27 November 2025 at 11:00 am
Strengthening education partnerships in Japan
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) strengthened and reaffirmed key education partnerships during a recent visit to Japan, signing and renewing a series of Education Cooperation Arrangements that will expand opportunities for student exchange and collaboration.
The visit was led by ENZ Group General Manager for International and Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, and Regional Director for Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, who met with partners in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo to formalise agreements and discuss future initiatives.
Renewed commitment to education collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
On 20 October, ENZ renewed its Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA) with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. First signed in 2017, the arrangement underpins collaboration on inbound and outbound study programmes and initiatives that deepen understanding of New Zealand’s education system.
The renewal included a review of past activities and discussions on future areas of cooperation, ensuring the partnership continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for students and educators.
New arrangement with Ritsumeikan Academy
On 21 October, ENZ signed a new ECA with Ritsumeikan University and its affiliated schools. Ritsumeikan is recognised for its strong focus on global competence and has maintained a close relationship with New Zealand since 2000 through long-term and exchange programmes.
ENZ Group General Manager International & Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, alongside Chancellor, The Ritsumeikan Trust Presindent, Ritsumeikan University, Dr.Yoshio Nakatani.
The formalisation of this partnership builds on years of collaboration, including support for identifying partner schools and facilitating study tours. The new arrangement will strengthen opportunities for Japanese students to experience New Zealand education.
Reaffirming ties with Hokkaido Board of Education
On 22 October, ENZ met with the Hokkaido Board of Education to reaffirm a partnership that began in 2017 and was formalised through an ECA in 2020. Discussions focused on continuing reciprocal school exchanges, advancing digital learning in regional areas, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and global learning for students in both regions.
From L to R: ENZ Senior Market Development Manager Takako Tominaga, Chief Coordinator, Hokkaido Board of Education Yohei Kato, ENZ Regional Director Ben Burrowes, ENZ Group General Manager Sahinde Pala and International Exchange Section, High School Education Division, Bureau of school Education, Aoi Konagaya.
This engagement reflects ENZ’s commitment to sustaining and deepening educational exchange between Hokkaido and New Zealand.
Meeting with JAOS leadership
Also on 22 October, ENZ met with Mr. Sone, a Board Member of the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), the peak body representing Japan’s study-abroad agencies. JAOS promotes ethical industry standards, provides counsellor training, and advocates for safe, high-quality study abroad options for Japanese students.
The discussion covered the strong reputation of New Zealand in the high school sector, emerging market dynamics, and evolving preferences among students and parents. Both sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration with Japanese agents, including future initiatives to strengthen partnerships and enhance global learning experiences.
Looking ahead
The visit marked an important step in strengthening ENZ’s partnerships across Japan and reaffirming shared goals for international education.
Reflecting on the visit, Sahinde Pala said this visit shows ENZ’s commitment to building strong international partnerships.
“We are delighted to work with our Japanese partners to create more opportunities for students from both countries to gain global skills and for Japanese students to experience the quality of NZ's education system," she said.
