From the Chief Executive: Encouraging progress across the sector

Kia ora koutou,

Earlier this month, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) released the latest international student enrolment data, which shows the sector’s recovery continuing at pace. The results reflect steady progress driven by the sustained effort of education providers, supported by ENZ’s brand and promotional activity in an increasingly competitive global market.

This sense of progress was also reflected at the recent SIEBA hui in Christchurch, where there was a strong sense of collaboration and shared focus on rebuilding and growing the schools sector.

There is also significant activity underway across our international markets. Recently, a successful famil brought China-based education agents to New Zealand, showcasing Christchurch, Tauranga and Hamilton, and connecting them with a wide range of providers including ITPs, universities, schools, economic development agencies and international education organisations. For many, it was their first visit to New Zealand, building firsthand understanding and confidence to promote a broader mix of providers.

We’re also representing New Zealand at the NAFSA conference in Orlando this week, one of the world’s largest international education events. ENZ is joined by all eight of New Zealand’s universities, presenting a unified national profile and reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a high quality, innovative and welcoming study destination.

In Malaysia, last month’s Study with New Zealand roadshow continues to build strong connections by linking providers directly with students, schools and government stakeholders, while supporting long-term partnerships and student pathways. 

We expect this positive trajectory to be further supported by Education Minister Erica Stanford’s announcement to contract an independent organisation to help schools build capability in international education. The selected provider will deliver practical support to help schools enrol and support international students, lifting capability across the schooling system – including for those not currently hosting international students. ENZ will run the tender, manage the contract and report progress to the Minister.

It’s encouraging to see New Zealand education continue to gain momentum. ENZ remains committed to supporting the sector with market intelligence and insights to help providers respond to emerging trends and target opportunities for sustainable growth.

Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata; ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.
Seek the distant horizon; and cherish those achievements already won.

Ngā mihi nui,
Linda Sissons
Acting Chief Executive