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  • New Zealand and international secondary students to grow cultural competence skills together

    Qualitative research[1] from ENZ concluded that New Zealand businesses who employed staff with cross-cultural competencies found this contributed to a more energising workplace, which helped to foster creativity and innovation as well as other benefits.

    The employers agreed cross-cultural competence was a sought-after skill when hiring staff, leading ENZ to fund the programme for more high school students around the country.

    Grant McPherson, Education New Zealand’s Chief Executive says, “The insights from New Zealand businesses around the benefits of cross-cultural competencies within their teams have been one of the key reasons we’ve taken this initiative to help grow cultural competency, providing an alternative to international school exchange experience while borders are closed.”

    This work supports the third goal of the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 to develop global citizens within New Zealand and aims to help both students and teachers develop their cross-cultural skills together with their global peers.

    ENZ and Massey University first partnered with the American Field Service (AFS) in July 2020 to launch a pilot of the NZGCC programme. The virtual programme delivers animated videos, quizzes, assignments and weekly live facilitated dialogue sessions for local and offshore learners to talk with each other online in real time.

    Following the success of the pilot, ENZ today announced a further $380,000 investment to subsidise the cost for 321 New Zealand and 486 international learners to develop cultural self-awareness, empathy for other cultures, emotional resilience and ways to build bridges in multicultural settings.

    18 online modules cover topics such as stereotypes, empathy, dealing with conflict and resilience, and will be delivered to international learners from India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile.

    The newest students to benefit from the NZGCC programme are Whanganui Girls College, Cullinane College, Whanganui High School and Awatapu College pupils. Starting today, 23 Whanganui and Manawatu students will partake in a virtual learning exchange with 20 high school students in Tokyo, Japan, in a partnership with the Tokyo Board of Education.

    Whanganui Girls College principal Sharon Steer says the new programme will help students build their understanding of global cultures – critical ‘soft’ skills that will also prepare them for life after high school as they enter the workforce.

    “An important part of our curriculum is developing strong communication skills and setting our students up for success in the workplace. The NZGCC programme will add another dimension to our lessons by teaching our students how to develop meaningful relationships with one another despite language and cultural differences,” said Steer.

    “This allows our students to connect with peers in Japan and learn more about their culture without having to get on a plane when international travel remains limited.” 

    In addition to secondary school students, the NZGCC programme will support teachers in indigenous communities in Pacific Alliance countries, and people undertaking English language and teacher training in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea.

    Around 100 students from decile 1 to 5 schools across New Zealand will be offered NZGCC scholarships to participate in a virtual exchange with their peers in Asia.

    ENZ’s Chief Executive Grant McPherson said the programme’s expansion is a key part of diversifying education in new virtual forms fit for a globally connected world.

    “We’re pleased to continue our support for the NZGCC programme to bring New Zealand and international learners together in a virtual environment to gain the skills needed to live, work and learn globally.

    “As well as helping to develop the global citizens of tomorrow, this programme demonstrates the reciprocal benefits of international education, giving our rangatahi a chance to learn with high school students from around the world, and giving their offshore peers a chance to learn ‘with’ New Zealand and our unique way of thinking.”

    More information about the NZGCC can be found here:  https://www.globalup.com/

    ENDS

    [1] https://intellilab.enz.govt.nz/document/583-employer-perceptions-of-hiring-international-graduates

    Notes to editor:

    • Education New Zealand is the government agency responsible for building international education to benefit New Zealand socially, culturally and economically. For more information, visit enz.govt.nz
    • Developing Global Citizens is the third goal of the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030.
    • Education New Zealand has a focus on developing global citizens within New Zealand, so that more learners gain the knowledge they need to live, work and learn globally.
    • The Global Competency Certificate (GCC) is a research backed programme teaching cultural self-awareness, empathy for other cultures and ways to build bridges in multicultural settings. It is designed by American Field Scholars (AFS), a global non-profit internationally recognised as leaders in Global Citizenship.
    • In 2020, Education New Zealand partnered with Massey University and American Field Scholars to deliver a customised version of the GCC programme to New Zealand students and international students in New Zealand and abroad.
    • One Palmerston North student who completed last year’s pilot summarised the experience as ‘eye-opening’: “The main takeaway was the ability to see life from different perspectives to our own, to understand how different cultures, experiences and beliefs can impact others. Being part of this course has truly opened my eyes to some of these viewpoints and I’ve learned to embrace them with an open mind.”

