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New Zealand universities connect with students across Hawai’i
Building on the momentum from last year’s inaugural visit, this year’s programme brought together an even wider network of students, counsellors, and partners – reflecting the growing interest across Hawai‘i in international pathways.
This year’s showcase again benefitted from strong NZ Inc engagement, with the New Zealand Consulate providing support including Consul General to Hawai‘i, Stuart Horne, opening one of the key events on the first day for O‘ahu school counsellors.
New Zealand Consul-General to Hawai‘i Stu Horne delivers opening remarks
ENZ’s Regional Director – Americas, Europe & GCC, Natalie Lulia, said the presence and support of the New Zealand Consulate team in Hawai‘i helped reinforce a unified New Zealand education presence.
“It was great to begin our Hawai‘i Showcase with the support of our Consul General and the New Zealand Consulate team in Hawai‘i. Their presence strengthened our regional relationships and reinforced the Aotearoa New Zealand message we aimed to convey as a unified ENZ-universities delegation, exemplifying the welcoming, community‑focused, and collaborative values we promote to students, families, and counsellors,” Natalie said.
Across the five days, the showcase delivered 14 events across three islands, including school visits, education fairs, and counsellor engagements.
Strong participation throughout the week reflected sustained interest in New Zealand as a study destination, with families eager to learn more about universities, programmes, and pathways.
Samuel Lafontaine-Tardif of the Victoria University of Wellington speaking to families at Seabury Hall Fair.
A key enhancement in 2026 was the addition of a dedicated leg on Maui. Seabury Hall generously hosted the fair, providing a welcoming space that highlighted the island’s warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm for pathways to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Counsellors shared how the roadshow has already become a valuable touchpoint for families exploring global study options – and how early conversations are starting to translate into tangible planning for the future.
Associate Director of College Counseling Seabury Hall (Host of the Maui Fair), Francesca Cipro Shimada, said visits such as these were essential for their rural community.
“We were so grateful to be included in the Maui stop of the roadshow. These visits are essential for our rural community, providing global connections that our students rarely have the opportunity to see firsthand. The event sparked real excitement, families are now asking about Aotearoa, and several of our 11th grade students are already researching New Zealand universities. The impact has been immediate.”
Many parents also expressed how meaningful it was to have direct access to institutions, an opportunity they rarely receive. One parent, Erica Ledesma, whose son Logan is currently studying in New Zealand, shared how significant these interactions are for families:
“This was an important experience as many families are interested in sending their students to study in NZ but had no way to connect to the programs and universities. The presentations gave families a direction to figure out which university is the best fit for their student.
"In my personal experience with the staff from the University of Waikato, having a team who can help international students with their student visas, registration, financial aid, and figuring out accommodation has been amazing. It is a process to get any student settled at a university, and this international team has helped my son’s dream become a reality!”
Her reflections echoed what many families expressed throughout the week – that the visit not only opened doors but built genuine confidence in navigating international study.
Building on the enthusiasm shared by families throughout the week, many are now moving from curiosity to concrete plans, said Natalie.
“We are already hearing from parents and students who engaged with us during the visit, asking to set up campus visits in New Zealand. Their proactive steps demonstrate not only heightened interest but a clear commitment to pursuing study opportunities.”
ENZ extends sincere thanks to the New Zealand university representatives for their collaboration, commitment and partnership throughout the showcase, and to the students, families, counsellors, and partners across Hawai‘i for their warm welcome.
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New research shows New Zealand is a top‑three study choice for international students
The latest Global Brand Health and Awareness Survey found that 22 percent of prospective international students now place New Zealand in their top three study destinations, achieving the target set out for 2034 in the Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, nearly a decade early.
ENZ’s key focus is to bring New Zealand’s education brand to life internationally, highlighting the factors that most influence student choice, high‑quality providers, great student experiences, and strong graduate outcomes.
ENZ Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons said the findings show New Zealand is increasingly being seriously considered, not just recognised.
“This research shows New Zealand is firmly positioned alongside established global study destinations,” Dr Sissons said.
“What matters most is preference – a strong signal of intent – and we are seeing that grow across a wider range of markets.”
The survey expands brand tracking beyond the traditional “Big Four” markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada to a broader group of 11 global study markets, offering a clearer picture of New Zealand’s competitive position.
Across these markets, preference for New Zealand is growing across its priority markets, supporting a more diversified and resilient approach to growth.
Awareness of New Zealand as a study destination is high at 79 percent across key source markets, on par with leading European and Asian destinations.
Dr Sissons said while awareness is an important foundation, preference is a stronger signal of genuine student intent.
“Awareness of New Zealand has been consistently strong. What’s particularly encouraging is seeing more students now move beyond awareness to actively considering and showing a preference for study in New Zealand,” she said.
The findings, which build on strong growth in New Zealand’s international student enrolments in 2025, excellent student experience results and strong public support for international education, will also inform ENZ’s 2026-27 market planning and investment decisions.
The full 2025 Global Brand Health and Awareness Survey will be published on ENZ’s IntelliLab, alongside market‑specific insights and a sector briefing.
For further information:
Sai Raje | Senior Communications Advisor, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
sai.raje@enz.govt.nz | +64 21 479 649
About Education New Zealand Manapou ki te AoEducation New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency dedicated to helping New Zealand realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Our role is to promote New Zealand as a high-quality education destination offering excellent education and student experiences.
With approximately 85 staff in 13 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector which includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Te Pūkenga), and universities.
Internationally, we work with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector.
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