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  • Māori and Pasifika experiences: diversifying our outbound programmes

    At NZIEC, Jason Cushen, University of Otago’s Director, International and Claire Porima, Senior Project Manager, Office of Māori Development, talked about the need to diversify New Zealand’s outbound cohort and reduce barriers for Māori and Pasifika students.

    “Our international exchange programme is 21 years old. In that time, the demographics of Otago’s student body have diversified, with currently 12% of our students Māori and 8% Pasifika – yet outbound numbers for Māori and Pasifika students remain low.

    “In fact, the profile of the average student on that programme hasn’t changed. A typical Otago exchange student would be a 19 or 20-year-old Pākehā female from Epsom. Our Māori students are underrepresented amongst those engaged with international education opportunities.”

    To overcome cultural and social barriers, the university launched Tūrangawaewae Pōkai Whenua in July 2018, an indigenous exchange programme connecting Māori with indigenous communities in Australia, Canada and the US.

    Jason Cushen at NZIEC

    Jason Cushen at NZIEC 2018

    “Programmes like this go beyond just an institutional relationship, the relationship with indigenous community is equally important.  It adds richness to the experience we can offer Māori students, and can help Māori parents who feel uneasy about their whanau going abroad to feel more comfortable. We are hopeful that this will increase in the future of the programme – already we have 13 MOUs with iwi about developing opportunities for their rangatahi at Otago.”

    ENZ is facing similar challenges with the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA)  and Latin America (PMSLA)  programmes. Christine Roberts, ENZ’s Student Scholarships Manager is working on a strategy to encourage wider diversity.

    “Māori and Pasifika are significantly underrepresented in those applying for these scholarship programmes. We know there are quality candidates out there but many lack the confidence to apply or face other barriers.

    “Sometimes family are not keen on them travelling during their studies, they may see it as a distraction and worry about taking time out of their course and extending the time it takes to complete their degree. Many students also face significant family commitments and responsibilities that make it difficult to get away. And many simply just don’t hear about the programme.

    “There’s also a perception that scholarships are exclusively for wealthy students with the highest academic grades, but actually we place more importance on the ambassadorial role, alumna support role, community service, youth leadership qualities and broader cultural experience that many bring.

    “We are working on an engagement strategy to change this. Our goal is to have an outbound programme that is reflective of – and values the contributions of all New Zealanders.”

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  • Connecting careers in Bay of Plenty and Waikato

    This new online resource hub supports international secondary school students to pursue tertiary education and employment opportunities in the regions.  

    Secondary schools can use the tool to showcase the exciting range of opportunities in the students’ backyard. It encourages them to explore, plan, connect and succeed. 

    International students staying in the regions bring many benefits, including addressing skill shortages in key industries where skilled workers are in high demand, increased spending and promoting global citizenship and diversity. 

    Education Tauranga regional relationship manager Melissa Gillingham says providing a comprehensive international student journey plan is becoming increasingly important. 

    “This allows students and their parents to see the opportunities that exist in the regions, from the school sector, into the tertiary sector and through to employment,” she says. 

    “Excellent existing relationships across all education sectors within our region allowed us to hit the ground running, creating, delivering and promoting our international student journey plan. We would like to thank all our stakeholders for their support.” 

    Education Tauranga partnered with Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, Te Waka and Rotorua NZ to help bring Career Connect to life. 

     

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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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