    Media contact

    Hazel Dobbie, ENZ Director Communications
    Hazel.Dobbie@enz.govt.nz 021 579 917

  • Code Camp gives Japanese students a taste of a NZ education

    ENZ delivered a one-day Code Camp on 11 July to 14 high school students at Waseda Jitsugyo School, using the Code Avengers platform to deliver coding lessons in English to the students and help them build a New Zealand-themed website.

    Code Avengers is a global EdTech company based in NZ that provides interactive, gamified online courses that teach a broad range of digital skills including computer coding, digital literacy, and design.

    The Code Camp was delivered in a hybrid format with two instructors onsite at the school and one instructor joining online. The day received positive feedback from students who not only enjoyed learning how to code using English, but also experienced New Zealand’s inquiry-based style of learning in a fun, collaborative environment.

    ENZ’s Director of Education – Japan, Misa Kitaoka, says there is plenty of potential for EdTech services in Japan.

    “While there is a general perception of Japan being technologically advanced, there is a lot of catching up to do when it comes to technology . As the Japanese government accelerates the promotion of digital education during the pandemic, Code Avengers meets the immediate demands of Japanese educators to teach Digital Technology and English language.

    “What makes Code Avengers unique is its user-friendliness, accessibility and affordability.”

    Coming up in September, ENZ is teaming up with Young Enterprise (YES), the North Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (North Asia CAPE) and MEXT Tobitate (Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) to deliver a 3-day Biz Venture Programme.

    Twenty high school students from Japan and New Zealand will meet online for three days to develop business solutions to address social issues in Japan, including child poverty, gender equality and well-being, and exploring the themes of UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

    Like Code Avengers, YES has been supporting secondary schools across NZ to promote youth entrepreneurship registering more than 1,000 enterprises, some of which have a strong SDGs focus on their business solutions.

    Head of YES, Elizabeth Pittman says, “We are thrilled to offer our first ever entrepreneurship programme for New Zealand and Japanese students.

    “With New Zealand’s geographic isolation and relatively small population, many Kiwi businesses need to think globally from the start. The BizVenture programme will allow our students to understand the Japanese business context and increase their global competency.  New Zealand youth have such a strong interest in sustainability and improving social outcomes within their communities and abroad, and this challenge allows them to explore that interest in a business context.” 

    ENZ looks forward to continuing to exploring new modes of delivery and showcasing NZ education to key partners in Japan.

  • From the Chief Executive: Meri Kirihimete and Happy Holidays

    While I am optimistic about the New Year, the impact is real, and as we have seen today, the uncertainty is likely to be ongoing. There is much to do as we rebuild our sector through 2022 and into 2023.

    Over the past 12 months, we have all had to adjust to an ever-changing environment. A good example is the growth of online and offshore-based courses, and programmes that offer pathways to onshore study or blended learning. These options are helping to hold the interest of students who want to study with New Zealand.

    At Education New Zealand, our focus has been on supporting our students and our sector, diversifying products and services and protecting New Zealand’s education brand. In each area, we have made progress.

    Our contribution to the development of border class exceptions has seen the return of some international students to our shores. We have enjoyed welcoming them back and look forward to seeing more students over the coming year.

    In August 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World framework. ENZ has been working with the Ministry of Education, Immigration New Zealand, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure that government agencies are ready to respond to a phased reopening of the border. 

    I would like to acknowledge the efforts being made across government agencies and within the international education sector to engage and respond with fresh ideas and momentum. There will no doubt be further developments in the New Year.

    We have just launched a new website and brand materials in line with our latest campaign – Study with New Zealand. This is the next evolution of New Zealand’s education brand, designed to appeal to students who want to explore our new, flexible study options. 

    The shift from studying in New Zealand to studying with New Zealand is the result of a lot of careful work to protect our brand.  Alongside the efforts of our teams at virtual events and trade fairs, including the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai, this work is helping to keep our brand alive as we move towards reconnecting with the world.

    A pilot project with global learning platform FutureLearn is a good example of our work to diversify our products and services. The initial results have demonstrated the potential for marketing online courses from New Zealand to new audiences around the globe.

    With more to do as we move into 2022, I hope there is an opportunity for all of us to rest and recharge with family and friends over the summer break.

    I would like to wish everyone involved in international education across the world a Meri Kirihimete and Happy Holidays. 

