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• ENZ strengthens applied education connections in Viet Nam through targeted engagement

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) has successfully delivered a targeted engagement programme in Viet Nam for New Zealand’s ITP and PTE sector, supporting providers to build connections, raise profile and position applied education as a strong pathway for Vietnamese students.

  Delivered from 29 March to 5 April 2026, the eight‑day programme spanned four key cities and marked the first sector‑specific, ENZ‑led initiative focused on applied and work‑integrated education in Viet Nam.

  Strengthening sector visibility and connections

  The programme was strategically designed to lift awareness of New Zealand’s applied education offering and to support providers to engage more deeply with the local education system. ENZ led a structured programme of in‑market activity, including:

  • networking sessions with education agents and applied education partners
  • targeted school visits, reaching around 350 students through career‑focused engagement
  • student‑facing outreach activities
  • a country briefing and a high‑level meeting with the Department of Vocational Education under Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

  ENZ also worked closely with selected market partners to amplify reach and impact, with partner‑led activity including additional agent meetings, student engagement events and education workshops.

  

  Above: Representatives from New Zealand education institutions provided career guidance to students at various high schools

  Strong market response and growing awareness outcomes

  Market response throughout the programme was consistently positive, with strong interest from education agents, schools and students in applied and work‑integrated programmes. Key areas of interest included scholarships, tuition affordability, updated entry requirements for Vietnamese students, and post‑study work opportunities that support longer‑term career outcomes.

  The programme also delivered strong media results that significantly strengthened awareness of New Zealand’s applied education offering and reinforced positive perceptions of its education quality and experience in Viet Nam.

  Building momentum in Viet Nam

  ENZ’s Market Manager – Viet Nam, Van Banh, said the programme is helping build momentum and setting New Zealand’s vocational education sector up for sustainable growth in Viet Nam.

  “The response we have seen in Viet Nam has been very encouraging. Education agents, schools and students are showing strong interest in New Zealand’s applied and work‑integrated education, particularly around scholarships, affordability and clear pathways to employment,” Van said.

  “The strong media coverage from this programme has also helped lift awareness of what New Zealand offers, reinforcing its positive attributes around quality, employability and accessibility. We’re looking forward to building on this through targeted digital activity and local storytelling.”

  Building on this momentum, ENZ will deliver a follow‑up digital campaign featuring local influencers and stories from alumni and current students to further amplify the visibility and impact of New Zealand’s ITP and PTE sectors.

• Competition winners and interns enjoy trip of a lifetime

  A separate competition was launched in India called ‘Fashion for Fleming’, requiring fashion students to design a t-shirt for ENZ’s Brand Ambassador, Stephen Fleming. The competition encouraged students from India to incorporate creative designs showcasing the unique values of both countries. The winner received a two week internship at AUT’s Fashion School.

  As well, over the past couple of months, two students from Viet Nam and India, and one each from Indonesia and Malaysia undertook all-expenses paid internships at various institutes in New Zealand.

  We’ve received some outstanding feedback from the interns and the respective institutions, both during the internships and after the students returned home. Here’s a taste of what they said:  

  Armeet Narang, a student from Symbiosis Institute, Pune won a four-week internship at Avondale College

  "My experience in New Zealand as an intern is something I will cherish in the future. The people, culture, food, and the work ethic is very much different than in India, something that left me speechless. It was robust and fresh, something I believe every student needs in their college life. Perhaps, what left me astonished was the education system over there, so much more developed. Avondale College and the staff at the International Department were so warm and welcoming I settled right in. It was too good to be true for me. My homestay parents were simply perfect. A month after my return, I still miss that place - the weather, the food and the people. Such an opportunity is sure to open many doors for me, and I cannot be grateful enough.” - Armeet Narang

  “Avondale College welcomed the opportunity to host an intern from India and we were most pleased with the successful candidate when he arrived. Armeet immediately became one of the team at the Avondale College International Department, and set up his work station in the reception office - a signal to us he was here to integrate with the students, learn how a busy office worked, and to offer a new perspective.

