Search

Showing 10 of 1007 results for gabrielaaa06302 of

  • From the CE: 12 months on from the borders reopening

    Kia ora tātou,

    Twelve months ago, New Zealand’s borders reopened to international students. From a standing start the international education sector has, alongside Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and our New Zealand Inc partners in government, worked enormously hard.

    The first challenge was to get New Zealand back “on the map” as a high-quality international education destination. One of our ENZ teams tells me that we were involved in a minimum of 27 events including NAFSA, ANZA, EAIE, agent and student fairs over the last 12 months. There have been at least 11 senior ministerial and sector delegations covering China, India, Viet Nam, Japan, South Korea, US, Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Thailand. This is only the tip of the iceberg of all the effort expended by New Zealand providers, with our partner agents, providers and Government agencies – offshore and onshore.

    And as students started to apply for their visas and arrive in New Zealand, we cannot underestimate the amount of effort that has been required to get the infrastructure that supports the sector up and running. Reviewing applications, delivering offers of place, processing visas, finding accommodation, pastoral care; the list goes on. Lots of unseen and unheralded effort that goes on behind the scenes to ensure international students receive a high-quality experience.

    Yet this is just one part of what we do. Onshore and offshore, the sector has also supported the Prime Minister’s and Manaaki Scholarships, and worked closely with ENZ to explore opportunities to innovate and make the sector more resilient.

    It isn’t easy and while we all know that there is more to do on all fronts, it is worth taking a moment to acknowledge just what has been achieved together.

    Turning our attention to the next 12 months, in June the ENZ Board approved our business plan for this financial year (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024). The plan has four clear priorities:

    1. Grow inbound student mobility for Aotearoa New Zealand
    2. Support sector capability development
    3. Build global connections
    4. Encourage and support innovation in the sector

    Within these priorities, close to 75% of our discretionary budget is focused on the first one. This is completely aligned with Focus Area 1 of the New Zealand International Education Strategy, which is to help providers of international education to build back onshore offerings. We know there is more to do and over the next 12 months the priority is to build on the good start we have made and cement the recovery and rebuilding of the sector.

    That’s not to say we aren’t investing in the other areas; we are. We will continue to build global connections. These connections go hand-in-hand with our first priority and in some countries, they are essential to achieving it.

    We will also build on the lessons of the past 12 months around innovation. In the first week of August, we organised a series of events facilitated by Professor Martin Bean, a recognised leader in discussions around the future of education. His brief was to provoke and encourage discussion on what the future could look like and what it might take to get there. You can read more about his visit in our E-News story here.

    And when it comes to building sector capability this week’s NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE KI TUA is an immediate opportunity to listen, learn, discuss, contribute, and network with specialists and colleagues. It will be great to be able to meet in person for the first time in close to three years and to celebrate the 30th time that we have joined together as a sector. I look forward to meeting and talking with many of you over the next few days.

    Mauri tū, mauri ora, an active soul is a healthy soul.

    Ngā mihi

    Grant

  • From the CE: A celebration of energy, optimism and human spirit

    Kia ora tātou,

    NZIEC TI KUA – the pathway forward, was a celebration of the energy, optimism, and the human spirit of the international education sector in New Zealand. 

    It was great to see, and be among, more than 590 delegates reconnecting in person, sharing experiences, discussing the future, and listening to a remarkable range of quality speakers. All the presenters were inspiring and all clearly outlined some the challenges and the opportunities as we move forward. 

    First among these was the visiting Minister for Education in China, His Excellency Huai Jinpeng whose warm outgoing personality was clear to all who met him. It was enormously positive that Minister Huai emphasised China’s was willing to work together with New Zealand to “promote win-win cooperation” and “to unite for mutual benefit”. I hope many of us accept his open invitation to visit China. As he said “Better to see for oneself than to hear from others”. 

    From the New Zealand side it was a great to have Minister for Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, attend the Gala dinner, and reinforce that “education is one of the key pillars of the New Zealand-China relationship and a foundation for enduring links between our countries”. China was the Country of Honour for this year’s conference and is an important long-term partner. 

    After a break of four years since the last NZIEC was held in-person, the friendship and happiness amongst conference delegates was tangible. 