    On behalf of all at ENZ, thank you for your open and honest support. I look forward to working with you all in 2022.

    He waka eke noa
    We’re all in this together.

    Grant McPherson
    Chief Executive, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao

  • Online education pilot with FutureLearn enters second phase

    A webinar for interested providers on 31 March will be followed by an international campaign from 30 June to end of September 2022.  

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao will again partner with FutureLearn, a London-based platform with a global learner base of 17+ million people. The successful first phase saw 22 online courses from New Zealand providers attract more than 80,000 enrolments from learners in over 200 countries, highlighting the potential of online study platforms to reach new global audiences. 

    The focus of this second phase will be on how to convert an online audience into a sustainable commercial proposition for New Zealand-based providers.  

    We are interested in hearing from providers who have online content ready to go, or who are confident they can develop online content quickly. We are looking primarily to include short, taster courses (6-20 hours of learning). There is also scope for short credit-bearing courses, including micro-credentials. 

    This opportunity is open to both registered and non-registered education providers, EdTech companies, regional economic bodies and others. If you have education content and you’re interested in participating, please register for our information webinar on 31 March 2022 to find out more. 

    Participants have told us that the benefits of this initiative included being able to explore online distribution models and understand more about who the online audience is, and how they behave in a learning environment. It also presents an opportunity for providers to test and learn at low cost and with low risk, as well as profiling their brand to a global audience.   

    Online education is part of a programme of work to diversify international education products and services, in line with the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030. 

    Phase 1 pilot with FutureLearn

    Through the first pilot we confirmed there is demand for online courses from New Zealand providers, willingness by many in the sector to pilot online learning, and that New Zealand courses can attract learners in full-time employment. 

    View the New Zealand Collection on FutureLearn here.  

    You can explore the data and key insights we gathered from the first phase in our report here:

    Download our report about FutureLearn Phase 1 

    Key dates: 

    31 March 2022 – Pilot #2 Information webinar 

    30 June to end of September – Campaign goes live 

  • From the CE: Student visas reopen 31 July; changes to immigration settings

    Firstly, there is the encouraging news that student and visitor visa processing will reopen on 31 July 2022, rather than in October as previously announced.  

    This is a welcome step forward and sends a strong signal that New Zealand is fully reopening to the world. Given the significant challenges faced by our international education sector over the past two years, I know this news will come as a relief for many of you.  

    Secondly, the government has announced changes to immigration settings arising from its immigration rebalance work. Key changes for our sector include post study work rights for international students and other student visa settings. 

    The recent border exception for up to 5,000 international students (cohort 4) will continue as planned, with the first students on track to begin arriving in New Zealand soon.  

    Post-study work rights from 11 May 2022

    • International students studying bachelor’s or post-graduate courses or higher will continue to receive Post-Study Work Visas. 
    • Students studying non-degree courses at Level 7 and below (excluding bachelor’s degrees), will only be eligible for post-study work rights if the qualification is relevant to an occupation on the new Green List, which will replace the existing skills shortage lists. These work rights will only allow them to work in that occupation. 
    • The duration of work rights will reflect the duration of study undertaken in New Zealand, except for Masters and PhD students who retain the current setting of 3 years. 
    • International students will no longer be able to apply for a second post-study work visa. 
    • Students with a student visa application underway to study a qualification currently eligible for a post-study work visa and that student visa is subsequently granted; students who get a visa through the current border exception for 5,000 students; and students who already hold a student visa for a programme of study that results in a qualification that is currently eligible for a post study work visa, will be considered under the old settings if they apply for a post-study work visa within the next three years. 
    • There are no changes to in-study work rights for student visa holders. 

    Living costs and fees from 31 July 2022

    • The amount of funds that students are required to demonstrate they have access to, so they can cover their living expenses while in New Zealand, will increase. For tertiary and English language students, the funds required will be $20,000 pa, and for primary and secondary school students it will be $17,000 pa. These funds are prorated for study less than a year. The current setting is $15,000pa for both. Note: This change does not affect the living costs requirements for students in cohort 4.
    • Students will be required to pay tuition fees of one year or the first programme (whichever is the shorter) upfront. Note: This change does not apply to cohort 4 students. 

    You can see a summary of these changes including a fact sheet on international education on the Immigration NZ website here. 

    You can see a summary of the immigration changes on the Immigration NZ website here. 

    You can read the Prime Minister’s announcement here.

