zealand, composed of representatives from five of the country's eight universities, and CAPES LATAM were present at the Consulate for the magazine launch event during their stay in Brazil for strategic meetings at FAUBAI 2024, Brazil's largest conference focusing on higher education. 

  

  ENZ’s Bruna Natale with the delegates from New Zealand.

  Belta's publication is a quality reference for those seeking information about studying abroad. It is published annually and serves as a guide for those interested in experiencing international education. It is distributed at exchange fairs, travel agencies, and schools throughout the year. This is the third time that Belta's magazine has featured New Zealand's international education on its cover. 

  The guests were welcomed by the Ambassador of New Zealand in Brazil, Richard Prendergast, the market development manager of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) in Brazil, Bruna de Natale, and Belta's president, Alexandre Argenta. 

  "Aotearoa New Zealand is open to Brazilian students, offering excellent education, institutions that prepare for future challenges, and a great quality of life, with safe cities and a friendly population," said Ambassador Prendergast at the event's opening. 

  

  Guests watch Ambassador Richard Prendergast’s speech.

  Bruna de Natale states, "Highlighting New Zealand education in Belta's magazine is essential for Brazilians to be aware of the quality of education offered in Aotearoa New Zealand." Bruna also emphasises that "the magazine directly engages with the audience interested in studying abroad, reaching exchange fairs and agencies from all regions of Brazil, so it is a strategic visibility for positioning the quality of New Zealand education." 

  Representatives from exchange agencies who attended the reception conversed with members of the Universities New Zealand delegation and Brazilians who had studied in New Zealand. 

  "We have strong connections with Latin America in general, and especially with Brazil, but we want to strengthen and expand these partnerships," said Bronwen Kelly, Deputy Chief Executive of Universities New Zealand. Participating in strategic events, like today's launch and the FAUBAI conference, is a significant step towards bringing our institutions closer together and paving the way for academic exchange," Bronwen added. 

  In addition to Alexandre Argenta, Maura Leão, Director of International Relations at Belta, attended the event. Both were in New Zealand in March on a familiarisation trip organised by ENZ to introduce the country as an education destination. 

  "I've just returned from a fantastic experience in New Zealand," said Maura Leão during the event. "It's a country with many wonderful opportunities for students. I visited schools, universities, English language schools, and high schools. The experience was very positive. For us who work in education, it's essential to have this opportunity to share impressions with families who want to send their children to study abroad," said the executive. 

  The online version of the magazine can be found here: Revista ei! 2024 by Associação Belta - Issuu 

  

  Bruna de Natale with Belta’s International Relations Director, Maura Leão.

• Education links recognised during Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Malaysia and Republic of Korea

  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent Trade Mission to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea involved a wide range of education-related events. They proved the perfect opportunity to recognise New Zealand’s education cooperation with both host countries while also raising New Zealand’s education brand awareness. The events also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections that were started through international education and continue through links to alumni and the industries they have gone on to work in.

  

  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul held on 5 September. 

  Representing our sector during the Mission was Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, and John van der Zwan, Executive Director of Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and NZ Inc agencies worked closely with the sector delegates on the education components of the Mission which included two education-related arrangement signings, education representatives at the two Gala Dinners, the Green Room with Influential Alumni event in Kuala Lumpur, and the New Zealand – Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul. 

  

  Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with Universiti Putra Malaysia.

  Joining the Mission for the education elements of the programme was ENZ’s Acting General Manager – International, Mr Ben Burrowes. Mr Burrowes said that having education representatives and dedicated education components feature strongly on the Prime Minister’s agenda supports the education sector with our brand awareness and elevates New Zealand’s reputation in these two important source countries for international students.
  
  "During the series of events, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong connections between our people that have been nurtured through education. 
  
  “At one of the alumni events in Malaysia which featured Malaysian alumni who are now influential leaders in politics, business, science, and education, Prime Minister Luxon spoke of the importance of such alumni networks in fostering these connections,” said Mr Burrowes.  

  

  While in Korea, ENZ’s Acting General Manager International, Ben Burrowes, provided an appreciation gift to our school sector partner, Seoul Metropolitan City Office of Education to recognise their commitment to supporting young learners through global citizenship initiatives.

  Professor Edwards said that he found the discussions on trade and education with Malaysia and the Republic of Korea highly valuable. 

  “Lincoln University signed two significant agreements during the trip: firstly, we signed an MoU with Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance research collaboration in agriculture and food security, and then a second MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) to support student training in specialised agricultural education programmes. 
   
  “The new agreements will broaden Lincoln University’s collaborations with international institutions and further expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s global education partnerships,” said Professor Edwards. 

  

  Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) in Seoul.

  Representing the school sector for the Republic of Korea leg of the Mission, John van der Zwan of SIEBA provided remarks at the education event on fostering school cooperation and participated in local education site visits after the Trade Mission programme concluded. Mr van der Zwan also visited a local education agency and a school in Seoul where he taught twenty years ago. 

  

  Executive Director of SIEBA Mr John van der Zwan speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony.

  Mr van der Zwan said that the Trade Mission was a special opportunity to join with the Prime Minister to promote the New Zealand school sector for international education. 
   
  “Our schools are seen as world-leading, providing excellent education to students from the Republic of Korea. The education event organised by ENZ and attended by the Prime Minister was a highlight for SIEBA with important connections made with education officials looking to strengthen people-to-people links with schools in New Zealand,” said Mr van der Zwan 
   

• From the CE: China, the GCC, and a warm welcome

  Tēnā koutou katoa  

  Recently I arrived back to New Zealand after a whirlwind visit to Beijing to attend the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE).  

  While there, I was delighted to announce that New Zealand will be the Country of Honour at next year’s conference in 2025. New Zealand and China share a long and important relationship - it remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner and CACIE is the biggest international education conference in China – connecting professionals, researchers and international education stakeholders. 

  Overall, the visit was extremely useful and included engagements with the President of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), senior Chinese Government officials, opinion leaders and media, as well as visits to education providers and meetings with New Zealand Inc Agency heads. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with ENZ’s China team in market. 

  Ed Tuari from our leadership team has also just returned to New Zealand after undertaking a market confirmation exercise in the Middle East region. The purpose of the exercise was to connect with key stakeholders and partners working in the region to establish what opportunities are available in international education, and to explore what level of resource ENZ may need to allocate to the region in the future. His travels took him to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.  

  Some good news to report on New Zealanders’ perceptions of international education and international students in New Zealand. The results from our latest survey show that 72 percent of respondents believed that international education and international students benefit New Zealand.  This is similar to previous years' scores which is promising.  

  For the first time this year, the annual survey asked respondents if they wanted to see more or fewer international students in the country. Forty-one percent of those surveyed said they would like to see more, with another 36 percent supporting the same number of students. 82 percent of New Zealanders agreed that international students contribute to our cultural diversity, with 79 percent feeling they help local students learn about other cultures and ways of life, as well as contributing to local businesses during their studies. A thriving and sustainable international education sector needs the support of New Zealanders to create a welcoming environment for international students, so the results are pleasing to see. 

  Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te manuhiri 

  With your food basket and my food basket, the visitors will be cared for. 

  Ngā mihi nui,  

  Amanda Malu 

  Chief Executive  
  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao