Search

Showing 10 of 1203 results for Value-priced treatments https://simplemedrx.top

New Zealand-trained astrophysicist receives top honour in Malaysia

She was awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia, by Sultan Abdullah at his annual Honours ceremony. It carries the title of Tan Sri, one of the highest federal titles, and is only held concurrently by 250 living recipients.

Dr Othman studied physics at the University of Otago in the 1970s and returned for post-graduate study in the 1980s, becoming the first woman to graduate from the university with a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics. She then went on to forge a remarkable career in the male-dominated space industry.

Colombo Plan Scholar

Dr Othman came to New Zealand on a Colombo Plan scholarship. The Plan, a forerunner to our modern development assistance programmes, aimed to promote economic and social development in Asia through education and training.

Having fallen in love with physics as a teenager in the 1960s, Dr Othman didn’t discover astronomy or astrophysics until she arrived in Dunedin to study for her PhD in 1974.

“There were very few books available at that time and there was not much interest here in Malaysia, but it was very different in New Zealand,” she says. “Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon in 1969 was a very significant event, but I didn’t think at that time that I would have space as a career. Not in a million years.”

Studying in New Zealand opened a world of opportunity for the young, Muslim scholar. Not only did she make a career in the space industry, but she became a leading authority, being appointed the Director of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs in 1999, and the founding director of Malaysia’s National Space Agency in 2002.

She acknowledges it has been challenging at times. “It’s been a hard road because I’ve had to start everything from scratch. There was no set path to get to where I am today.”

Working to promote science and technology

She says her role at the UN was less about science, and more about diplomacy and politics. “How to balance one country’s requirements against another’s. Bringing people to the table together, even if they don’t agree, to try and agree on how to proceed. The other aspect of the job was to see how we could use space to enhance the development of developing countries, especially in science and technology.”

It is mostly her work at home for which she has been recognised by the King. As Malaysia’s first astrophysicist, Dr Othman was instrumental in introducing astronomy and space sciences into school and university curricula, advised the Government on space matters, was the driving force behind the National Planetarium in Kuala Lumpur, initiated the country’s National Microsatellite Programme, and headed Mega Science 3.0, the ambitious project to transform Malaysia into leading global player in science and innovation by 2050.

Justice and fairness in New Zealand education

But it all started as an international student in New Zealand, a time Dr Othman remembers as being both liberating and rewarding. “I particularly loved the egalitarian environment of the university, and that reflected wider New Zealand society.”

“There will always be a role for New Zealand in supporting education internationally through its cultural perspective on science,” she says. “There is no hierarchy in New Zealand science – professors treat their students as equals and encourage them to challenge and ask questions. That approach has stayed with me through my career.

“New Zealand education also instils a deep sense of justice and fairness.”  – Malaysia alumna and astrophysicist Dr Mazlan Othman.
Building on momentum from 2025 for steady growth in 2026
Kia ora koutou,

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, and to thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown to grow international education in New Zealand.

This year has been one of big wins:
- New Zealand now has 83,535 international students enrolled between January and August, a 14% increase on last year, already surpassing 2024’s total.
- Education-related travel exports hit $4.52 billion, making international education among New Zealand’s top 10 exports.
- 87% of international students rated their experience in the country positively, with 77% of New Zealanders agreeing that international education benefits the country.
These results are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of everyone in this sector. Thank you for working with us on our Go-to-Market Plans, we are excited to keep building on this momentum in 2026 as we deliver on the International Education Going for Growth Plan.

And it’s not just our sector shining, New Zealand continues to stand out globally on several counts, which make us even more appealing as a high-quality study destination.

We are globally ranked:
- fifth for overall higher education quality (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- second on the Sustainable Trade Index
- third-most peaceful country in the world (Global Peace Index 2025)
- first for work-life balance (Global Life Work Balance Index 2025)
- tenth for overall prosperity and wellbeing (Legatum Prosperity Index 2025).
Finally, I want to acknowledge Amanda’s outstanding leadership as ENZ Chief Executive. Amanda has strengthened relationships across government and the sector, represented New Zealand internationally, and delivered an organisational reset that sets ENZ up for the future.

We’re immensely grateful for her contribution and wish her every success in her next role.

The ENZ Board has started recruiting for a new Chief Executive, and we’re working closely with Amanda and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. In the meantime, business continues as usual, and our team remains focused on achieving the growth goals we have set for international education.

On behalf of the ENZ Board, thank you for everything you’ve done to help international education grow and thrive this year.
Wishing you a safe and happy festive season filled with relaxation, good cheer and time with loved ones. We look forward to connecting again in the New Year and continuing this important work together.

Ngā mihi nui,
Tony Gray
Chair, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
Record audience for early childhood education symposium with China

This year, the symposium attracted a live audience of 350 attendees and a livestream audience of 100,000, well over the number of attendees in previous years. The symposium’s theme was ‘Advancing Inclusiveness in Early Childhood Education’.

The Early Childhood Education Symposium is an initiative between Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and China Center for International People to People Exchange (CCIPE), a sub-agency of China Ministry of Education (China MoE).

The symposium provides a platform for New Zealand Early Childhood Education (ECE) institutions, academics, practitioners, and policy experts to engage in a cross-cultural dialogue. It leverages New Zealand’s expertise in ECE teacher training programmes.

This was the first year that a delegation of government representatives and ECE experts from New Zealand travelled to China to present at the symposium in person, which sent a positive signal to education partners in China about New Zealand’s strong focus on reconnecting and strengthening our education credentials in the China market.

The symposium’s live presenters from New Zealand included Dr Jane Ewens, Manager Early Learning, Ministry of Education and Fiona He, Director and Founder, TuiTui Educare/Universal Kids Early Education Centre. Dr Ewens presented an overview of the New Zealand Government’s policy focusing on advancing inclusiveness in early childhood education.

ENZ’s General Manager International, Lisa Futschek, who provided opening remarks, said the symposium highlighted the special education relationship between New Zealand and China and our long and fruitful dialogue in a variety of education areas.

“It’s fantastic to see how the symposium has grown and evolved since 2020. We were delighted to be able to travel there, grow our connections in-person, and enable collaboration between people across the education landscape in both our countries.

“2023 has already been an exciting year for rebuilding face-to-face connections for New Zealand and China, and the symposium just helped us build on that so wonderfully,” Lisa said.

ENZ General Manager International, Lisa Futschek.

CAO Diefeng, Deputy Director General, China Centre for International People-to-People Exchange indicated in his opening remarks that the China-New Zealand Early Childhood Education Symposium has received extensive attention because of its scale and influence. It is highly welcomed by the education sector from both China and New Zealand and is becoming a key platform for early childhood education communication.

“The symposium exemplifies the sound education cooperation between our two countries and plays an important role in deepening substantive cooperation by both sides,” CAO Diefeng said.

Dr Jane Ewens said the information exchange was valuable to all audiences and demonstrated there are opportunities for the Ministry of Education to learn from our Chinese partners.

“We can create stronger educational ties and foster ongoing cooperation with China, aligning with government priorities. This could include exploring attracting Chinese teachers and students to New Zealand's early childhood education teaching workforce.

“There is also an opportunity for New Zealand practitioners and policy makers to consider and possibly integrate how China implements their curriculum as we develop curriculum resources for New Zealand Early Childhood Education kaiako (teachers),” Dr Ewens said.

Dr Jane Ewens from the New Zealand Ministry of Education presents the Policy Overview.

This year’s symposium resulted in a range of valuable outcomes for New Zealand’s education relationship with China and for the sector. The symposium generated good visibility for New Zealand, with 45 media articles (accounting for almost four million views), which included reporting from top tier Chinese media. Many connections and leads for New Zealand participants were created during and after the symposium – one New Zealand speaker reported being approached by 50 Chinese counterparts after their virtual presentation.

Aside from the symposium, the New Zealand delegation’s key objectives included supporting a bilateral education initiative linked to the New Zealand-China Arrangement on Education Cooperation and Training, while showcasing New Zealand’s expertise in early childhood education practices and curriculum to audiences in China.

The visit provided a chance for the delegation to understand best practices in early childhood education from a Chinese cultural perspective that they could put into practice in New Zealand to better support learners from Chinese backgrounds. As part of the programme in Nanjing, the delegation visited two kindergartens and presented a panel session with academics and students at Nanjing Normal University.

If you are interested in the ECE Symposium or partnering with ENZ on this event in the future, please contact the ENZ China team at China@enz.govt.nz.

The audience in Nanjing take notes during the presentations.

Attendees of the Hefei Shuangyou Education Group in Anhui Province watch the symposium online.
International students awarded for ICT excellence
Ruslan Levenets, who originally studied law in Russia, came to study in New Zealand in preparation of a career change.
“I had some practical skills and interest in IT, but my main motivation for study was to have a strong theoretical background,” said Levenets.
Ruslan was awarded most outstanding student for the Graduate Diploma in Information Assurance and Security. The award was sponsored by ISACA, an international professional association for IT governance.
Mike Binkhorst, president of the Wellington chapter of ISACA, believes supporting top students is an important part of building the future of their industry.
“We're keen to encourage people into the profession to make a difference in the field. ISACA promotes frameworks and standards in IT to improve governance and security. Education and supporting the next generation is a big part of that,” said Binkhorst.
Alexander Sokolov with Alisdair McKenzie

Also achieving excellence in IT was Alexander Sokolov who was awarded most outstanding student for the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. He received his award from Alisdair McKenzie, a member of WelTec’s IT Industry Partnership Committee.
“WelTec’s Industry Partnership Committee offers guest lectures, takes interns and reviews WelTec's IT programmes – all so that they deliver what the industry is needing,” said McKenzie.
“We work to ensure that the tertiary education sector is harmonised with business and industry requirements.”
Ian Hunter from WelTec’s School of Business & IT said the involvement of industry associations makes a significant difference to the way WelTec students are taught.
“Our students are working on real scenarios and real problems as part of their academic programme,” said Hunter.
ACG expands its New Zealand vocational group
ACG Group Chief Executive, John Williamson, said that acquisitions are part of ACG’s plan to broaden its portfolio of high-quality educational services.
“With ongoing demand for recognised, quality educational qualifications, we are well positioned to grow, either through developing new offerings ourselves or acquiring providers whose philosophies and standards match ours,” said Williamson.
ACG’s vocational diplomas, degrees and courses are offered in a range of creative industries such as IT, tourism and hospitality, trades and services, health, and early childhood. The acquisitions will now see ACG delivering education to over 12,000 students through its 35 campuses across three countries.
ACG’s other institutions include Yoobee School of Design, New Zealand Management Academies, New Zealand School of Tourism and New Zealand Career College.
Animation College is New Zealand's leading character animation college, delivering both traditional and 3D animation courses. AMES is one of New Zealand’s top IT education providers, while South Seas Film & Television School is a leading film, television, screen acting, animation and photography training institution.
Kiwi scholars tour India
Eight business students from Ara Institute of Canterbury and 20 fashion, textile and business students from Massey University are currently spending four to six weeks in India. The PMSA programme is funded by the New Zealand government and encourages New Zealand students to study in Asia to experience the benefits of international education.
John Laxon, ENZ’s Regional Director – South East Asia and Middle East, said the PMSA reinforces the New Zealand Government’s commitment to India and our education relationship.
“These scholarships build on New Zealand’s status as a top destination for Indian students, creating partnerships with prestigious Indian education institutions and between the future leaders of both countries.”
Ara cohort with faculty from Jaipuria Institute and Acting High Commissioner Suzannah Jessep (centre in blue)

As part of the PMSA programme, eight of Ara’s business school scholars will spend six weeks attending a series of classroom lectures at Jaipuria Institute of Management in Noida and KCT Business School in Coimbatore to develop a better understanding of the business environment in India. This will focus on aspects like entrepreneurship and the Indian rural economy. While in India, they will also visit local business establishments including dairies, textile mills and start-ups.
In January, ENZ hosted the Ara students at the New Zealand High Commission for an interactive session about New Zealand’s relationship with India, and the engagement opportunities available. The session was chaired by Acting High Commissioner Suzannah Jessep, and was also attended by faculty members from Jaipuria and Ara Institute.
Runway on the High Commission lawn

Following this, ENZ also hosted a project presentation at the New Zealand High Commission called ‘Closing the Loop’ for the Massey awardees, based on India’s circular economy strategy to phase out land filling of recyclable materials by 2025.
The Massey students teamed up with 20 creative arts students from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, to produce an outfit made from sustainable and organic materials sourced in India.
Students worked in groups mixing their textile, fashion and business talents, and even created a sustainable ‘business plan’ to accompany their outfits. The High Commission lawns were then transformed into a makeshift runway for the students to showcase their garments to the senior faculty members from Massey and NIFT in attendance.
Sue Prescott, Senior Lecturer and Major Coordinator for Fashion Design at Massey University said the event highlighted the potential for fashion to address real world issues such as over-consumption, global warming and ethical production processes.
“Through studies in fashion supply chain, traditional fashion industry methods are challenged, and team design and production projects like this help lead to innovative and sustainable thinking.”
New Zealand to be Country of Honour at China Annual Conference for International Education and China Education Expo 2025

CACIE is the largest international education conference in China connecting professionals, researchers and international education stakeholders. The 2023 Expo hosted 18 national pavilions, attracting 364 institutions from 34 countries and regions with a total of 28,980 visitors, including prospective students. New Zealand has participated in CACIE for 19 consecutive years.

The Expo is scheduled for late October 2025 in Beijing, China.

Michael Zhang, Regional Director Greater China, ENZ said, “Being Country of Honour is not only a privilege, it is a significant opportunity to raise awareness of New Zealand’s education offerings to China and a wide audience, including government leaders and officials, education providers, agents and students.”

The invitation builds on the momentum from high-level education engagements with China in the past two years since the borders reopened, including Premier Li’s visit to New Zealand in June 2024, and two visits to New Zealand by Education Minister Huai Jinpeng in 2023 and 2024.

China is New Zealand’s largest source country of international students accounting for 35 per cent of enrolments in 2023, and a top destination for New Zealanders on the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia.

Zhang said, “Education links are an important part of New Zealand’s relationship with China. Being Country of Honour is an opportunity to support our international education sector to strengthen their links with Chinese counterparts and build new connections. This will help enhance student mobility, academic and research collaboration, and people-to-people links.”

Education New Zealand leads New Zealand’s education engagement with China and supports our providers in-market. This includes managing bilateral education cooperation initiatives such as high-level dialogues, sectoral forums, student mobility channels, national-level education events and research programmes such as the long-standing Tripartite Partnership Programme.
We offer flexibility, care and support

At Education New Zealand, you will receive:

- Five weeks (25 days) paid annual leave that will begin accruing from your very first day.

- 10 days sick leave added to your balance from the day you start, and a top up of 10 days to your balance when you cross over your work anniversary (after 12 months).

- Annual flu vaccinations.

- Flexibility. We understand this is valued by our employees, therefore offer different kinds of flexible working around the location, days, and times you work while balancing the needs of ENZ, your team and you.

- Free access to a nearby gym and (free) personal trainer if you’re based in our Wellington office.

- Access to a resourceful Wellbeing Hub through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), giving you access to confidential support and resources across key areas such as physical health, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle, and workplace support, along with webinars and eLearning modules.
Event season in Viet Nam
Two alumni networking events had more than 200 registrations, as well as the participation of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and New Zealand Aid, who answered queries from students and parents about studying in New Zealand.
Several seminars were held alongside the fairs to discuss student visas, the New Zealand curriculum and NCEA, and the NZ ASEAN Scholar Awards. The seminars drew significant interest with the rooms full for most of the day.
Ben Burrowes, ENZ’s Regional Communications & Strategic Relations Manager for South East Asia, said it was fantastic to see so much interest in the seminars.
“It was clear that the students and parents had already conducted their own research and had come prepared with specific questions on programmes of study and life as a student in New Zealand.”
The Hanoi agent seminar, held on 17 March, included student visa updates from INZ, followed by education agent training and “speed meetings” between local agents and New Zealand education providers.
The events were accompanied by a comprehensive public relations programme that resulted in good coverage in Vietnamese media. Some 15 local media members attended a media briefing in Ho Chi Minh City, seizing the opportunity to interview two Vietnamese alumni and Ben.
The ENZ team also conducted an online chat with vnexpress.net, a top online news website in Viet Nam with over one million views per month. During the two-hour live chat session, questions were put to panel members Ben, Chris Klaassen (Chair of SIEBA), Giang Nguyen (University of Waikato’s SEA Regional Manager), and Lucy Nguyen (SIT’s International Marketing Officer for Vietnam). They answered nearly 60 questions ranging from New Zealand’s quality of education, the transferability of qualifications, the high school system and NCEA. After the live chat, the answers remained on the news site and were syndicated by many other online sources.
Ben said the number of questions put to the panel was a positive sign.
“A number of questions asked for comparisons between New Zealand and some of our stronger competitors – a further testament to the growing market awareness of New Zealand,” he said.
Air New Zealand was among the events’ partners, providing two sets of return tickets to New Zealand at the fairs.
Ben Burrowes (second from left), Tam Le (second from right) with Vietnamese alumni

Speed meetings at the Hanoi Agent Seminar
ENZ boosts education agent capability through successful workshops in Viet Nam
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) delivered two education agent capability workshops in Viet Nam in partnership with education providers.

The workshops, held in Ha Noi on 21 January and Ho Chi Minh City on 23 January were delivered in partnership with Lincoln University, Massey University, Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS), eight LightPath New Zealand Schools, and Navitas (University of Canterbury International College and University of Waikato College).

The invitation-only workshops were offered to 40 key education agents recommended by New Zealand education providers and those actively engaged with ENZ’s activities.

The events were opened by the New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam, Caroline Beresford in Ha Noi, and New Zealand Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Scott James, in Ho Chi Minh City. ENZ’s Regional Director – Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, attended both events virtually.

In addition to institutional updates, the workshops featured external speakers who shared insights on New Zealand’s workforce landscape and digital marketing trends for education.

ENZ’s Market Manager – Viet Nam, Van Banh said the workshops reinforced ENZ’s focus on strengthening education agent capability and supporting the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s international education sector.

“It was valuable to hear from agents that the demand for study in New Zealand remains moderate to strong, with master’s, undergraduate and school programmes identified as top priorities, and business, health and medicine, and education emerging as the most in-demand fields.

“Agents also highlighted the need for more scholarships, clearer job pathways, and continued marketing support, while rating ENZ’s in-market support positively.

“These are all good insights to have for Viet Nam – it helps us better target and promote New Zealand’s education offering to prospective students,” Van said.

ENZ also incorporated interactive activities such as social media challenges and team-based minigames into the workshop programme that helped drive further engagement with the programme and encouraged agents to visit education provider booths.