    Certainly, there are challenges ahead as we continue to rebuild the sector. Several of the conference presenters highlighted the changes in global demographics, workplace demand for skills and technological developments as key drivers for a different future in the next 30 years. But the progress achieved in the year since the borders reopened was also cause for celebration and highlighted the adaptability and resilience of education providers throughout the sector. 

    I’d like to thank officials from the Ministry of Education, New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Immigration New Zealand who attended the conference and gave insights and answering queries relating to the impact of policies and practice. International education is a team sport and it was great to see their commitment to the future of the sector. And a very special thanks must also go to the ENZ organising team and supporting cast who delivered a remarkable and uplifting event. 

    As the curtain came down at the outstanding Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and delegates said final farewells before returning to their homes and communities, my lasting impression was that of an industry re-enlivened by the human contact we have all missed so much.  

    As our Chair, Tracey Bridges commented in her opening welcome, we have good cause to be optimistic about the future of the sector and the contribution it can make to all the people of Aotearoa and beyond.  

    It is now our responsibility to act on this optimism and to move forward. As Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it”. 

    Ngā mihi,

    Grant

  • Thank you to NZIEC KI TUA Partners

    The conference was attended by 599 delegates and saw 42 sessions delivered over two days by 85 speakers, including expert panellists.

    Thanks again to our NZIEC KI TUA 2023 Partners; our Country of Honour: People’s Republic of China, CSCSE, Streamliner, Student Safe, Flywire, idpconnect, IELTS, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Kiwiflora Nurseries, Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, Orbit Protect, Host Families, Christchurch Foundation and the Tui Corridor Project, University of Canterbury, University of Canterbury International College, Lincoln University and The University of Auckland. 

    Being the first in-person conference since 2019, connection was more important than ever and our NZIEC KI TUA 2023 exhibition hall was renamed The Experience Garden where delegates could do just that – engage, connect, and experience.  

    Delegates who visited the team at the Country of Honour’s Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) table, were able to have their name written in Chinese calligraphy and learn more about studying in China.  

    Locally made ice cream was provided by Southern Cross Travel Insurance, barista-made coffee from Student Safe and a special tea café was brought to delegates by idpconnect and IELTS. 

    Delegates also had the opportunity to experience a virtual reality journey with Yoobee College of Creative Innovation. 

     

     

    Thanks to the Kiwiflora Nurseries massage relaxation corner, delegates also got a chance to rest with a neck and shoulder massage and relax in their cosy and tranquil waiting area. Kiwiflora Nurseries partnered with NZIEC KI TUA and the Christchurch Foundation and the Tui Corridor Project to help us in our commitment to sustainability; for every delegate registration, a native tree was planted, fostering a greener future for generations to come. 

    The Host Families photography headshots activation was a hit with over 80 photos taken by the photographer. 

    The Orbit Protect Better Health Quiz provided delegates with a little downtime and a fun competition as they went head-to-head in earning points for prizes.  

    And last but not least, much appreciation goes to our partner Flywire as the Education New Zealand Manapou ki ta Ao Tamaki Makaurau Auckland office now has a new piece of artwork based on the theme of ‘How collaboration will shape the future of global education’ for their wall. 

    Thanks to all our 2023 partners in making this year’s conference a great one! 

    Check out the photo highlights reel from NZIEC KI TUA here. 

    We look forward to having you join us at Tākina in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on 6-8 August 2024. 

  • Thai interest in New Zealand as an offshore study destination is growing

    The annual Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Bangkok Fair took place on Saturday 26 August with 1,630 attendees visiting throughout the course of the day, a record number for the Fair. 

    Those who attended had the opportunity to talk to more than 50 education providers that were representing Aotearoa New Zealand education across the school, vocational, English language, and university sectors.  

    Ben McNally Burn, ENZ’s International Market Manager for Southeast Asia & India added that it was fantastic to see Thai interest in considering Aotearoa New Zealand as an offshore study destination growing. 

    “Having record numbers attend our Bangkok Fair this year demonstrates how important and reputable these fairs have become for prospective parents and students wanting to access reliable information directly from New Zealand education institutions. 