  Initial discussions on how Armeet could add value included doing a SWOT analysis, reviewing current strategies of NZ Schools active in the Indian market, and developing a marketing strategy and plan for Avondale College to implement. Having a particular interest in use of media and digital channels, Armeet launched into a review of the current Avondale College website and Facebook usage and developed a best practice model to head towards.

  Armeet took every advantage of getting out and about in Auckland and the North Island. His trip culminated in attending the All Blacks game against Australia. His first rugby match he described it almost as good as an IPL match. From our perspective the internship was a huge success with learnings from both Armeet and institution. Many thanks to ENZ for the opportunity. We are solid advocates for such projects.” - Chris Klaassen, Director of International, Avondale College  

  Nguyen Hoai Thuong, Vietnam won a four-week internship at Palmerston North Girls High School

  “What I love most about New Zealand is that people are very friendly. I didn’t feel like I was in a foreign country, but at home, as a family member. The environment in New Zealand also captured my attention, since people have good awareness of environment protection, and it did have an impact on me after coming back to Vietnam. I also learnt a lot from my colleagues, not only marketing knowledge, but also their passion. They inspired me and made me realise that once you pour all your heart into doing something, anything can be meaningful and memorable. I really hope that one day I can go back to NZ, to learn more and explore more, and most of all, to see again the people giving me the best time of my youth.” - Nguyen Hoai Thuong  

  Pham Phuong Lam, Vietnam won a four-week internship at Academic Colleges Group

  “The one-month internship at ACG was an unforgettable experience. Auckland is a small, multi-cultural city that has made me feel welcome since my very first day. I love the people here, they are friendly, open and very kind. Working in ACG is my first working abroad experience. My colleagues always support and give me good advice to know more about international marketing. ACG has many education institutions that has helped me gain an overall view of New Zealand education, which is famous for critical thinking development and taking good care of international students.” - Pham Phuong Lam

  

  Competition winners: Intern Edo with Vice Chancellor Stuart McChutcheon and Deputy Vice Chancellor Jenny Dixon.

  Edo Dwi Prayogo, Indonesia won a four-week internship at The University of Auckland

  “I was surprised how easy the Vice Chancellor was to talk to. I feel so lucky to have this whole opportunity. This is my first internship, and I’m having so many new experiences. I’m really enjoying the work environment – it’s so interesting to learn how an organisation reaches international markets, and to be involved in that.” - Edo Dwi Prayogo

  “Having Edo with us for a month has been fantastic. He has made an excellent contribution to the team and we have benefitted from the insights he has provided into the Indonesian market and Indonesian culture.” - University of Auckland International Marketing Manager Shane Ball  

  Kong Kah Weng (Eric), Malaysia won a four-week internship at Choose New Zealand Education Alliance

  Life here is completely different compared to Malaysia. What I have noticed so far, New Zealand is much more structured, less polluted, westernised, the standard of living is higher, buildings are flat, less traffic congestion, convenient public transportation and the city is filled with outrageously beautiful natural scenes.

  My first day working with Novo Education was remarkable, work culture here is very different. Working hours can be flexible; capability, trust and responsibility are amongst the key qualities of being a good staff. I have been catching up and learning many different tasks as an intern. In fact the work environment moulds you towards a positive working culture.

  I have got to know some friends here doing their undergraduate program at a polytechnic institution. In Malaysian’s mind, polytechnics are lousy. This perception does not apply to New Zealand surprisingly. Instead, they offer various types of programmes, well recognised locally and internationally up to postgraduate level. On top of it, they cost less than university.

  Lamb and beef taste like heaven! Many other local productions like diary, chocolate, chips and wine are a must try.  My honest opinion, I think I feel in love with this country and things around.” - Eric Kong

  “Novo Education has been delighted to host the ENZ prize winning student from Malaysia, Eric Kong, as an intern for 4 weeks. Eric visited the campuses of Choose New Zealand members in Auckland, New Plymouth, Whitianga, Greymouth and Christchurch, and is even more enthusiastic about New Zealand education than before he arrived, and was very active in posting positive comments on social media. In turn he has provided us with some insights and research into potential niche markets in Malaysia, and we feel quite excited about future opportunities there.

