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- February 2014 Agent Newsletter
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International education matters
These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.
Over the past five days, these values have been clearly demonstrated by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who describes New Zealand as a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… (or) are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things; because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those that share our values, a refuge for those who need it.”
These values are embedded in our education system.
The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 also reflects these principles. A key goal is to grow global citizens – to ensure both domestic and international students have the skills and capabilities to live, learn and work globally.
While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support within New Zealand and from around the world. It has been encouraging to see student-led compassion at work – Campus Watch initiatives, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food.
Last year, the University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) welcomed student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the US, scene of a deadly school shooting, to discuss student-led mobilisation in the face of extreme challenge. When Friday’s attack happened, the US students were quick to reach out to their Christchurch peers. This is a testament to international education’s ability to foster meaningful and life-long connections.
ENZ will continue to promote New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination – why? Because international education changes hearts and minds.
Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – be strong, be steadfast, be willing.
Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand

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Neuseeland still a popular destination for German High School students
Germany takes the number one spot in all of Europe for the number of international students it sends to New Zealand and the fourth largest in the world for sending high school students after China, Japan, and South Korea. In 2023, 1,417 German students were enrolled at high schools across New Zealand which represented 10% of the total number of school students in the country.
There are positive signs that this number will continue to increase in 2024. 82 high school students were recently farewelled by the New Zealand Ambassador to Germany, Craig Hawke, and Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ’s) Associate Director of Engagement in Germany, Olga Elli at an event at Frankfurt Main Airport on Sunday 14 July.
The event was organised by Study Nelson, a Nelson-based education agency, that supports German students to find a high school in New Zealand, mainly in the Nelson-Marlborough area. The event was an opportunity for the students, aged between 14 and 19, to meet and engage with each other before they embark on their international study adventure. The students will spend between three and 18 months in New Zealand, depending on their programme and some plan to complete their NCEA Level 3 university entrance here.
One particularly excited member of the group included Emely Soffel, the I AM NEW scholarship winner from 2019, who due to the pandemic, had to wait five years to make her New Zealand study abroad dream come true.
Ambassador Hawke with high school student Emely Soffel, the 2019 I AM NEW scholarship winner who was not able to travel during Covid. They are pictured here with ENZ’s Associate Director of Engagement in Germany, Olga Elli.
Olga said that Germany’s strong recovery in the high school subsector can be attributed to the experienced German agent network who have had long-standing and enduring relationships with high schools back in New Zealand.
“These agents have been building strong bridges between Germany and New Zealand for several years now, some for decades, and have made positive impacts for thousands of young people.
“They have such a deep understanding of the unique offerings that our high schools in New Zealand provide and are an invaluable service to students when trying to decide where to study,” said Olga
She added “German students love coming to New Zealand especially for the opportunity to try out subjects that aren’t typically offered at German high schools. Subjects like outdoor education, fashion design, marine biology, and food technology for example, are always really popular choices.
Ambassador Hawke mingled with the students and enjoyed hearing about their chosen schools in New Zealand. In his farewell speech to the group, he wished them a warm ‘Haere rā/farewell and said, “I invite you all to make the most of the excellent educational experience on offer in our country and also the opportunity to immerse yourself in our diverse culture. I hope you all become lifelong ambassadors for New Zealand.”
Ambassador Hawke farewells the students at Frankfurt Main Airport.
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Building on momentum from 2025 for steady growth in 2026
Kia ora koutou,
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, and to thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown to grow international education in New Zealand.
This year has been one of big wins:
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New Zealand now has 83,535 international students enrolled between January and August, a 14% increase on last year, already surpassing 2024’s total.
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Education-related travel exports hit $4.52 billion, making international education among New Zealand’s top 10 exports.
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87% of international students rated their experience in the country positively, with 77% of New Zealanders agreeing that international education benefits the country.
These results are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of everyone in this sector. Thank you for working with us on our Go-to-Market Plans, we are excited to keep building on this momentum in 2026 as we deliver on the International Education Going for Growth Plan.
And it’s not just our sector shining, New Zealand continues to stand out globally on several counts, which make us even more appealing as a high-quality study destination.
