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Game On English launched in style
New Zealand has teamed up its expertise in rugby and English language teaching to develop a new edu-sport programme for Japan in the lead up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympics.
On Monday 7 July Prime Minister John Key and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched Game On English in Auckland as part of Mr Abe's official visit to New Zealand.
The leaders threw a rugby ball to the programme’s inaugural students – Japan's national sevens female champions from Iwami Chisuikan High School – to kick off a rugby skills training session and officially launch the programme.
The Prime Ministers, current All Black Conrad Smith and Huriana Manuel, captain of the New Zealand women's sevens team and Black Fern, met and shook hands with each of the rugby players before they went through their training paces.
In the lead up to Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup and Summer Olympics Prime Minister Abe has announced a government goal to improve English language skills and increase sporting capacity amongst youth.
"As a country with an envious track record of developing the world’s best rugby players and a top quality education system, New Zealand is well placed to help the Japanese government meet their goal," says Grant McPherson, Chief Executive, Education New Zealand.
The Game On English programme matches English language providers with sports academies to deliver centrally-organised, bespoke courses for young athletes.
"Growing export revenue from international education is a key part of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda. Programmes such as Game On English are aligning New Zealand’s educational expertise with demand in the global market."
Japan is now the third largest source of international students to New Zealand.
"Our success as a country will be determined by our level of connectedness with the rest of the world. Education is one of the best ways to build international linkages.
"These students will act as ambassadors for New Zealand education promoting the quality of our education system when they return to Japan," says Mr McPherson.
The Iwami Chisuikan sevens team are studying English at the English Language Centre of Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) in the morning and training with Auckland Rugby Academy in the afternoon for the month they are in New Zealand.
"New Zealand is very different from Japan, but the people here made it really easy for me to adapt and feel comfortable. I enjoy being able to communicate freely with people from different backgrounds in class, and the support we get from teachers is invaluable," says Iwami Chisuikan player Aoi Kurokawa.
"Kiwis train differently – they emphasise technique and make training fun. I would like to bring what I learned back to Japan."
Ran Aoki is also enjoying her rugby in New Zealand. "The best part of the programme is the training. Auckland Rugby make it fun and give invaluable comments and feedback."
"Kiwis value the quality of training in a given timeframe over accumulated hours which allows us to get the most out of our short stay in New Zealand.
"I learn English all around – in class, whilst training, and at home with my homestay family!"
In two weeks a second group of Game On English students will arrive from Japan.
Eleven secondary school players from Kanto Super League will be based in Dunedin - studying English at the University of Otago Language Centre and receiving rugby training from Otago Rugby Football Union and local Dunedin high schools.
Both groups of students are in New Zealand at the invitation of the New Zealand government to pilot the programme.
"It is our intention that Game on English will be rolled out nationally and New Zealand will support Japan in achieving their English language and sporting ambitions in the next five to six years and beyond," says Mr McPherson.
We will evaluate the pilot programme over the next month and advise the next step in due course.
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Mayoral events provide vibrant welcomes to students in their regions
Last month we shared some of the wonderful images that New Zealand schools, universities, PTEs, Te Pūkenga and English Language Schools shared with ENZ as they welcomed their new students for 2024. This month we are sharing details and images from the Mayoral welcomes that some of our regions have held for their visiting international students.
Thank you for adding to our diversity and vibrancy!
More than 40 international students were greeted by Whanganui District Council Mayor, Andrew Tripe, at a special Mayoral welcome to the community on Monday 8 April.
Speaking to the students from countries including Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Germany, China, India Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam, the Mayor thanked them for choosing Whanganui and adding to the “diversity and vibrancy of our community”.
The students attending had enrolled in both secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the district such as Whanganui High School, UCOL Whanganui and the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.
Formal greeting over, the Mayor was rushed by students seeking a special ‘selfie moment’ to share with families and social media.
A group of Brazilian international students attending Whanganui High School take up the opportunity of a photo with the Whanganui District Council Mayor, Andrew Tripe.
Similar levels of excitement were seen in Hamilton where the Mayor of Hamilton, Paula Southgate and local performance groups welcomed approximately 250 new international students to the Waikato region. The welcome event was held at the Pā, University of Waikato and is the first welcome since the Covid-19 pandemic put these events on hold.