  We wish him very well in his continuing studies. Thank you to Education New Zealand for the opportunity to participate in this internship programme, and we can certainly recommend it to any other institution in the future. ” - Bruce Cleland, Chairman, Choose New Zealand Education Alliance  

  Somsurvo Chatterjee, a student from NIFT, Kolkata won a two-week internship at the AUT University’s Fashion School

  “I am learning new, innovative ways of garment designing at AUT, which will help me incorporate new design elements when I go back to Kolkata. I am enjoying the student life and culture in Auckland, people on campus have been very friendly and the students from the fashion department organised a surprise picnic for me at the studio which means a lot considering I am in a new country. I will cherish my time and learnings at AUT for life. - Somsurvo Chatterjee

  

  Winner of the ‘Fashion for Fleming’ design competition Somsuvro Chatterjee with his winning design for Stephen Fleming inspired by the Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral.

• Intl Cultural Performers

• Government delegation from South Korea visits New Zealand to reconnect with several of our education providers

  New Zealand and South Korea have strong education links and one unique partnership is the education cooperation under the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) which has historically included education programmes for Korean school and tertiary students. 

  The visiting delegation included representatives from the Korea Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the Korea Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) and Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA), the implementing agency for the MOF-funded project. 

  

  The delegation was welcomed to the ENZ Wellington office with a mihi whakatau on their first day. ENZ, Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) colleagues joined together for waiata and kai with our Korean guests.

  

  Following a welcome and mihi whakatau in Wellington, the group travelled on to Nelson where they visited Te Pūkenga Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and Nayland College. The visit to Nayland College was an opportunity for the Korean representatives to gain a better understanding of the pastoral care for school students and the unique offerings such as outdoor education and horticulture programmes. 

  Kay Lee, ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – Korea, said it was important for the Korean delegation to experience firsthand the welcoming and safe environment of New Zealand schools to regain confidence in the Schools Visits Programme.  

  “After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Korean Government was concerned about sending students, especially younger students, overseas to study particularly on scholarship programmes because parents wanted assurance their children will be well looked after. In the debrief with the Korean representatives, it was clear they gained confidence from speaking to the New Zealand institution representatives around the procedures and systems in place to support students.” 

  “We hope that this renewed confidence will mean that we start seeing Korean government scholarship school students studying in New Zealand again in the near future”. 

  High on the agenda during the delegation’s visit were the School Visits and Tertiary Training Programmes, both of which were affected significantly during the pandemic.  

  From 2016 –2019, the School Visits Programme provided 150 high school scholarships per year for South Korean students from rural areas to attend New Zealand schools for eight weeks. The Korean Government planned to continue the Schools Visits Programme with its own funding in 2020, however, the programme was cancelled due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.   

  An alternative programme was run by MAFRA and MOF from December 2022 which involved short-term English Language Training for school students in Korea with three New Zealand teachers travelling to Korea to teach English (Read about their experience here).The Korean organisers have decided to run the English language programme in Korea again with six New Zealand teachers traveling to Korea to teach English in January 2024. 

  

  Nayland College demonstrated manaakitanga by welcoming the group to rainy Nelson but provided an Asia Kiwi lunch complete with meat pies and sushi!

  Like the Schools Visits Programme, the pandemic interrupted tertiary programmes and the revised programme ran in January 2023 with short term group programmes. The site visits in November to Te Pūkenga NMIT and Lincoln University provided an opportunity to discuss the institutions’ proposals to host Korean tertiary students in January 2024.  

  Also discussed was the importance of reciprocity and it was noted that Korea is a popular destination for New Zealanders under the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA) scheme. Since 2016, the scheme has awarded scholarships to 196 individuals or groups for study, intern or research programmes in Korea. Lincoln University, in particular, has been successful in facilitating group PMSA programmes focused on agriculture to Korea.  

  

  Dr Mark Burdass, Aquaculture Programme Coordinator and Tutor, introduces the hands on learning in the aquaculture programme at Te Pūkenga NMIT.

