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• Aotearoa New Zealand reinforces strong presence at NAFSA 2026

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) participated in the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida (26-29 May), joining all eight New Zealand universities under the conference theme ‘Global by Design’.

  Together, the delegation presented a unified national profile, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a high-quality, innovative, and welcoming study destination.

  As the world’s largest gathering of international education professionals, NAFSA brings together thousands of delegates from more than 100 countries, providing a critical platform for global engagement, partnership-building, and sector leadership.

  For New Zealand, this annual presence remains essential – ensuring strong global visibility, strengthening enduring institutional relationships, and positioning the country as an active, forward-looking partner in shaping the future of international education.

  Two presentations highlighted New Zealand’s leadership across key sector priorities.

  Associate Professor and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Mātauranga Māori), Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Meegan Hall, presented ‘He Whenua Whakapiri: The Aotearoa New Zealand Model for International Student Belonging’. Her session explored how culturally grounded approaches can strengthen belonging and student success, emphasising connection, identity, and community as core to the international student experience.

  “NAFSA provided a valuable space to share our distinctive Aotearoa New Zealand approach to international education, grounded in relationships and Māori values. It was a privilege to present and connect with colleagues from around the world who are committed to equitable and inclusive global engagement,” Meegan said.

  In a separate session, ENZ’s Director of Engagement (North America), DuBois Jennings, represented New Zealand on a panel titled Impact of Country Partnerships on US Study Abroad Engagement alongside representatives from Germany and Portugal, exploring the US Gilman Scholarship Programme. The discussion focused on expanding access to study abroad and increasing participation from underrepresented students. 

  New Zealand was the first country to formally partner with the US Department of State’s Gilman Programme and will celebrate a decade of partnership in 2027 – reflecting a shared commitment to equity in international education. Jennings noted that this focus naturally aligns with New Zealand’s national approach, where inclusive pathways and tailored student support are a core priority across the sector.

  Together, this collective effort marked another strong showing from New Zealand universities at NAFSA.

  ENZ’s Regional Director Americas, Europe & Gulf Cooperation Council, Natalie Lulia, said New Zealand’s presence this year at NAFSA reflected the values that underpin both our society and our education system.

  “Through partnership, care, and a strong sense of responsibility to our students, we’re able to achieve what is often rare at a country level. It’s this shared foundation that shapes our offering and strengthens our global voice,” Natalie said.

• Fair in Viet Nam

• Haere rā to Brazilian students

  Farewell events for the students have been held around the country, to demonstrate our appreciation of this opportunity, and contribute to the students’ memories of New Zealand. The events also provided an opportunity for diplomats from both countries, and local government representatives to demonstrate the value of international education in building global connections and long-term relationships.

  Events included a sailing trip with Maritime New Zealand, Māori performances, outdoor experiences, and museum tours, organised by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) alongside regional development agencies. 

  

  Final farewells from students and their supporters in New Zealand and Brazil.

  The final farewell event was online, and included New Zealand Ambassador to Brazil Richard Prendergast, Henrique Choer Moraes, Minister-Counsellor at the Brazilian Embassy in Wellington, and Mr. Roni Miranda Vieira, Director of Education from the Education Secretariat of Paraná state speaking with the students and hearing about their experiences, alongside others involved with the trip. 

  ‘The people were very welcoming – a wonderful experience.’ 

  ‘New Zealand is beautiful, this is the best experience of my life, I’m loving it here!’ 

  ‘We got to know so many places.’ 

  ‘A lovely country and a lovely experience – thank you so much.’ 

  ‘We did a boat cruise in Milford Sound.’ 

  ‘We went with the school to a lot of different places.’ 

  ‘I had a really great time with my host family. They were very kind to me. I’m very sad to leave them.’ 

  ‘I’m getting on very well with my host brother – I think I will miss him when I go back to Brazil.’ 

  ‘It has been an amazing experience – I am learning so many things.’ 

  ‘My host family owns a coffee shop in Rangiora where I go on weekends and have a chance to know different people, they also own a farm and have taught me how to shear a sheep. Another interesting thing I noticed is that depending on the city, I hear a different accent.’ 

  ENZ’s Market Development Manager in Brazil, Bruna de Natale, says this was the first big group of students to come to New Zealand after our borders reopened. 

  “We had all been waiting eagerly for New Zealand’s borders to open again so this programme could get underway after almost two years, and I know the Kiwi schools involved were very excited to welcome these students. It was good to hear about the special memories the students will take home from their trip, including how much they learned. For most students, this was their first international experience and for many of them, being in a multi-cultural class in New Zealand was a very different experience from home. 

  “We hope that the students will stay connected to New Zealand and that this experience will be a good basis and incentive for them to explore further international study options in the future – who knows, we might welcome them back to New Zealand someday, that would be lovely!” 

  The study programme is fully funded by the Paraná Government, through Paraná’s Secretary of Education and Sport, and is expected to continue next year for around 2,000 students. We hope that some of them will be able to come to New Zealand. 

  

  Auckland-based students took part in a sailing trip thanks to Maritime New Zealand and Auckland Unlimited

  

  Students from Freyberg High School saw a presentation on the Iny͂ People of Central Brazil exhibition at Te Manawa Museum in Palmerston North

  

  Visiting Milford Sound was one of the highlights for the Invercargill-based students

  

  Students from Western Heights High School experienced a farewell special day out in Rotorua that included Velocity Valley, ZORB, and the Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge, as well as a BBQ lunch.

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