    “For our education partners, these events are so important for maintaining in-market credibility and reputation and we cannot underestimate the importance of keeping New Zealand front of mind. Especially in amongst accelerated competitor activities in Thailand including seminars and fairs hosted by Education USA, the Canadian Embassy, Austrade, and the British Council”, said Ben. 

    Ms. Kirsty Bundell, Assistant Director of Mathematics and Statistics at Avondale High School conducted five simulated classrooms to showcase hands-on New Zealand teaching and learning styles. Featured here is a class on Geometry - ‘SURFACE AREA OF 3D SHAPES’.

    Feedback from the sector representatives was overwhelmingly positive, noting that not only was there a fantastic turn out of attendees but that prospective students had clearly researched Aotearoa New Zealand and its educational offerings prior to coming, which led to engaging discussions. 

    Anne Henwood, Director of International Students at Rosehill College in Auckland said that she was thrilled by the exceptional experience at the 2023 Bangkok Fair.  

    “The events proved to be an invaluable opportunity for New Zealand schools, fostering connections and opening doors to agents, parents and students seeking quality education. The events brilliantly showcased the diverse educational opportunities for Thai students in New Zealand.” 

    Garry Chronican, Director Pathway, University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo also said that it was a pleasure to attend such a well-run and valuable event.  

    “The standard of advertising, communication, organisation and overall experience was outstanding. The events were well supported by education agencies – a testament to the excellent relationship ENZ staff have with local stakeholders”.  

    “Why study in New Zealand” special seminar held by key opinion leaders Choak and Suquan Bulakul. Their son is currently studying in New Zealand.

    ENZ also delivered an agent seminar in Bangkok on 25 August, just prior to the Education Fair. The Bangkok Agent Seminar offered an opportunity for NZ institutions to reconnect with high performing Thai education agents. This event included market updates, networking opportunities, along with 1-to-1 meetings throughout the day.    

    Following the ENZ agent seminars and fair, the ENZ team partnered with local schools and agents to take part in three separate mini fairs and school roadshows across Thailand including in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chonburi. 

    Any institutions looking to be involved in other ENZ organised fairs and events in the future in any of our markets, can do so by visiting ENZ’s events page here.

  • NZ EdTech’s taking a diversified and leading message to the Australian digital education market

    ENZ had a stand at NZTE’s pavilion with six of the eight EdTech who had expressed an interest in attending EduTech as part of an ENZ delegaton, showcasing their products alongside NZTE’s five customers. The companies in the ENZ delegation included Pacific Kids' Learning, Nutriblocks, PipiLearning, Jix Reality,  PolyMath and Code Avengers and the Student Volunteer Army were also part of the wider ENZ delegation. This diverse group of technology providers from K-12 to Vocational Training and Education (VET) and Higher Education (HE) provide a range of digital education solutions including numeracy, literacy, financial literacy, STEM, programmes for neuro diverse learners, Pacific based and culturally responsive digital tools, immersive digital education experiences and health and wellbeing educational games.

    PolyMath Co-Founders Sophie and Christian Silver (second and third from left) talking with attendees at their EduTech Melbourne 2023 stand.

    ENZ’s participation supports Focus Area Two of the New Zealand International Education Strategy which is to ‘Build a new international education future’. In taking NZ EdTech offshore, ENZ’s goal is to show how Aotearoa New Zealand is leading in education innovation while also helping NZ EdTech companies explore and understand the export opportunity in Australia in a low-risk and low-cost way.

    ENZ’s Business Development Manager | Kaiwhakawhanake Pakihi, Alana Pellow, said that having a stand on NZTE’s pavilion gave ENZ’s delegation profile and extra visibility during the Expo. This included the opportunity to promote their products, a presentation slot to pitch their products, visibility of their collateral and the opportunity to engage with expo attendees over the two days of the event.

    “All six EdTechs on our stand generated a total of 80 prospective customer and partner leads, with one company signing a contract with a local university while there.

    “All met with decisions makers and government education officials, explored opportunities to partner with other NZ EdTechs and refined their thinking and business planning on the opportunities presented by the Australian market. They all referenced the significant value of being ‘in market.’”

    Nutriblocks Co-Founder Dr Claudia Leong and Tech Programme Developer Tim Kern presenting at EduTech Melbourne 2023.