  At the conclusion of their visit, the Korean delegation expressed their gratitude to the institution hosts for making their time in New Zealand memorable and valuable through fruitful discussions. The delegation emphasised the importance of conducting these meetings in person and visiting the campuses to meet with institution staff and academics. The ENZ Manapou ki te Ao team is pleased to continue close cooperation with our Korean education partners to facilitate connections with New Zealand education providers for the education programmes. 

  If you are interested in finding out more about the education initiatives originally outlined in the KNZFTA, you can read about this in a 2016 E-News article here - New opportunities for New Zealand and Korea. 

• ENZ launches digital Media Centre

  ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson said the ENZ Media Centre will act as an entry point for international and New Zealand media to spark their interest and improve their understanding of the richness and breadth of New Zealand’s international education offering.

  The Media Centre will start small but grow over time – helped by contributions from education providers. Their stories will range from profiles of their world-leading research and academics to innovative teaching programmes and unique courses.

  “Each year, New Zealand attracts some 125,000 international students to our shores for the education experience of a lifetime. But the excellence, quality and diversity of these experiences is not widely understood.

  “Through the Media Centre, we hope to broaden the discussions about what international education in New Zealand covers. For example, in addition to stories profiling international students in New Zealand, we will also share news about New Zealanders studying and interning offshore and the success of New Zealand education exports on the world stage.”

  The content and design of the Media Centre is a result of consultation with ENZ’s international staff and PR agencies as well as discussion with education providers, regional economic development agencies and peak bodies. All content – written stories, listicles, think pieces, infographics and photography – is free to use.

  “Telling the story about international education in New Zealand is an important part of ENZ's work. Last year, we worked with marketing and communication agencies in nine markets to generate more than 2,000 pieces of coverage. The Media Centre will support these efforts and help to lift the quality and quantity of coverage, including more up-to-date stories direct from our education providers,” said Grant.

  Visit the Media Centre here: https://media.enz.govt.nz/ 

• Malaysia ECE 3 1 resize

• On the ‘road’ again

  ENZ’s team in South Korea, in partnership with the Seoul Board of Education, held their first-ever online school roadshow this October. It aimed to give Korean students a better idea of New Zealand and inspire them to study here in the future.

  Virtual webinars were delivered to over 500 students at 13 Korean high schools. Before each webinar, students were asked to send in their questions about New Zealand education, so their presentation could be tailored to reflect their interests.

  New Zealand Ambassador to Korea, Philip Turner, supported the roadshow with a pre-recorded video.

  “This strategic engagement with the Seoul Board of Education  is an example of how we’re working with key in-market stakeholders to keep the dream of New Zealand education alive in the hearts and minds of our future international students,” ENZ Regional Manager – East Asia, Ben Burrowes says.

  Maintaining the New Zealand brand in our offshore markets is a key part of the third workstream of the Recovery Plan for international education, ‘Transforming to a more sustainable future state’.

  Elsewhere in Korea, ENZ working on connecting NZ schools with Korean schools for virtual language exchanges. In September, Team Korea launched a digital platform for a local Korean audience that shares positive stories about New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, institution updates, and inspiring stories of Korean international students.

  “Before COVID, Korea was the fourth-largest student source country for New Zealand’s international education sector,” Ben says. “In 2018, nearly 2,500 Korean students studied at New Zealand schools, a five percent increase on 2017, and our market research indicates that the interest in a New Zealand education certainly still remains. It’s therefore vital that we maintain our brand presence and help to build a pipeline of Korean students for our institutions.”

• India’s Welcome2NewZealand series kick-starts event season

  Jugnu Roy, ENZ’s Country Manager for India, said Welcome2NewZealand was an opportunity to discuss the current visa regulations, thank agents for their patience through uncertain times and a recent drop in student numbers, and to emphasise ENZ’s student recruitment strategy of moving from volume to value.

  "We were very pleased with how the sessions went and have had positive feedback,” said Jugnu.

