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ENZ survey to understand the supply of student accommodation is underway

The availability of accommodation for international students is often cited by our education partners as a potential barrier to the growth of the international education sector here in New Zealand. To date, evidence of this as a barrier has been anecdotal from individual providers and regions, with no specific data to offer a clear picture on the actual situation and extent of it.

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is therefore conducting a survey of international education providers with the aim to understand more about any potential or actual shortages, where and what accommodation type, and why that be, at a regional, sub-sector and national level. While the survey aims to better understand capacity issues and whether it is a barrier for growth in any part of New Zealand, we importantly want to build an evidence base to then enable tracking over time if a need is identified. Survey results will be shared with peak bodies and regions at an aggregated level to inform cross sector regional conversations and planning to address any issues found.

The survey link has already been sent out to the peak bodies who are forwarding this on to their members. If you are an international education provider here in New Zealand with experience in international student accommodation and have not yet received an email with the survey link, please email SectorEngagementTeam@enz.govt.nz. The survey will be open from now until 1 March 2024.

This is an inaugural survey and if you think a key question or aspect has been missed and should be included in future surveys, please use the free text box to capture this.
Indonesian events see strong interest from agents, students, NZ alumni, and scholarship applicants

In late January, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and all eight New Zealand universities joined forces to promote New Zealand's education offerings in Surabaya and Jakarta, Indonesia. The collaboration between ENZ and the universities aimed to strengthen ties with Indonesian education agencies, school counsellors, and alumni, fostering future partnerships and enhancing the visibility of New Zealand as a preferred destination for international education.

ENZ and the New Zealand universities organised a series of promotional activities in Surabaya on 24 January that saw participation from 11 agencies and school counsellors representing six schools. The promotional activities continued in Jakarta the next day, where representatives from 22 education agencies and 18 schools further demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in a New Zealand education. ENZ’s Regional Director for Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes and Market Manager (Indonesia and Malaysia), Naluri Bella, also had engagements with key agencies, such as Fortrust Education and SUN Education, across the two days.

Ben Burrowes said that the two events served to reconnect the universities with Indonesian agents and schools and proved an excellent opportunity for the institutions to showcase the diverse range of academic programmes available in New Zealand.

“The two events provided a platform for open discussion, idea exchanges and the exploration of potential partnerships that were focused not just on recruitment but also on building sustainable collaborations that would benefit both New Zealand institutions and Indonesian students seeking quality education abroad,” said Ben.

“A great example of such potential partnerships is how one school has already followed up saying they’d like to invite the universities back for a ‘New Zealand day’ event,

“These discussions come at an opportune time as ENZ continues to firm up its Indonesia strategy for the next financial year,” added Ben.

Following the university events, on 27 January, ENZ co-hosted a New Zealand Alumni Day with New Zealand Inc agencies. The event included information sessions on New Zealand scholarships, ranging from the New Zealand Manaaki scholarships and the Indonesian government scholarships such as LPDP (Indonesia’s Institute of Education Fund Management) and Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (ISMA), attracting around 100 potential leads. This initiative aimed to guide and inspire prospective students in their pursuit of educational opportunities in New Zealand.

ENZ and NZ Inc also witnessed the launch of the New Zealand - Indonesia Alumni Association during the Alumni Day. The Association serves as a networking platform for connecting New Zealand alumni in Indonesia, fostering a supportive community and providing ongoing resources for professional and personal development. The event concluded with a networking dinner, providing a relaxed and informal setting for alumni to connect with each other and with representatives from New Zealand universities.

ENZ’s Naluri Bella moderating the alumni sharing session featuring alumni from different scholarship schemes at the New Zealand Alumni Day on 27 January 2024. From left to right: Nur Khaririyatun – Lincoln University, Master of Management of Agribusiness (Ministry of Agriculture scholarship), Alifia Sabila Putri – University of Canterbury (IISMA Scholarship), Moses Gregory Ginting – University of Auckland, Master of Energy (LPDP Scholarship).

Agents in Jakarta engaged in interactive games to deepen their understanding of the beautiful and diverse landscapes and culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.

ENZ’s Ben Burrowes speaking at the New Zealand Alumni Day, highlighting the benefits of Study in New Zealand in front of the potential students.
Reflections from English Teachers in South Korea

In January 2024, six New Zealand teachers were selected to spend part of their summer season teaching English in South Korea as part of the New Zealand Korea FTA Partnership English Language Training Programme.

This programme is supported by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) who assists with the teacher recruitment process. This was one of the key KNZFTA programmes recently discussed during the South Korea Government delegation visit to New Zealand late last year.

The group of six New Zealand teachers selected to teach English in South Korea in January. From left, Jane Bassett, Food Technology Teacher from Havelock North Intermediate School, Sharon Powell, English Teacher from Long Bay College in Auckland, Kara Shortland, Acting Team Leader (Bilingual) from Whangārei Intermediate School Te Tai Tokerau. Glenn Cheyne, Head of Learning Area Social Sciences from Nayland College in Nelson, Gordon Sim, Social Science teacher from Hillcrest High School in Hamilton, and Dan Greer, Social Studies/Drama teacher from Logan Park High School in Dunedin.

Kay Lee, ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – Korea, said that it was an absolute pleasure to see New Zealand teachers continue to travel to South Korea to teach English during their summer break.

“There are so many positive outcomes from the running of this cross-cultural programme for both the Korean students and the New Zealand teachers participating.

"On one hand, the students get the opportunity to hone their English language skills while experiencing the New Zealand teaching style, learning more about New Zealand, including its culture and education system. Meanwhile, while teaching English and serving as ambassadors of a New Zealand education, the teachers can immerse themselves in Korean life for a few weeks, seeing new sights, trying new food and making new friends.

Gordon, Jane, and Dan, sampling Korean cuisine at the end of the teaching day.

"Our Korean government partner for educational programmes, EPIS, has acknowledged ENZ for its significant contribution to the programme’s success through effective teacher recruitment. These positive outcomes are testament to the strength of our NZ-Korea Government-to-Government partnership,” added Kay.

Upon their return to New Zealand, two of the teachers who are trained in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), shared their experiences with ENZ. Read on to hear about the reflections from their two weeks abroad....

Jane Bassett (지안 (Jian) from Havelock North Intermediate School with her students.

Jane Bassett is a Food Technology teacher at Havelock North Intermediate School and said that the experience of exchanging cultures whilst teaching in an overseas classroom environment was an absolute privilege.

“Our students were aged 14 – 17 years old and came from all over South Korea with family backgrounds in the Agricultural and Fisheries industries. Each student had been awarded a scholarship from the Korean government to attend the two-week intensive English programme organised by the Hyundai Research Institute.

"The Institute went above and beyond in their efforts to ensure an incredible experience for both the students and our group of teachers.

“The teaching programme included a wide range of modules and as well as English grammar, we covered lessons on New Zealand culture, history, tourism, agriculture, sports, famous New Zealanders, and school life. My class was also exposed to the New Zealand Technology curriculum and was tasked with developing a new snack product. As part of the project, I introduced them to several New Zealand snacks and Kiwi classics such as WeetBix, Marmite and Watties Baked Beans, to varying degrees of enjoyment!”

Students were encouraged to speak in English throughout the day via fun-games, readings, conversations and plays so that the teachers could fine-tune their English to help them become more fluent with more natural English phrasing.

"We also explained aspects of Māori culture and the significance of pepeha (way of introduction). The students, who were from agricultural and fisheries backgrounds, were quickly able to identify their own awa (river) and maunga (mountain), showing their own personal connection to their land.”

Jane said that a personal highlight was being able to spend her birthday in Seoul learning about Korean cuisine through a cooking class on kimchi making and tea ceremony in a traditional house. She admitted that this was an appropriate birthday experience for a New Zealand Food Technology teacher!

She summed up the experience by saying that the group of teachers gained a greater understanding of cultural diversity and appreciation of the challenges learning English poses for new learners, learnings which they will take home with them.

“We really hope that our students will remember their experience as fondly as we will and that they will look to study and visit New Zealand in the future.”

Drama and Social Studies teacher, Dan Greer, of Logan Park High School with three of his students.

Dan Greer, is a drama and social studies secondary school teacher from Logan Park School in Dunedin. He joined Jane as one of the six teachers selected to travel to South Korea, his second experience as an English language teacher in South Korea, having taught in Ulsan 12 years ago.

“I had such an amazing time participating in the Hyundai Research Institute’s programme. It was great to have other quality teachers on this experience with me and we were able to work together, mixing up the style of teaching and activities. I had the more beginner level class, and as a drama teacher we added games to my traditional English teaching. The students really enjoyed it, and it gave them more confidence to give things a go”.

Dan reflected on the fact that there was one practice of teaching English in Korea that he had often thought was a little unfair, that being the naming of Korean students with English names.

“As an English teacher in Korea, you are often asked to name Korean students with English names. Sometimes this is because they want them, sometimes it is because they ’have’ to, and for many it is because westerners find Korean names hard to pronounce. I have named nine children in my life, one being my daughter and the other eight have been my Korean students”.

Dan used this practice as a topic of discussion in class one day and shared his opinion that it had not always felt right to him as he felt that if Korean students were taking the time to learn the English language, that teachers should make an effort in return.

He then asked his students whether English teachers should have Korean names. This prompted them to ask many questions about Dan including who he is when he is not “Dan the teacher”, his whakapapa, and the meaning of his name in English.

Dan said “You can imagine my surprise when my students were all waiting for me when I arrived the next day. One wonderful student then stood up and using perfect English gifted me a Korean name. I was no longer just “Dan the Teacher,” but also now 도혁 (Dohyuk), which meant I was ‘leading them to a bright path’.

“This was such a humbling experience that I will cherish forever. For me, this is what makes teaching and life so special,” added 도혁 (Dan).

If the Korean organisers decide to run the NZ-Korea FTA Partnership English Language Training Programme in the future, ENZ will continue to share the applications with NZ school teachers through the Asia NZ Foundation and Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA).
Kiwi students attend Tokyo Experience School

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) supports a range of international exchange programmes that, as well as attracting international students to New Zealand, also provide New Zealand students with the opportunity to have their own international education experiences overseas. These offer unique cross-cultural learning opportunities that develop our global citizens, serve to plant the seed for future overseas education experiences in our learners, while also promoting New Zealand’s education system on a global level.

One such programme is that organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education (Tokyo MBoE), an Education Cooperation Partner of ENZ since 2017. The programme fosters education exchanges between New Zealand and Tokyo and each year, the Tokyo MBoE invites students to attend the Tokyo Experience School through an application process, promoted to secondary schools by ENZ. In 2023, Rangiora High School was selected by the Tokyo MBoE to send four students and one chaperone to Tokyo, joining other students from around the world for ten days in December.

Lachlan Palmer, SeungWoo Jeong, Ariana Ferguson and Oliver Burns are all studying Japanese at Rangiora High School, and were the fortunate students selected to attend on behalf of their school. The four students were accompanied by their school’s Teacher in Charge of Japanese, Jessica Bradley.

The experience proved to be a true immersion in Japanese culture and student life for the Rangiora High School Year 11-13 students with the students staying with local host families, travelling to school in rush hour, attending class and joining club activities such as chalk art, judo classes, and rugby training. The experience also gave students the opportunity to take part in several traditional experiences such as getting dressed in a kimono and attending Sado (tea ceremony).

All four students said that this Japanese exchange trip was one of the most interesting and valuable experiences they had every done and couldn’t wait to go back.

Lachlan said “The real highlight of this trip was with my host family and my time at school there. Seeing the differences and similarities between Japan and New Zealand in person allowed me to enjoy and learn about Japan in a way like no other and gave me the chance to share my own culture from New Zealand. It is safe to say I will be returning as soon as I can”.

One of Ariana’s favourite moments of the whole experience was trying on the kimono. She said "it was amazing to experience what it was like to wear, walk and feel in a Kimono and it is something I will never forget. I also loved meeting students in my class and not only learning about their likes/dislikes but sharing mine too and a New Zealand culture with them. They were so kind and welcoming, and I honestly can't wait to go back!”

Ariana Ferguson with her travel companions; Lachlan Palmer, SeungWoo Jeong, and Oliver Burns, trying on traditional Japanese dress.

Lachlan Palmer and SeungWoo Jeong, tried Judo with their host brothers.

SeungWoo enjoyed experiencing in person the culture that he has been learning so much about at school. He said “my host brother and I went to several famous places in Japan such as Tokyo Tower, Skytree, Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. However, I believe that the highlight of the trip was being able to experience the Japanese food my host family made for us, and the amazing experiences my host brother and I have experienced such as karaoke.’

Lastly, Oliver noted how interesting it was attending a Japanese school and some of the differences. He said “there was a lot of school spirit, much more so than my home high school, and I loved how much the student body supported each other. My favourite parts of school were the friends I made in class (and the bento lunches!).”

ENZ will continue working with Tokyo MBoE on cross cultural education opportunities. If Tokyo MBoE continue the Tokyo Experience School, ENZ will share the EOI with New Zealand schools when it is available, usually around September.
From the CE: Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year and prosperous Year of the Dragon

The dragon is a majestic and lucky creature in folklore, symbolising bravery, creativity, and innovation. According to the Chinese horoscope, 2024 is a year full of potential and opportunities for personal growth, professional success, and social impact.

Potential. Opportunities for growth. Social impact. The Year of the Dragon is perfectly matched to international education in New Zealand.

Entering our second full year since the borders reopened, the good progress made in 2023 sets the platform for further growth in 2024. In November and December, Immigration New Zealand data tells us that the number of offshore applications exceeded all other months in 2023. While this is to be expected, it is without doubt a good sign for term one.

New Zealand’s reputation for delivering a quality education in a safe environment remains intact and attractive to learners.

This was further confirmed by the results of our student experience survey completed last year. It reported that 84% of international students rated their overall student experience positively. And that 83% of students would be likely to recommend New Zealand as a study destination compared to 81% in 2021.

I was also greatly heartened to see the results of our survey of New Zealanders’ attitudes to international education. It found that 75% of New Zealanders believe that international students benefit New Zealand. Specifically, New Zealanders were positive about the contribution international students make to local business during their study, their contribution to New Zealand’s cultural diversity and how they help local students learn about other ways of life.

This is a win-win. The learners are coming. They have a positive experience when they are here, and they are welcomed by the community for the contribution they make. In the Year of the Dragon this is confirmation of the potential and the social impact of international education.

Now we must turn that potential into reality, which is what the teams at ENZ are focused on working with you to deliver. International education at all levels is highly competitive, and potential does not just happen – even in the Year of the Dragon. In this edition of E-News you will learn about activities across all geographies and offices, and this week there is an ENZ delegation, comprising all eight universities, meeting important Government, agent and sector partners in India.

As I said in December, there is still much to do.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini.

It is not the strength of one person alone, but the strength of many that contribute to our success.

Ngā mihi,

Linda Sissons
Acting Chief Executive
New Zealand well represented at the 2024 World Digital Education Conference
The 2024 World Digital Education Conference, attended by representatives from over 70 countries and regions as well as international organisations, aims to work with governments, the education sector, and stakeholders to jointly implement the outcomes of the United Nations Transforming Education Summit, promote education recovery post-pandemic, equitable quality education through digital education transformation, and advance the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chinese Education Minister Huai Jinpeng provided the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He noted the impact of technology on education and the need to prioritise education reform to keep pace with changes and harness the benefits of digital education. Minister Huai concluded by saying they look forward to the new impetus into promoting international cooperation in digital education through this conference.

New Zealand was represented by Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford (through a pre-recorded session); H.E. Grahame Morton, New Zealand Ambassador to People’s Republic of China; Ardi Barnard, New Zealand Consul-General to Shanghai; Dr Grant Klinkum, Chief Executive New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Education New Zealand’s China-based representatives. The strong presence at the conference contributes to New Zealand’s reputation as an education partner with an innovative approach to digital learning. New Zealand Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford gave a video address and shared New Zealand’s efforts to harness digitalisation to improve our education system and support lifelong learning.

“As an education minister with a relentless focus on the progress and achievement of all students, I see that digital tools and the well-designed use of data have enormous potential to help us drive progress and achievement,” said Minister Stanford.

Hon Erica Stanford, New Zealand’s Minister of Education delivered a pre-recorded session, sharing New Zealand’s efforts to harness digitalisation and data in education.

In his address at the Opening Ceremony, Ambassador Morton highlighted the important role of education in the New Zealand-China relationship and gave insights into New Zealand’s innovative EdTech sector.

“Digital education is at the centre of New Zealand’s EdTech sector and its developments. Three-quarters of New Zealand EdTech companies are actively looking to take their offerings to the world,” said Ambassador Morton.

Ambassador Morton addresses the audience during the Opening Ceremony of the conference.

During the Parallel Session on Governance and Digital Transformation, Dr Klinkum shared New Zealand’s experience in quality assurance, qualification recognition and assessment delivery in the digital era.

