New Zealand providers show global leadership at NAFSA 2025 

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), alongside representatives from eight tertiary providers wrapped up a high-impact week at the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference in San Diego at the end of May.   

Under the conference theme ‘People, Place and Partnership,’ New Zealand’s delegation was in amongst over the 8,000+ global education leaders, strengthening institutional ties and driving new collaboration opportunities.  

Representatives from the University of Auckland connecting with conference delegates in the New Zealand pavillion.

The New Zealand pavilion comprised of University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Otago and Whitecliffe College. 

ENZ Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, said being present at the world’s largest international education conference is not just about visibility—it’s about leadership.  

“New Zealand’s education providers have a unique perspective to offer the global education community, and NAFSA is where those voices can shape conversations, forge partnerships, and spark ideas that transcend borders,” she said. 

ENZ worked with NAFSA to host two sessions in the New Zealand pavilion. Both sessions were well attended, sparking discussions among conference delegates about reimagining higher education. 

The University of Waikato panel session. From L to R: ENZ Director of Engagement, DuBois Jennings; Unviersity of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai; University of Waikato Associate Director Global Experiences, Jaydene Meadows and ENZ Acting Regional Director, Natalie Lulia.  

The first session moderated by ENZ Director of Engagement North America, DuBois Jennings, featured a panel discussion titled ‘Te Ao Hurihuri Indigenous Internationalisation: Perspectives from Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato – The University of Waikato’.  The session explored the concept of indigenous internationalisation, focusing on the unique approaches and programmes delivered at The University of Waikato. On the panel was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, Associate Director, Global Experiences Jaydene Meadows from the University of Waikato, and ENZ Acting Regional Director, Natalie Lulia.  

Associate Director of Global Experiences Jaydene Meadows said the outcomes for the University of Waikato well surpassed previous years at the conference. 

“This year was significant for us, deepening the roots of current relationships, while promoting new programme offerings and working to develop new business opportunities.” 

The University of Otago presented the second session titled 'Indigenising our university’s name and brandmark: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago'. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement Professor Jessica Palmer and Manager, Indigenous Internationalisation, Karamea Pēwhairangi reflected on a year since the global launch of their new brandmark, the journey to being gifted a Māori name, and how the University of Otago includes indigeneity in the University’s Internationalisation Strategy.  

ENZ Acting Regional Director Natalie Lulia said both sessions showcased New Zealand’s unique approach to education that integrates indigenous knowledge, and she looks forward to building on the momentum of the conference. 

“NAFSA certainly set the ball rolling for increased student mobility, enhanced research linkages, and stronger people-to-people connections between New Zealand and our international partners,” she said.