     

    Grant McPherson 

  • Research communication platform for Asia-Pacific

    The Context: Asia-Pacific is where you can get quick, plain language overviews of high-quality academic research. Recent stories include one about cultural intelligence research. Other examples include the capabilities that SMEs need to succeed in international markets.

    The platform will also include youth voices from tertiary students interested in global engagement. You can subscribe to email newsletters to receive updates about your area of interest.

    The Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence were established by the government in 2017, to support New Zealanders to engage with North Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

  • Education New Zealand marks reopening of borders with new global campaign

    Denver Colorado, 31 May 2022: Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao at the NAFSA Conference in Denver, Colorado today revealed for the first time a new global marketing campaign emphasising New Zealand’s unique attributes for international students as the country opens for business on 31 July after two years of closed borders.

    Central to the campaign are the stories of eight international students from, China, Colombia, Germany, India, Japan, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam. The students share their experience of study and life in New Zealand, and the benefits that result from the weaving together of different cultures in a uniquely New Zealand way.

    Education New Zealand invited the eight students to work alongside world-famous Māori fashion designer Kiri Nathan to collaborate on designing a new type of education garment that embodies the cultural values that make a New Zealand education unique: manaakitanga (care of people), kaitiakitanga (care of place), and the pōtiki spirit of youthful energy and finding a better way. The narratives in the campaign are focussed on the students’ experiences and goals, and explore themes such as work and career readiness, sustainability, and innovation through collaboration. It is a campaign authentically rooted in Te Ao Māori values.

    “The traditional academic gown worn by students when they graduate is a symbol of achievement, capturing a snapshot in time,” says Ms. Nathan. “Our ‘kākahu’ (garment) symbolises not only this attainment, but most importantly the cultural journey these students have undertaken and will continue throughout their lives. Their experience in New Zealand has changed them, weaving and sharing the values of Te Ao Māori into the unique cultures of their own homeland. The final kākahu designs are a unique collaborative effort, globally-minded and inspiring – just like the students.”

    Kiri Nathan is best known for her extensive experience of the modern fashion world infused with her Te Ao Māori roots. She has developed pieces for international figures including Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and the Duchess of Sussex. As a Māori mentor running the Kāhui Collective, she has seen a significant number of NZ Māori fashion designers feature at the NZ Fashion Week, Guangzhou Fashion Week, Hong Kong Fashion Week, and the Fiji fashion week. She also led a delegation to China to meet high level fashion networks and create pathways to market.

    More than qualifications

    At the core of the campaign is the concept that education with New Zealand is far more than the attainment of academic qualifications.

    “What we offer global students is an opportunity to experience something new, different, and ongoing,” says Education New Zealand Chief Executive, Grant McPherson. “It is a new perspective that redefines success in global education beyond degrees and academic achievement and builds greater understanding of the value of continuous learning throughout life.”

    “When you study with New Zealand, you’re invited to bring your whole self. You will benefit from New Zealand’s cultural values as well as our high-quality education that embodies innovation, practical learning, and preparing you for the future.”

    “But we also know New Zealand benefits too. We want students to bring their stories, their culture, and their perspectives so that we can learn from each other and build a future that is connected, strong and adaptable.”

    Across the eight kākahu three sustainable textile options have been used in their manufacture – upcycled commercial linen, sustainable wool from New Zealand mills, and deadstock from fabric wholesalers.

    The campaign was launched as part of Education New Zealand’s participation at the NASFA 2022, the world’s largest international education conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado. The campaign will roll out across New Zealand’s key partner countries from June 2, 2022 and runs for 12 weeks initially.

    The eight students:

    Hanbo Wang (Kevin), from China, studying Viticulture and Wine Science at the Eastern Institute of Technology​ in Hawke's Bay.

    Octavius Jones​, from the United States of America, a PhD student in the Te Kawa a Māui department ​at Victoria University of Wellington​. Octavius is studying digital storytelling, African and Māori studies.

    Tiara Das, from India, studying Science - Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Otago​ in Dunedin.

    Bryann Avendaño, from Colombia, studying Civil and Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch.​

    Hanna Watanabe, from Japan, is a ​Year 12 High School student at ​Rangiora New Life School, in Rangiora, Canterbury.

    Khanh Phuong LE​, from Vietnam, studying Law at Waikato University, Hamilton.​

    Atis Suksingha​, from Thailand, studying Commerce, majoring in International Business and Marketing​ at the University of Otago. 