  Held in New Delhi and Chandigarh, the event had ENZ Recognised Agents (ENZRA), licensed immigration advisors (LIA) and other high-performing student consultants in attendance, along with NZ Inc partners.

  Welcome2NewZealand included sessions on ENZ’s strategy for the India market, and an update from Immigration New Zealand on policy instructions and how they would like to work with high-performing agents to get high-calibre students into New Zealand.

  The New Zealand High Commissioner to India, Joanna Kempkers, chaired the sessions, along with John Laxon, ENZ’s Regional Director South and South East Asia and Middle East, and Daniel Smidt, Area Manager for INZ.

  Jugnu said similar events for agents are planned in other Indian cities later this year.

  In Bengaluru, ENZ partnered with the FPP EduExpo fair for the first time, following good reviews from colleagues in other markets.

  Jugnu said the event was a nice change from previous student fairs that have been very USA- and Australia-focussed.

  “In India, we wanted to explore a multi-country event. It’s a cost effective way of flying the New Zealand flag and profiling the country as a world class study destination.” 

  Jugnu said more than 1000 students attended the fair, with some 77 percent looking at postgraduate qualifications overseas.

  “A number of Bangalore students were interested in courses at New Zealand institutions, ranging from environment and sustainability, architecture, biochemistry to specialist engineering programmes.

  “It emphasised the importance of student fairs in profiling New Zealand as a high-quality education destination, attracting capable and talented Indian students.” 

• Education New Zealand nominated for three upcoming awards

  ENZ recognised for Gilman Scholarship mahi

  Education New Zealand has been selected as a finalist in the 2021 AmCham - DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards. The awards, run by the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, celebrate the success and innovation of companies doing business with the United States.

  ENZ is a finalist in the Bilateral Connections category and our entry focusses on how our Gilman Scholarship funding and other initiatives underway with US federal agencies and education institutions are helping build lasting connections between New Zealand and the United States through education. The winners will be announced at a function in Auckland on 26 August.

  ENZ's digital China ecosystem recognised in China Business Awards

  ENZ is a finalist in the 2021 HSBC NZCTA China Business Awards, New Zealand's preeminent awards for recognising business success in China. ENZ is nominated for the United Media Solution Award for Digital Excellence in Business between China and New Zealand, for our China digital ecosystem and experience work.

  Tū Ngātahi nominated in prestigious marketing awards

  ENZ's Tū Ngātahi campaign, delivered by Special Group, has been selected as a finalist in the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards. Tū Ngātahi calls for New Zealanders to stand together with our international student community and send a message of empathy and support. It is nominated in the Public Good category.

• Game On, in Japan

  Among the over 60 guests who attended the event, were New Zealand’s Ambassador to Japan, Mark Sinclair; Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Shinichi Yamanaka; Vice President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, Masayuki Takashima; and Fonterra Japan President, Yasuhiro Saito.

  Those GOE student participants who were present spoke, in English, of how fulfilling an experience it was, and of their desire to come back to New Zealand for further study.

  

  Twelve male high school students from institutions that belong to Kanto Super League spent time in Hamilton from mid-July to early August this year, receiving high level rugby coaching care of the Waikato Rugby Union as well as undergoing an intensive English language programme at the University of Waikato Pathways College.

  Ten female rugby players selected by the Japan Rugby Football Union spent time in Auckland in August, participating in a similar programme run by the Auckland Rugby Union and the New Zealand Language Centres.

  Fonterra Japan sponsored the Hamilton programme while Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology provided financial support for the Auckland programme.

  Both groups of students stayed with local families while in New Zealand.

  

  GOE Rugby was launched by Prime Ministers Shinzō Abe and John Key in July 2014 in response to the Japanese government’s goal to improve the English language skills and increase the sporting capacity of Japan’s young people in the lead up to Japan’s hosting of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics.

  Led by English New Zealand in partnership with the Essentially Group, GOE Rugby includes five top provincial rugby unions and selected premium English language providers based in locations throughout New Zealand.

  From November, the GOR Rugby will be available to high school groups from across Japan.

  For more information on the details of the programme, please contact Misa Pitt, ENZ Japan.