    ENZ also sponsored the NZTE networking dinner for the combined 13 EdTech businesses. Invited guests included representatives from the Victorian Department of Education and Training, Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, Matterworks/Board Director and the NSW Department of Education. Both Education Departments set the scene for the education technology landscape in NSW and Victoria and the journey both states are on in digital adapting and adopting specifically in K-12. 

    ENZ also supported giving broader visibility of Aotearoa New Zealand’s expertise in digital education and secured two speaker sessions for the EduTech VET conference stream.  Norie Ape, Digital Product Manager for Te Pūkenga, presented on ‘Collaborative Innovation: Transforming Vocational Education through Technology and Work Based Learning’ while Elizabeth Asbury, Director of Pipi Learning  also spoke on ‘Cultural responsive and designed for neurodiversity in the Vocational Education and Training sector’. Both sessions were well attended and Norie and Elizabeth have been approached for further discussions involving contracting their EdTech services.

    Norie said it was a huge privilege to spend time together connecting on our shared passion for better outcomes for our learners, employers, and our colleagues.

    “We had two incredible days of meeting, learning, and collaborating in person with awesome humans using Tech 4 Good in Melbourne.  Time now to recover and setup all those post conference connections to further the new relationships forged and consider how to embed new ways of collaboration in and beyond.’’

    Norie Ape, Digital Product Manager for Te Pūkenga (second from left) with Code Avengers Founder, Hamish Day (far right) and Bradley Hansen (left) plus Karl de Borst (second from right) of Amazon Web Services.

    At the conclusion of EduTech Melbourne 2023, Alana shared here top three takeaways from the conference.  

    “Firstly, nothing beats being on the ground in market, to understand the needs of educators and the opportunity that exists. 

    “Secondly, there is power in the collective ‘we’ when Aotearoa New Zealand turns up en masse, in market. Collaborating and having deep relationships with other NZ Inc agencies adds greater support to the sector and provides one door to our government, truly putting the customer at the centre. 

    “My last takeaway is how the Australian education ecosystem is embracing all that technology offers without throwing learners or indeed educators to the kerb. We could learn more from our Australian education colleagues and how they are using digital to create competitive advantage that supports their international education success alongside building their domestic market citizens ‘fit for future’ capability”, said Alana.  

    Next stop for NZ EdTech companies with ENZ is EduTech Asia in Singapore this November. Any NZ EdTech and Education publisher companies or education providers looking to be involved in education technology related Conferences and Expos can contact Alana Pellow on alana.pellow@enz.govt.nz    

  • Market Insights Sessions held for PTEs and ELS in Auckland last month

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) invited representatives from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and English Language Schools (ELSs) to come and hear from our in-market colleagues who were in Aotearoa New Zealand in August.  

    Felix Ye, Senior Market Development Manager for Guangzhou held an insights session on the China market for PTEs and ELSs, Jugnu Roy, Director of Engagement East Asia and India held a session for PTEs on the India market and Javiera Visedo, Director of Engagement Latin America held a session for PTEs and ELSs on the Latin American market, specifically Chile, Colombia and Brazil.  

    The insights shared included key facts, policies, trends and observations about the individual markets, marketing channels and advice for student-recruiting activities, as well as opportunities and challenges for the sector.  

    Brijesh Sethi, Founder and Chairman of New Zealand Skills and Education Group and Co-Chairperson of Quality Tertiary Institutes said the sessions offered good insight into how ENZ can assist PTEs in marketing and opening up new markets. 

    “This is especially important in this tough environment for many vocational sub degree providers. The sessions were also a great opportunity to meet and hear from ENZ colleagues from these markets in person,” added Brijesh. 

    ENZ’s General Manager, Sector Engagement, Wendy Kerr, said that it was great to have a good turnout as these sessions are one of the ways we can engage directly and support our customers with useful information about the various markets they are targeting.  

    “We hope that our customers find our targeted insights useful in their own decision-making processes. With the opportunity also for open discussion throughout these sessions, they certainly are an important tool for us too in gaining a better understanding of the needs of the various PTEs and ELSs, meaning we can be more targeted in our approach to supporting them in the future.  