    Malina Grube​, from Germany, studying Law at the University of Auckland, Auckland.​

    To learn more about our new campaign, visit I AM NEW on Study with New Zealand, and watch our campaign hero video below:

    YouTube

  • More than 1,000 delegates attend NZIEC KI TUA 2022

    NZIEC at a glance   

    • 1,065: Registered delegates, making this the biggest NZIEC ever  
    • 105: Sessions delivered across the week  
    • 101: Speakers   
    • 11: MCs and facilitators  
    • 8: Time zones that ENZ’s international team members joined sessions from   
    • 3: Studios in operation, in Pōneke Wellington, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch 
    • 88%: Delegate satisfaction for keynote and plenary sessions (rated good or very good).

    “This was the largest NZIEC ever held, which shows the high level of interest in rebuilding the international education sector within Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Chief Executive Grant McPherson.

    “I’d like to thank our line-up of keynote, plenary and breakout speakers, as well as everyone who took the time to attend. I hope all of our delegates were encouraged and inspired and gained a gem or two for the rebuild journey ahead.” 

    Prime Minister and Minister address conference delegates 

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recorded a special message for our sector. If you missed it during the conference closing session, take a moment to view it now.

    YouTube

     

    Education Minister Chris Hipkins also addressed conference delegates and answered questions. Conference delegates can view this session on the event portal.

    New ingoa Māori  

    This year, to celebrate its 29th birthday, NZIEC was gifted a new ingoa Māori (te reo Māori name): NZIEC KI TUA. The name was inspired by the following whakataukī:  

     

    He rā ki tua.  

    Look positively toward the future,  Better times are coming.  

     

    Ki Tua is not about returning to the ‘status quo’. It’s about reconnecting to the world, finding a fresh perspective, and taking a new approach.

    “The adoption of NZIEC KI TUA reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Maihi Karauna, the Crown’s Strategy for Māori Language Revitalisation,” Mr McPherson says.

    “NZIEC’s new name also reflects Aotearoa New Zealand’s distinct cultural identity and the importance of continuing to develop our sector’s annual conference.” 

    Sessions are still available  

    Registered delegates can watch or re-watch conference sessions from the event portal until Friday 16 September. 

    Conference highlights 

    Recognising the challenge facing the international education sector, the conference explored the theme of Towards Recovery: Reflect, Reconnect and Renew. 

    The programme started by reflecting on the sector’s pandemic experience, including moving reflections from international students and international education practitioners. Delegates explored student experience through the pandemic.

    The programme then shifted to reconnecting with the world. Delegates heard from Minister of Education, Hon Chris Hipkins, and New Zealand’s leading trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis. 

    Mid-week we turned our attention to renewal, and how our industry can seize the big opportunities and overcome the big challenges it faces. We explored the intersection of te ao Māori and international education, how we can develop global citizenship, approaches to innovation and diversification, and tackling the climate challenge.  

     

    Quotes that struck a chord 

      

    • “I learned a lot about love, I think. Love and care during this pandemic”  
      - Veena TK, Masters student from Malaysia, reflects on an unexpected aspect of her pandemic experience in Aotearoa.  

      

    • “I love my school canteen. You know especially butter chicken pie, they’re $4 each. Pretty good.”  
      – Year 13 student Chad (Min-Hyeok) Kang’s favourite go-to food spot in New Zealand is close to home.  

      

    • "I do want to thank everybody for their ongoing feedback and support and for the huge amount of resilience and persistence that we have seen across the international education sector. I do think there are some very, very exciting things ahead for us."  
      – Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister of Education, in his remarks to the international education sector.  

      

    • “Let me start first with the international context… we have war, we have plague, we have the famine and of course we have climate change as well”  
      – Vangelis Vitalis discusses contemporary challenges in the international arena. 

      

    • “Knowledge wasn’t retained for status, it wasn’t a choice. Often it was associated to the wellbeing and betterment of our people” 
      – Sharlene Maoate-Davis talks about how education is conceived and valued from a te ao Māori perspective.  

      

    • “Six months in a leaky boat has a whole new meaning to me”  
      – Abbas Nazari on his experience prior to being rescued by the MV Tampa. More seriously, he offered these remarks: “The essence of my talk is very simple… in life there are obstacles and challenges that fall across your path. Despite all these challenges, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” 

      

    • “The weight of the past is constantly fighting with the pull of the future and the push of the present to try and kill innovation”  
      – Melissa Clarke-Reynolds on organisational immune systems’ reactions to innovation.  