“We would like to continue working with our international colleagues to ensure that we provide credible education for learners and that life-long learning and global mobility is supported by digital education and reflects the needs of increasingly digital societies,” said Dr Klinkum.

During the conference, organisers held the inaugural launch ceremony of the World Digital Education Alliance (WDEA). Universities New Zealand, on behalf of the University sector, joined the Alliance. The first batch of members is by invitation and as of 30 January 2024, 104 agencies from 41 countries joined the alliance ranging from schools to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, training centres, colleges and universities as well as research institutions and enterprises. The initiative aims to fulfil the UN SDG 4, build a mechanism for international cooperation and exchange in digital education, form synergy to promote global educational development, and create a new environment for smart education.
Advertising opportunity for Japan’s New Zealand Study Guidebook

The publication is the only one of its kind supported by the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo and Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). KBUNSHA distributes 20,000 copies to Japanese schools, universities and education organisations as well as education fairs and seminars.   

ENZ’s Business Development Manager – Japan, Tomomi Kontani said that there is increased demand for information on New Zealand’s education offering.

“We are continuing to see significant interest in New Zealand as an education destination from students and their parents, schools, and education agents here in Japan.

“The KBUNSHA New Zealand Study Guidebook is a trusted publication in Japan and advertising here is a great opportunity for education providers and regions to promote New Zealand education to the Japanese public. Destination marketing plays a key role in student attraction for a market like Japan with a tourism focus and we hope regions can also participate in this special opportunity to introduce their regions and activities”, said Tomomi.

This guidebook was distributed at the annual student fair and education stakeholder events hosted by ENZ Japan in 2023 which attracted over 1,000 people. The New Zealand Study Guidebook will remain the main information source referred to and distributed at upcoming education events in Japan. ENZ encourages NZ providers attending the New Zealand Fair in Tokyo October 2024 to consider advertising in the Study Guidebook to reach your target audience in Japan.

Advertisement rates for individual providers range from approx. NZD 2,500 to NZD 6,020 for guidebook and/or website listings. With the “Premier Plan” and “Advertorial Plan”, the school logo will be listed on the new scholarship campaign page built by KBUNSHA. Individual providers can download the proposal here. Advertising copy can be provided in English.  

For regional groups, download the proposal here for further details on the guidebook and pricing (approx. NZD 2,200 for a 2-page colour advertisement and NZD 3,300 for a 4-page colour advertisement).

Bookings must be made by 28 June 2024. For more information, visit the KBUNSHA website here. You can view last year’s guidebook here.

Alternatively, interested New Zealand education providers and regional groups can contact KBUNSHA for any questions (available in English).

KBUNSHA contact:

Minori Takahashi (Director)

Tel: +81-3-3234-1744

Email: minori@kbunsha.com
From the Acting Chief Executive: Building global connections

Tēnā koutou katoa

Earlier this week the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency Phạm Minh Chính, made an official visit to New Zealand accompanied by a large delegation. Joining him was their Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Kim Son. The visit was a timely opportunity to highlight our education cooperation with Viet Nam and to identify areas in which we can grow.

Viet Nam is a multi-sectored market for New Zealand’s international education sector and the fifth largest source country for international students.

I was delighted to witness first-hand the signing of an Education Engagement Arrangement (EEA) between New Zealand and Viet Nam, signed by our Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon Penny Simmonds, and Viet Nam’s Minister of Education and Training. This arrangement demonstrates to prospective students and their families that New Zealand is a partner of choice for the Vietnamese Government in the field of education, which aligns with the New Zealand Government’s priority to build a more resilient and sustainable sector. You can read more about the EEA and the signing event in this issue of E-News here.

Keeping with the theme of building global connections, last week I was pleased to meet with Ambassador Eduardo Saboia, the Secretary for Asia and Pacific at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty). Brazil is our largest partner in Latin America and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand welcomed over 3,000 Brazilian students. We know that Brazilian students are valued additions to New Zealand classrooms, and that Brazil has been a popular destination for the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America.

Last week we also received formal confirmation that Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, will be the Minister responsible for international education and Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao.

Minister Simmonds is the Member of Parliament for Invercargill, elected in 2020. Prior to her election, Penny was Chief Executive of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) from 1997 to 2020.

The coalition Government has made clear its objective to double the value of exports in 10 years and we now await the Minister’s Letter of Expectations which will set out her detailed expectations for our work.