    The slide packs presented at all three market insights sessions have been shared with all PTE peak body members. If anyone has further questions, then please contact ENZ Business Development Manager, Jane Yang - jane.yang@enz.govt.nz.  

  • From the CE: The need to connect remains critical

    Kia ora tatou,

    This month I want to add some colour, and give credit, to the work New Zealand institutions and the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) team have been undertaking offshore in the continuing drive to raise awareness of NZ education options and opportunities.

    I have mentioned before how much of this activity is often ‘unseen’ from New Zealand, and yet it is pivotal to our marketing and outreach to potential students, their parents, agents, institutional and government partners. The principle focus of this effort is to engage with students, build awareness, and drive interest and enrolment in New Zealand education providers. But that is not all. These activities and events, play an important role of ensuring the sector and its institutions remain connected to key international counterparts and government agencies, lifting the profile of New Zealand as a destination for international education while building long term resilience for the sector.

    Here is a quick update on some of this International activity. Images of some of these interactions are shared in our international photo gallery update here.

    China:   Massey University and ENZ organised a Massey University friends and alumni reception in the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing on 27 August. About 50 participants attended the event including alumni and partners of Massey University. The event was particularly timely following China being the Country of Honour at NZIEC Ki Tua earlier in the month and highlights the important linkages between government to government and institutional relationships in key markets.  

    India:    ENZ was a gold sponsor of the IC3 Institute annual conference, held in Hyderabad on 23 - 24 August. ENZ was joined at the event by representatives of seven New Zealand universities and saw strong interest among counsellors in New Zealand as a study destination. More than 2,000 delegates attended the two-day event.

    Brazil; Colombia - Latin America:  Following on from strong interest shown in New Zealand at the first in person expo at the Australian Centre Expo in Sāo Paulo in August, ENZ’s Director of Engagement Latin America, Javiera Visedo, took the opportunity to reconnect with providers and stakeholders across New Zealand after attending NZIEC Ki Tua. In Auckland, she delivered a market insights session to local ELS and PTE sector representatives highlighting opportunities for growth.

    Malaysia: The first instalment of the Indigenous People Talk series took place on 13 August with Dr Hazel Abraham from AUT joining Malaysian academics to discuss the importance of education and technology to empower indigenous communities in both countries.

    Indonesia: Universities New Zealand signed an arrangement with LPDP (the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education) on 2 August in Jakarta. The Arrangement was signed by Prof Neil Quigley, University of Waikato Vice Chancellor and Chair of the UNZ International Committee, and Andin Hadiyanto, President director of LPDP. New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, HE Kevin Burnett joined representatives of all eight New Zealand universities to witness the ceremony.

    South Korea: In three short days from 31 August to 2 September, the ENZ team organised an Agent seminar, a New Zealand Education night reception and the New Zealand Education Fair. All were well attended and interest from attendees was high.

    Thailand: Similarly, in a compressed week from 25 - 30 August, the ENZ Thai Team coordinated Agent seminars, the New Zealand Education Fair in Bangkok, and follow-up school visits and agent fairs in the Thai provinces of Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chonburi.

    Vietnam: In the lead up to the New Zealand Education Fairs which will take place in October, the ENZ Vietnam team participated in the GSE Education Fair by hosting a ‘Study with New Zealand’ session on 9 September.

    If you are interested in learning more about how your school or institution can participate in building connections with international students, contact our international team through this link.

    Within New Zealand, we were delighted to welcome the first cohort of students from Ichihara City to undertake a study tour at Waimea College in Nelson from 6 - 20 August. Reinforcing the importance of the study trip, ENZ’s Lisa Futschek joined the Mayor of Ichihara in Wellington to discuss further strengthening of the Education Cooperation Arrangement with Ichihara City that was originally signed in 2020.

    Our sector engagement team continued its briefings of key sub-sector peak bodies to outline the ENZ Annual Plan and how it impacts their sector. This included briefings for the SEIBA Board, QTI and ITENZ, and English New Zealand. This followed briefings early in August with international directors of New Zealand universities and Te Pūkenga. Feedback from the bodies was appreciative of the explanation and sharing of the plan, with questions raised at the briefings a key part of the transparent and helpful feedback we received.

