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ENZ Chair optimistic for the future of international education sector
The New Zealand international education sector should be optimistic about its future.
This was the message the Chair of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), Tracey Bridges, delivered to members of the sector attending the New Zealand International Education Conference Ki Tua in Christchurch (New Zealand) today.
The conference is the first in-person gathering of the sector since 2019 and attracted more than 590 guests and sector representatives.
Speaking at the opening plenary session of the conference, Ms Bridges said that just as the sector had much to celebrate in the shared endeavours and achievements of the past 30 years, there was also cause for optimism looking forward.
“I’m optimistic about the future of this sector, and the contribution it can make to all the people in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and beyond.”
Ms Bridges said this optimism was underpinned by the diversity and strength of the sector that spans schools, polytechnic institutions through Te Pūkenga, universities, private training establishments (PTEs), English language schools, Education products and services, and Wanaga.
Another key strength was the industry’s ability to adapt.
“In early 2020 our world changed forever, and in the three and a half years since, we have all had to – time and time again – prove our ability to adapt.
“I want to acknowledge the work that everyone has done in recent years, and to acknowledge the fact that you continue to adapt to meet these challenges.
“Your presence here today is testimony to your resilience and commitment to ongoing change. So I’m optimistic not because everything will now return to the old normal, but because I know that together we will find ways to forge a new approach that’s right for the time we are in: we will continue to seek our ‘pae tawhiti’(distant horizon)”.
Ms Bridges said ENZ had also refocused and confirmed its approach for the coming 12 months by concentrating on Focus Area One of the refreshed 2022 New Zealand International Education Strategy, “helping providers of international education build back their bases through inbound student mobility growth”.
While prioritising its resources and targeting its efforts, ENZ had not lost sight of the need to build long term resilience and stability, and had a number of initiatives in this area, consistent with Focus Area Two. This had involved hosting a visit earlier in August of Professor Martin Bean, and work through the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund (CRRF) to explore the diversification of products, services and modes of delivery.
ENZ was also looking forward to working alongside Ōtautahi, Christchurch to bring the ICEF Australia New Zealand Agent Conference to Christchurch in April next year.
Ms Bridges also acknowledged the importance of leveraging diplomatic engagement and Ministerial travel to enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a partner for international education.
“The value of these initiatives is shown in the response to recent promotional trips to India, the US and Canada. More recently, education was a significant part of the Prime Minister’s visit to China where its importance as part of our bilateral relationship was mentioned in almost every major engagement.”
This had continued with the conference welcoming the People’s Republic of China as the Country of Honour, with the Minister for Education, His Excellency, Huai Jinpeng joining the conference as a keynote speaker on Friday.
A full transcript of the speech can be found here.
For further information:
Justin Barnett | Director of Communications, Education New Zealand
+64 21 875 132
Notes to Editors:
About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency responsible for taking New Zealand’s education experiences to the world. ENZ promotes a New Zealand education as one that teaches students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners, which will help them succeed in their future careers and create a positive impact on the world.
With approximately 100 staff in 18 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector including schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Te Pūkenga (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics), universities; and internationally with NZ Inc agencies, Government agencies and education providers to encourage sustainable growth and identify opportunities.
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From the CE: A celebration of energy, optimism and human spirit
Kia ora tātou,
NZIEC TI KUA – the pathway forward, was a celebration of the energy, optimism, and the human spirit of the international education sector in New Zealand.
It was great to see, and be among, more than 590 delegates reconnecting in person, sharing experiences, discussing the future, and listening to a remarkable range of quality speakers. All the presenters were inspiring and all clearly outlined some the challenges and the opportunities as we move forward.
First among these was the visiting Minister for Education in China, His Excellency Huai Jinpeng whose warm outgoing personality was clear to all who met him. It was enormously positive that Minister Huai emphasised China’s was willing to work together with New Zealand to “promote win-win cooperation” and “to unite for mutual benefit”. I hope many of us accept his open invitation to visit China. As he said “Better to see for oneself than to hear from others”.
From the New Zealand side it was a great to have Minister for Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, attend the Gala dinner, and reinforce that “education is one of the key pillars of the New Zealand-China relationship and a foundation for enduring links between our countries”. China was the Country of Honour for this year’s conference and is an important long-term partner.
After a break of four years since the last NZIEC was held in-person, the friendship and happiness amongst conference delegates was tangible.
Certainly, there are challenges ahead as we continue to rebuild the sector. Several of the conference presenters highlighted the changes in global demographics, workplace demand for skills and technological developments as key drivers for a different future in the next 30 years. But the progress achieved in the year since the borders reopened was also cause for celebration and highlighted the adaptability and resilience of education providers throughout the sector.
I’d like to thank officials from the Ministry of Education, New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Immigration New Zealand who attended the conference and gave insights and answering queries relating to the impact of policies and practice. International education is a team sport and it was great to see their commitment to the future of the sector. And a very special thanks must also go to the ENZ organising team and supporting cast who delivered a remarkable and uplifting event.
As the curtain came down at the outstanding Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and delegates said final farewells before returning to their homes and communities, my lasting impression was that of an industry re-enlivened by the human contact we have all missed so much.
As our Chair, Tracey Bridges commented in her opening welcome, we have good cause to be optimistic about the future of the sector and the contribution it can make to all the people of Aotearoa and beyond.
It is now our responsibility to act on this optimism and to move forward. As Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it”.
Ngā mihi,
Grant
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Strengthening ties with Chilean education agents
The event brought together a group of Chilean education agents for an opportunity to connect with ENZ Director of Engagement Javiera Visedo and Whitecliffe Regional Manager Lorena Mendes.
The attending agents learned about study options for Chilean students at Whitecliffe and had the chance to ask questions in an open, interactive setting designed to support learning and strengthen relationships.
Agents highlighted an increasing interest in studying in New Zealand amongst students, noting a significant increase in meetings and enquiries.
Whitecliffe College Regional Manager Lorena Mendes presenting to local education agents.
ENZ Director of Engagement Javiera Visedo said strengthening relationships with agents and capability building is key to increasing awareness of New Zealand and its diverse study options.
“Nothing compares to a face-to-face training session, where agents can raise day-to-day questions from students and have them answered on the spot,” she said.
Whitecliffe College Regional Manager, Lorena Mendes, said Chile is a market with enormous potential and a key partner for international student growth in New Zealand.
“Here, we find professionalism, warmth, and a genuine interest in continually offering students the best opportunities for them,” she said.