In closing, positive news to share is that international students are returning to New Zealand. The total number of international student visa holders, in and outside New Zealand is now 45,753 – that is a 171 percent increase since our borders reopened in August 2022 (16,853). The total number of visa holders in March 2024 is 68 percent of those in March 2020 (67,331), when the borders closed. It is heartwarming to see the beaming and excited faces of the new intake of international students joining their schools, universities, Polytech's, English language institutes, and other private training establishments in the gallery of student welcomes that has been compiled here.

After the challenges of recent years, it is a reason to celebrate.

Ngā mihi,

Linda Sissons

Acting Chief Executive
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 and Viet Nam sign Arrangement, strengthening education ties
This arrangement was signed by New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon Penny Simmonds and Viet Nam’s Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Kim Son during the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam His Excellency Phạm Minh Chính’s visit to New Zealand from 9 – 11 March. Prime Minister Pham and Prime Minister Luxon witnessed the signing of this arrangement, which covers the period 2023 – 2026.

The EEA, which will replace the Strategic Engagement Plan on Education (SEP) 2020 – 2023, identifies areas of engagement and sets new targets over the next three years.

Specific areas covered in the arrangement include collaboration and information exchange in English language training, short courses and executive education programmes that New Zealand provides in Viet Nam.

The arrangement will also explore opportunities to build mutual value in English language literacy, early childhood education and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Sharing and publicising scholarship programmes in both countries will be undertaken while institutions will also be encouraged to increase research engagement as well as student, lecturer and research exchange activities.

Both countries have also agreed to actively support the activities of alumni groups in both Viet Nam and New Zealand, and celebrate the lifelong connections generated through these networks.

The signing of this arrangement with Viet Nam aligns with the New Zealand Government’s priority to revive international education, lift its contribution to New Zealand’s economy, and diversify international education markets. Concerted effort is going into deepening and broadening our overall bilateral relationship with countries in Southeast Asia including Viet Nam, including our trade and economic interests.

ENZ’s Acting Chief Executive, Linda Sissons, said the Education Engagement Arrangement provides an important opportunity to build on the longstanding education partnership between New Zealand and Viet Nam.

“Viet Nam is a multi-sectored market for New Zealand’s international education industry and an important source country for international students.”

“This arrangement demonstrates to prospective students and their families that New Zealand is a partner of choice for the Vietnamese Government in the field of education, which aligns with the New Zealand Government’s priority to build a more resilient and sustainable sector.”

“With its strong focus on partnerships, the arrangement also lays an excellent foundation for further growth by New Zealand’s tertiary sector. It presents real opportunities for our EdTech sector to continue to build on the recently completed market familiarisation trip, with further development of opportunities that support Viet Nam’s digital transformation strategy.

Bilateral meeting between New Zealand and Vietnam during the Prime Minister of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Pham Minh Chính's visit to New Zealand. March 11, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Mark Tantrum.

The first Strategic Engagement Plan on education (SEP) was signed in 2015, laying the foundation for a strategic education partnership between New Zealand and Viet Nam. The SEP sits under our overarching bilateral Education Cooperation Arrangement between the Ministries of Education, which was refreshed in 2022. The SEP was renewed in 2018 and again for the period 2020 – 2023, between Education New Zealand and Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and was signed during the year we marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Viet Nam (2020). This built on existing education initiatives and identified new opportunities to be co-developed and delivered for the mutual benefit of both countries. You can read about the last signing of the Strategic Engagement Plan in 2020 signing here.

Following the signing of the EEA, both education ministers participated in a bilateral meeting to discuss the education relationship between the two nations, current priorities and the development of activities under the new arrangement. This discussion touched specific areas of collaboration such as early childhood education, institutional partnerships and vocational training.

Minister Penny Simmonds present Minister Nguyen Kim Son a gift following the bilateral education ministers meeting.

New Zealand is offering Vietnamese students two government scholarship programmes for secondary school study (the New Zealand Schools Scholarships – NZSS) and for postgraduate study (the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships). In view of increasing demand for study with New Zealand, ENZ has implemented a wide range of initiatives to equip Vietnamese learners with the 21st century skills, and support families in obtaining up-to-date information to plan for their study journey in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Education Day, ENZ’s flagship event, is scheduled on 19 and 20 October. It has been held annually since 2017 and attracts hundreds of visitors.