Mayor Paula Southgate providing the official welcome to the Waikato’s approximately 250 international students.
Faymie Li, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s Senior Advisor Student Experience said, “I was deeply honoured to witness this significant event and see how we demonstrate manaakitanga to our international students.
“The diverse cultures we embrace in Aotearoa is truly something to cherish and celebrate. It was wonderful to see so many school students attending the ceremony, offering them a unique student experience they don't typically encounter.”
Jiabao Zhao (Boa), a former international student who completed a Bachelor of Management Studies with First Class Honours at the University of Waikato, shared a message of encouragement with the students. Boa’s advice for new students was: to study hard but also “talk to and meet students from outside your country. It’s easy to remain in your comfort zone but that is not the point of studying abroad. Network and build your presence”.
Former University of Waikato International Student sharing a message of encouragement to the new international students.
She also reminded students to take care of both their physical and mental health. There will be challenges but also great opportunities, and her own study and career journey is testament to that. She now works as an International Sales Operation Executive at Prolife Foods Ltd in Hamilton.
A handful of the 250 students who travelled to the Pā at the University of Waikato, for the international student welcome.
Also in March, nearly 100 international students received a fine welcome centered on the theme of connection, by Timaru District Mayor, Nigel Bowen. The Timaru District will be home to students from Japan, China, Germany, Thailand, South Korean, Hong Kong, Macau, Fiji, Philippines, Brazil and Poland, and more over the course of this year. You can read about this welcome in the Stuff article here - Nearly 100 international students welcomed to Timaru | Stuff.
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Apply early and get ahead of the student visa peak
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is approaching a peak period for student visa processing, which typically occurs between October and March as international students who are overseas prepare for the first half of the 2026 academic year.
Get your application in early
During peak periods, applications may take longer to process. To ensure timely visa decisions, prospective international students who are overseas are encouraged to submit their applications around 3 months before the intended travel date, as this provides the best chance of receiving a decision in time to begin study in New Zealand.
Late submissions risk missing the start of study and may result in declined applications if key documents are missing.
Students who are offshore and apply very early (for example, 6 months or more), may receive an approval in principle, allowing them to provide confirmation of study, funds transfers and tuition fee payment closer to their study commencement.
Check the recent processing times for student visa applications.
Changes to student visa work rights
Visas granted on or after 3 November 2025 will include a condition allowing up to 25 hours of work a week during term time, including those approved after that date from earlier applications.
If your visa is granted before 3 November 2025, the current 20-hour a week work limit will still apply. If you would like to work more hours after that date, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to update your visa.
Upcoming changes to student visa work rights
To support a smoother and more transparent application process, INZ has moved international student visas to a new enhanced Immigration Online system.
The new form is tailored to each applicant’s situation. It asks only relevant questions and provides clear guidance throughout. It also provides real-time status updates and email notifications, giving students and their advisers greater visibility of application progress and clarity around any required actions.
While the new form may take slightly longer to complete, the additional information collected upfront is expected to reduce overall processing time.
Applying on enhanced Immigration Online
Students applying for the following visa types will be automatically directed to a redesigned, dynamic application form:
- English Language Student Visa
- Exchange Student Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Pathway Student Visa
- NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
Applications submitted on or before 17 August 2025 will continue to be processed, and students will retain access to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until a decision is made.
Draft applications not submitted by 17 August 2025 can still be completed and submitted until 17 September 2025.
After 17 September 2025, all remaining drafts will be deleted, and a new application using the enhanced form will be required. The new student visa application forms on enhanced Immigration Online include built-in guidance to support applicants. It helps ensure they understand what is being asked and provides easy access to information to help them answer questions accurately.
Help us process your application faster
To avoid delays, students should ensure their application includes all required documentation. INZ may not contact applicants if key documents are missing, and incomplete applications may be declined.
INZ understands that some students may face delays in obtaining final academic documentation required for their application.
We recommend you apply as soon as you have the required documentation or contact your education provider to see if a conditional Offer of Place is available, so you can submit your student visa application and get the process underway.
If you do apply late, your application may not be processed in time for your study in New Zealand.
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Manaaki Scholarships operations transferred to ENZ
Operational responsibility for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme was formally transferred to Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) on 1 November 2022, the result of almost two years of sustained effort from both sides.