We are globally ranked:
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fifth for overall higher education quality (QS World University Rankings 2026)
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second on the Sustainable Trade Index
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third-most peaceful country in the world (Global Peace Index 2025)
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first for work-life balance (Global Life Work Balance Index 2025)
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tenth for overall prosperity and wellbeing (Legatum Prosperity Index 2025).
Finally, I want to acknowledge Amanda’s outstanding leadership as ENZ Chief Executive. Amanda has strengthened relationships across government and the sector, represented New Zealand internationally, and delivered an organisational reset that sets ENZ up for the future.
We’re immensely grateful for her contribution and wish her every success in her next role.
The ENZ Board has started recruiting for a new Chief Executive, and we’re working closely with Amanda and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. In the meantime, business continues as usual, and our team remains focused on achieving the growth goals we have set for international education.
On behalf of the ENZ Board, thank you for everything you’ve done to help international education grow and thrive this year.
Wishing you a safe and happy festive season filled with relaxation, good cheer and time with loved ones. We look forward to connecting again in the New Year and continuing this important work together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Tony Gray
Chair, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao -
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Mapping emerging trends in education
ENZ General Manager – Student Marketing, Paul Irwin, said attendees really enjoyed tackling these big issues during the Crowdsource Café session.
“Our audience uncovered some really interesting themes and thoughts for us all to reflect on. Ideas included focusing less on competition and more on collaboration, for example the opportunity to build your own degree across New Zealand.
“We also talked about how everyone is the student of the future. There will be more opportunities for lifelong learning and there will be a greater need to upskill due to automation,” Paul said.
ENZ Regional Director – South Asia, South East Asia and Middle East, John Laxon said participants also agreed that the learner of the future will prefer personalised, flexible learning.
“The modes of delivery will change as we move towards students being able to learn anywhere, anytime.
“Another theme that came through was a move towards offering shorter programmes, targeting life-long learners.”
John said there was great discussion about moving towards diversified, individualised learning programmes that are globally recognised.
“It’s definitely an exciting time to be involved in international education,” he said.
- Sahinde Pala 6 of 1 v2
- German Market Overview
- NZIEC2024312of128 1
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US roadshow sparks interest in New Zealand universities
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), together with Victoria University of Wellington, Lincoln University, the University of Auckland, and the University of Otago recently completed a successful tour of high schools across Hawaii. The aim? To inspire local students to think of New Zealand not just as a beautiful place to visit, but as a world-class place to study.
Across a week-long series of classroom presentations, university fairs, and dedicated sessions for school counsellors, the New Zealand delegation engaged directly with more than 300 students and families and connected with 25 high school counsellors.
Representatives from New Zealand universities talking to students and their parents about their study offering.
Director of College Counseling at Le Jardin Academy, Scott Liedtke, said face-to-face conversations are powerful.
“When New Zealand educators come to Hawaii, it helps demystify studying overseas. Students and families can ask questions directly about cost, safety and credit transfer, and hear answers from the source,” he said.
ENZ also partnered with the New Zealand Consulate in Hawaii to host two events for local school counsellors. A breakfast at the New Zealand Chancery and a brunch at the Consul General’s residence allowed for deeper discussions and relationship-building within the education community.
Dan Cairns, Administration Manager at the New Zealand Consulate, described the events as more than just informational.
“Each gathering was designed to reflect different kaupapa, from celebrating international education to acknowledging our shared Polynesian connections – these moments created space to build people-to-people ties that go far beyond the classroom,” he said.
The impact of the roadshow was immediate. Each of the attending universities reported that at least two students had begun applications to study in New Zealand.
Director of Engagement, North America, DuBois Jennings said for ENZ, the roadshow represents a step towards long-term engagement in a region with shared cultural values.
“The clear appetite for New Zealand study options, shows there is real value in continuing and expanding this mahi,” he said.
Scott Liedtke echoed that sentiment. “New Zealand feels like a home away from home for many of our students. With its island lifestyle, cultural familiarity, and globally recognised education, it’s a natural fit,” he said.
“Here in Hawaii, we say the ‘coconut wireless’ — word of mouth — is strong. Once a few students head to New Zealand and love it, that news spreads fast,” Scott added.
For New Zealand study providers looking to find out more about the Hawaiian market, you can contact DuBois Jennings directly via email: dubois.jennings@enz.govt.nz