      

    • “Changing your world is your critical contribution to changing the world”  
      – Dr Kennedy Graham on how you can contribute to the climate challenge.

    Stay tuned to next month’s E-News for more details on NZIEC KI TUA 2023.

  • Christchurch highlights regional education pathways

    Attracting more international students to come to Canterbury for secondary school study and stay on for tertiary studies has been the key focus of a nine-month project by ChristchurchNZ and Christchurch Educated, with support from Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao. 

    A series of education and career planning resources has been produced for school staff to help guide students along their study pathways. These resources, which are available as web pages, a downloadable pdf, and as printed booklets and activities, host important information and advice about tertiary study, while showcasing the three high-calibre public tertiary institutions in Christchurch. The response has been enthusiastic and International Directors at Canterbury secondary schools say they are already being used successfully to support current international students.  

    “I used the resources with my Year 11s the other day. It was an outstanding exercise. I used the planner and had them all so focused,” says Colleen Steyn, Director of Middleton Grange School's International College. 

    Video case studies are another essential marketing component of the study pathway project. The stories feature three young Chinese students talking about their education journeys, and why they love living and studying in Christchurch.  All three moved to the city in their mid-teens and discovered the Kiwi lifestyle and culture was the right fit for them.   

    Caroline Su has discovered a career in construction

    Caroline Su spoke little English when she arrived as a 15-year-old, nine years ago, and now she is helping Christchurch grow, through an exciting new role focussed on commercial renovation.   

    “The construction industry probably wouldn’t have been a possible pathway for me if I had stayed in China. The more self-directed style of learning here let me change my major when I discovered I wanted to be in construction. I wouldn’t have done that in China,” Caroline says.  

    Stella Liu is loving life and her teaching career in Christchurch

    Quan Zhou is studying for an agricultural science degree

    Stella Liu followed her passion as an early childhood teacher in Christchurch, while Quan Zhou is in his second year studying towards a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University. He is looking forward to starting his career and with Canterbury’s strong agritech sector, Quan is confident this will lead to a wide range of career options. 

    The project also launched an initiative to further strengthen relationships between tertiary providers Ara Institute of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and the University of Canterbury.  Each hosted a familiarisation event for international school staff and included an opportunity to meet with alumni and current students. The well-attended events received positive feedback and were a valuable experience for schools as well as the tertiary providers. 

    Stefi Porter, International Education Partnership Manager at ChristchurchNZ, says the project has opened doors to new conversations and collaboration between Christchurch Educated providers. 

    “This project has been a great opportunity to work together as a region to build back up after the challenges of the last two years.”  

    The project complements the strong Christchurch Educated community and will support the sector to build back collaboratively and more sustainably. 

  • February update from Immigration New Zealand

    Update on Student visa processing*  

    Since New Zealand’s international borders reopened in August 2022, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 25,471 student visa applications from international students outside of New Zealand. We have decided 17,601 of these applications, with more than half of our decisions made in under four weeks. 

    *Figures current as at 10pm on 30 January 2023.  

    We have updated our reporting 

    INZ is improving the way we publicly report on processing times for different visa categories. We now publish the processing times for applications decided in the previous month, instead of the previous three months.  

    The website illustrates the median number of days, along with the actual number of days it takes to process 90% of applications. These new metrics give a good indication of what customers can expect, regardless of the complexity of their application.  

    Check out our updated processing times here: How long it takes to process a visa application | Immigration New Zealand 

    Apply for visas at least 8 weeks ahead of intended travel date 

    New Zealand is in the middle of our student processing peak period. You can apply up to three or four months ahead of intended travel if you wish, however please ensure that applications are applied for at a minimum of 8 weeks ahead of intended travel date.  

    INZ generally processes applications in date order and the course start date is also taken into consideration.  

    We appreciate that students are keen to have their travel bookings confirmed given the cost of flights and flight route limitations, however INZ recommends that students do not confirm travel bookings until a visa has been granted. If students still wish to book travel ahead of a visa decision, we recommend that they explore flexi travel dates or refundable tickets.  

    Student visa checklists 

    The student visa checklist is key to submitting a complete student visa application that has the information we need to make a decision. We update the visa checklists regularly, so be sure to use the web link rather than download the checklist. The first time international students visa checklist was last updated in December 2022. 

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