The team transferring from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), along with other new staff working on the scholarships programme, were welcomed to ENZ with a mihi whakatau by a group that included ENZ Board Chair Steve Maharey and Chief Executive Grant McPherson.
Manaaki Scholarships represent the government’s single largest investment in international scholarships and have been awarded for more than 70 years. ENZ is taking over operational management from MFAT, which will remain responsible for setting the strategic direction, alumni relationships and funding the programme.
On the symbolic handing over of MFAT's ‘living taonga’ to ENZ, Divisional Manager Joanna Kempkers noted, “if our Policy Team are the head, giving strategic direction, and the Alumni Team is the arms, reaching out to embrace scholars on completion, then the Operations Team is the beating heart of the Manaaki Scholarships Programme. We are confident that ENZ will take good care of our team, of the Manaaki Scholarships Programme, and deliver enhanced ‘mana through manaaki’ to our individual scholars.”
ENZ and MFAT have worked together on an improvement programme that will get underway early in 2023. This will include a technology upgrade as well as operational policy shifts to strengthen student experience.
“This partnership is one of those rare events where logic and virtue combine to provide a stronger and better outcome,” said ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson. “It is not just a good idea for our two agencies, but it’s a great idea for NZ Inc and will bring broader benefits beyond our immediate goals.”
“We know our own in-country teams already work closely with MFAT on matters concerning the Manaaki Scholars,” says GM Sector Services Sahinde Pala.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to become more closely involved in the scholarships programme and the work on continuous improvements. Our aim is to ensure scholars have an excellent experience and become lifelong ambassadors for Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Manaaki Scholarships are a key pillar of Aotearoa New Zealand’s International Development Co-operation, offering more than 1,100 scholarships annually to students from 112 eligible countries to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, in the Pacific, or online.
For information on opening dates to apply for Manaaki Scholarships, go to: Application opening and closing dates for your country | MANAAKI | Education New Zealand (nzscholarships.govt.nz)
Programmes of study can be found here: Types of Manaaki Scholarships | MANAAKI | Education New Zealand (nzscholarships.govt.nz)
Eligible countries can be found here: 1.Check eligible countries | MANAAKI | Education New Zealand (nzscholarships.govt.nz)
To contact ENZ’s Manaaki Scholarship team, please email manaaki@enz.govt.nz
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Register for ENZ’s market intelligence webinar
New Zealand education providers are invited to sign up for the industry webinar hosted by the ENZ team in Viet Nam.
The ENZ team in Viet Nam has organised an industry webinar to offer local market updates and insights, competitors analysis, external expert views as well as updates on ENZ’s upcoming promotional events and activities in the country.
ENZ’s Director - Asia, John Laxon, said the industry webinar is a great opportunity for New Zealand education providers to receive local in-market intelligence from ENZ staff and independent in-market experts.
“This will help education providers in ensuring their in-market recruitment efforts are well targeted. Our 2019 webinar series is providing market insights and updates from across the Asia region, taking into account the strong industry interest in the 2018 series.”
Vietnam Industry Webinar
Thursday, 15 August, 10am Viet Nam time/3pm New Zealand time
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NZ-based education agents engage with sector
“This proved to be a really useful opportunity for sector representatives to reconnect with New Zealand-based education agents,” says Geneviève Rousseau Cung, Partnerships Manager at Education New Zealand Manpou ki te Ao (ENZ).
Agents heard presentations from Immigration New Zealand and Te Pūkenga during the fair. ENZ spoke about the I AM NEW brand campaign which was launched at NAFSA at the end of May 2022.
Ms Rousseau Cung says this is the second year that ENZ has organised an event like this for locally based agents.
“It’s crucial to keep engaging with ENZ Recognised Agents, given their important role in promoting a New Zealand education and connecting prospective students and their families with education providers,” Ms Rousseau Cung says.
“New Zealand-based agents in particular were adversely affected by the border closure, and so it’s great to support their work as we reconnect with the world.”
Attendees rated the event as being highly valuable as an opportunity to get up to date information and re-engage face-to-face.
“We particularly appreciated the networking opportunity and understanding how ENZ is marketing New Zealand to the world,” one agent commented.
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US delegation delighted by New Zealand biculturalism
Although many of the study abroad advisors were already working with New Zealand partners and sending students to New Zealand, they hadn’t experienced the country themselves.
