Fukuoka event strengthens education connections as sister-city partnership marks 40 years

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), together with the New Zealand Embassy in Japan, hosted a New Zealand Study Abroad and Education Networking Event in Fukuoka on 4 August. The programme brought together study-abroad agents, school representatives, local government officials and education stakeholders for presentations, networking and business-to-business meetings.

The event followed Fukuoka Matariki celebrations hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which marked the 40th anniversary of the Fukuoka-Auckland sister-city partnership. The milestone provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate longstanding ties while creating new connections across the education sector.

It also underscores the lasting value of international education links, with New Zealand’s Ambassador-designate to Japan, Carolyn Schwalger, returning to Fukuoka where she studied as an exchange student during secondary school.

Representatives from Auckland’s Rosmini College and Somerville Intermediate School travelled to Fukuoka to share insights into studying in New Zealand and showcase opportunities available to Japanese students. Attendees also received an update on New Zealand’s international education offering from ENZ.

The networking and business-to-business sessions enabled direct conversations between schools, agents and stakeholders, helping identify opportunities for future student mobility and institutional partnerships.

Representatives from the New Zealand Embassy, Tourism New Zealand and ENZ joined discussions throughout the day.

ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, Takako Tominaga, said the event highlighted the value of strengthening relationships in regional Japan.

“Fukuoka and the wider Kyushu region have a strong interest in international education and longstanding connections with New Zealand. Bringing education providers and local stakeholders together in person creates valuable opportunities to build trust, exchange ideas and explore future partnerships.

“As we celebrate 40 years of the Fukuoka-Auckland sister-city relationship, it is encouraging to see education continuing to play an important role in connecting our communities and creating opportunities for learners,” Takako said.

Above: The New Zealand Study Abroad and Education Networking Event brought together study-abroad agents, school representatives, local government officials and education stakeholders in Japan for presentations, networking and business-to-business meetings

The event supports ENZ’s work to raise awareness of New Zealand education and deepen relationships with agents, schools, universities and local government across Japan, while reinforcing the importance of regional engagement in growing New Zealand's international education connections.