    The urgency for the international education sector to address challenges and opportunities of the future continued on from the NZIEC Ki Tua conference in mid-August  through to the recent ITENZ conference held in Christchurch on 12 and 13 September.  The PTE sector has faced some of the most challenging conditions in recent times, but the determination of those attending to identify and take opportunities to regain their previous strength was impressive and bodes well for the sector’s path to a brighter future.

    On the marketing front, visits to the Study with New Zealand (SWNZ) website continued to perform well with the total number of active sessions lifting nine percent to 125,203 during August. Of particular interest was the strong interest from Thailand which overtook India in August as the main source of interest with a spike in activity before and during the Education Fair in Bangkok. As we move through the year, other markets are also expected to show lifts in activity associated with local market fairs and promotion.

    This week also saw ENZ host the first Tertiary Education Institution Manaaki Scholarship workshop in Auckland since ENZ took over the management of the scholarships programme last November. The workshop was attended by all eight universities and Te Pūkenga, with support and involvement from MFAT, Manaaki alumni and Skills Consulting Group. The scholarships not only benefit the students, but also the sector who gain access to many international students through this unique programme.

    As I look back on this month’s review it is obvious to me that to continue the rebuild of the international education sector for New Zealand the need to connect remains a critical part of the recovery. Whether it is happening in other countries or here in New Zealand, it is important to remember we are a ‘people’ business – we need to get out there and connect. Safe connecting.

    He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! 

    What is the most important thing in the world?  

    It is people! It is people! It is people! 

    Ngā mihi,

    Grant

  • ‘Apply four months in advance of travel’ - INZ Update

    Visa processing update 

    As at 7 October 2023, the average processing timeframe for an international student visa application submitted from outside of New Zealand is six weeks (29 working days). This is counted from the time the student submits their application, until the time the visa is declined, or the visa granted. Whilst the average processing time is six weeks, Immigration New Zealand continues to strongly recommend that students apply for their visas around four months ahead of their intended travel date, especially as we are entering the main student processing peak combined with summer, which sees high numbers of visitor visas. We cannot prioritise processing for late applications and are unable to prioritise based on travel bookings. Students should not finalise travel plans until they have their visa granted.  

    The approval rate for offshore student visa applications received (1 Aug 2022 – 7 Oct 2023) is 84% 

    Tertiary student in-study work rights  

    Tertiary students’ in-study work rights have typically been linked to whether the qualification being studied gains points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). As of 9 October 2023, only qualifications at Bachelor’s degree Level 7 or above qualify for points.  

     To maintain work rights for tertiary students, references to the SMC in the in-study work instructions have been removed. Eligible qualifications, programme level and type will be shown instead, to carry over the eligibility of many students studying below a Bachelor degree.  

    Since 9 October, all students studying a full-time programme that directly results in a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) are eligible for in-study work rights of 20 hours per week. Training schemes and micro-credentials are not qualifications and remain ineligible for in-study work rights. 

  • 2023 PIEoneer Awards - Celebrating NZ international student finalist, Nehara Pandey

    Nehara was one of only seven students from across the globe shortlisted as finalists for the ‘International Alumni of the Year’ category at the 2023 PIEoneer Awards. She was the only student in her category from the Southern Hemisphere and up against fellow international students from the UK, United States, and Germany. 

    The PIEoneer Awards is hosted annually by PIE News, a prominent international education news platform, and honours individuals and organisations across the globe driving excellence and innovation in education and beyond. The ‘International Alumni of the Year’ award celebrates international students who have made a significant contribution to their institution and the wider community. This year, the ceremony took place in London on Friday 22 September. 

    Nehara is originally from Goa in India and proudly neurodiverse. She completed her foundation studies at UP International College’s Wellington Campus in 2021 where she proved her drive for academic success, scooping up the Overall Excellence Award at the Wellington International Student Excellence Awards that same year. 

    Growing up by the ocean in India sparked her interest in environmentalism and she is now furthering her education at Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine biology. As well as being a dedicated conservationist, climate correspondent, and aspiring marine biologist, she is also a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community. You can read about her many achievements in UP Education’s media release on her nomination here.  UP Education also produced a showcase video, featured below, that highlights Nehara’s remarkable achievements and how a New Zealand international education has helped her succeed. 