Prior to the visit, participants listed Māori culture and heritage as one of their top three focuses for the visit to New Zealand institutions.
In Dunedin, the delegation was welcomed onto the Otago Polytechnic campus with a powhiri. In return, the delegation sang “Te Aroha” – after having practised it on the bus ride from their hotel.
The group said this moment, and similar experiences on other New Zealand campuses, was what provided them with a better understanding of New Zealand and the international student experience – even more so than the brochures they received from institutions.
“I was surprised and very impressed to see how Māori culture is so integrated and celebrated around the country. This is unique and a stark contrast to the experience of indigenous cultures in other countries,” said one delegate.
Alanna Dick, ENZ Field Director – North America, said the advisors left with a better understanding of New Zealand, and a drive to help more US students experience it too.
“It was clear to me the visit was a success when one study abroad advisor told me that now they understand the main points of difference between New Zealand and Australia! They now tell their students they would have a unique study experience in New Zealand, especially if they take a course to learn more about the indigenous culture like Kapa Haka or introduction to te Reo Māori.”
The US delegation offered suggestions for New Zealand institutions to consider when hosting international guests:
- Explain how Māori culture is embedded into curriculum
- Invite Kiwi students to sit on a student panel or lead campus tours
- More conversations over kai with faculty, staff and students and less PowerPoint presentations
- Consider having faculty give a short presentation about their area of research or courses they teach.
The US delegation also attended NZIEC to present a session on US engagement. They shared interesting initiatives and partnership models from their campuses, highlighted the importance of curriculum integration between US and overseas institutions, and shared best practices for outreach to students from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds.
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Online visa application update
Immigration ONLINE – Student will allow international students around the world to apply, pay fees and upload supporting documents online. The new service will be available to full fee paying, scholarship, exchange and English language students.
Student applicants will still need to provide passports. This can be done offshore through Visa Application Centres or, if the applicant is already in New Zealand, through the INZ Palmerston North office.
Apply on behalf of functionality – for INZ’s third party partners such as immigration advisers, education agents and education providers – is now set to go live in 2015. Later this year INZ will provide more specifics around the delivery timing in 2015.
While the new system provides international students with a new way to apply for their visas, it does not affect existing services. All current student visa processes remain.
Education agents can continue to use current methods of applying on behalf of applicants, and information about Immigration ONLINE – Student is being made available to agents so they can continue to give advice about application options to prospective student.
For further information, please read detailed question and answers on Immigration New Zealand’s website.
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Massey and Education New Zealand collaborate on digital marketing service
How prospective students interact with a New Zealand provider before they enrol can make all the difference, when it comes to whether or not a student makes the leap. EOS is a digital tool, managed by ENZ, that has the potential to improve this process significantly.
EOS involves digitally linking up ENZ’s student-facing marketing platforms that provide tailored information about New Zealand with students offshore – such as www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz, and Massey’s international student Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. It works by sharing students’ interest in Massey (with their permission), with the university, allowing the Massey team to begin engaging with them through their own marketing processes.
This service benefits both ENZ and Massey: Massey receives leads that ENZ has generated, and ENZ can keep an eye on students to help better understand what marketing activities generate applications that are the best fit for New Zealand.
Massey Manager of International Marketing and Communications, Rachel O’Connor, estimates that the EOS saves about three minutes’ work on each prospective student. In just two months, that’s added up to just over 32 hours of her team’s time.
“We’re improving our understanding of our students’ digital journey through seamless integration, improved automation and better reporting,” she says. “I love the fact that we can actually see things like the most popular courses, markets and demographics.”
Of the prospective students ENZ has shared with Massey, 10 percent have started the enrolment process, and five percent have completed their application.
EOS has been 18 months in the making – and its development has been a collaborative effort between ENZ, ENZ’s data partner SpeakData and Massey.
ENZ Director Marketing Platforms and Campaigns, Euan Howden, says Massey saw the potential of the EOS pilot early.
“The completed project is an excellent example of the value to be gained from partnerships – we’re already working on connecting more institutions to the EOS.”
The EOS is currently available to all universities and some larger PTEs – and ENZ is looking at how it can also be of benefit to other parts of the sector such as schools and ITPs. Once the service has been fully established, ENZ will give further updates on its performance and rollout.
If you would like to learn how your institution could use the service, please contact ebd@enz.govt.nz.