    Nehara participated in the awards ceremony online and said it was an exciting experience to be a part of and such an honour to represent both New Zealand and India at an international level. 

    "I was introduced to so many organisations and people breaking barriers in the field of International Education. Although I did not win, this was such a unique learning experience and I'm extremely grateful to UP Education for nominating me.  

    “Studying at UP Education and now at Victoria University of Wellington has taught me so much and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally," said Nehara.  

    "I'm incredibly thankful to both institutions for allowing me to pursue my dreams of working in the field of conservation," she added. 

     Richard Kensington, Principal, Academic Relations for UP Education said that Nehara’s success story reflects the transformative educational experiences New Zealand can offer its international students.  

    “We were absolutely thrilled for Nehara that she was an ‘International Alumni of the Year’ finalist. This is yet another achievement that she can add to the already long list of achievements to her name,” said Richard. 

    ENZ’s Regional Director, America’s, Middle East and Europe, Amy Rutherford, was invited to participate in the 2023 Awards as one of 41 independent judges presiding over the 20 award categories. She joined two other New Zealanders on the panel including Gavin Millar from Nayland College in Nelson and Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula from The Eastern Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga in the Hawkes Bay.

    ENZ’s Amy Rutherford (5th from left) with fellow judges, including Gavin Millar from Nayland College (far right), at the 2023 PIEoneer Awards

    Amy said it was a huge honour to be invited to take part in the awards which celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses who make such significant contributions to international education around the globe.  

    “The calibre of the nominations received for the PIEoneer awards was especially high this year. It was a particularly proud moment to see Nehara representing New Zealand’s international education sector on this global stage and see her recognised for the outstanding contributions she makes to so many areas of her personal and academic life.  

    “On behalf of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, I’d like to extend our congratulations for her nomination in these awards and achievements thus far. I know she will continue to do amazing things,” added Amy.  

    The list of awards and winners can be found here. If you or your organisation would like to make a nomination for the 2024 PIEoneer Awards, entries will be opening in February 2024.  

     

  • Tapping the undergraduate market in India with High School Career Counsellors Workshops

    The interactive He Hui educated the counsellors from Delhi and Bangalore on what makes New Zealand one of the most attractive choices for undergraduate students and breadth of opportunities offered by our universities for international students. It was also an opportune time to socialise the New Zealand Excellence Awards | Study with New Zealand which are partial scholarships curated exclusively for Indian students.  

    High school counsellors play a vital role in influencing undergraduate students and therefore are considered an important stakeholder in the student journey abroad.  He Hui was a follow on from the interaction with High School Career Counsellors during the annual IC3 Conference held earlier this year.  

    New Zealand universities India representatives at ENZ desk at the IC3 annual conference in Hyderabad on 23 August

    The IC3 annual conference is India’s largest forum for school career counsellors and tertiary education providers to congregate, connect, network and deliberate on ethical career counselling practices for students. It provides a fantastic platform for international providers to educate and connect with key influencers for the undergraduate learners. As a gold sponsor at the IC3 conference, ENZ received greater visibility to showcase all New Zealand universities as well as the overall sector.  

    Ankit Mehta, International Recruitment Manager, Victoria University of Wellington presenting at the Delhi workshop

    These initiatives are part of India’s rebuild and reconnect strategy, especially with a focus on the undergraduate market. The range of activities have supported an increased level of interest from premier high schools from across the country.  

    India is an established market for post graduate students. However, growing the undergraduate market requires a defined strategy as Indian students from the metropolitan cities are inclined to favour competitor countries like Australia, US, UK and Canada.  

    With the high investment and commitment shown by agents and the New Zealand higher education sectors, India can be a very promising undergraduate market for New Zealand.  

    ENZ will continue to create awareness of New Zealand among High school students through social media campaigns, newsletters, subject-ready reckoners, and the New Zealand Excellence Awards to regain the reputation and visibility that has been affected over the last couple of years.  

    For more information, please contact Jugnu Roy, ENZ’s Director of Engagement-East Asia and India, Jugnu.roy@enz.govt.nz  

    Jugnu Roy, Director of Engagement-East Asia and India interacting with counsellors at the Bengaluru workshop

What's in it for me?