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ENZ reflections on NZIEC KI TUA 2024
ENZ’s Acting Director International, Ben Burrowes summed his experience up succinctly and said....

“As always, I found the conference to be an awesome opportunity to connect face-to-face with my colleagues and friends across the sector. It was hugely helpful to discuss (in-person) their areas of focus and how we can continue to align ENZ’s International team’s work alongside them”.

General Manager Sector Services Sahinde Pala with international student Ibuki Nishida.

General Manager Sector Services, Sahinde Pala, said....

“It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the global international education sector connecting with each other over the 2 ½ days of NZIEC KI TUA. Attendees and speakers brought a global approach to thoughts and reflections and was a reminder of the environment within which we’re working. The extended networking breaks saw much cross-sector collaboration and sharing of good practice.

“The attendance and speech by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was a great honour – the President reflected on the importance of international education for communities as well as the individual, how transformative education has been for her during her life, and the value of Indian international students in NZ,” said Sahinde.

“Dr Fanta Aw was a crowd favourite, with her reflections on the complimentary nature of international education alongside domestic education and the opportunity for us to collaborate globally given the societal value it brings to our communities and countries.

“My absolute highlight is always the student speakers, who threw down the wero (challenge) to delegates to keep focused on the importance of striving to deliver an excellent student experience,” Sahinde added.

I’m really proud of the whole ENZ whānau who collaborated to put on yet another successful NZIEC KI TUA”.

ENZ’s General Manager Sector Engagement, Innovation and Growth, Wendy Kerr (pictured second from left) said that attending NZIEC was incredibly energising.

“I was impressed by our teams combined approach to developing new areas for high value growth. Adrian Hirst, ENZ’s Director of Marketing, spoke passionately about the challenge of standing out in the competitive international education market. His words resonated with me: “In a sea of competing destinations, it’s increasingly difficult to stand out.” It really made me think about the importance of creating a unique identity that speaks to prospective students and their families," said Wendy.

"Christina Gomes, our Director of Innovation and Growth, shared an exciting framework that aligns global demand with New Zealand’s strengths. I was particularly drawn to her insights on the agri-food sector, which highlighted New Zealand's expertise and global reputation. This provides an anchor to develop our unique identity and secure additional learners by targeting a new segment".

Wendy added, "Tim Brown introduced a new “mixed reality” tool designed to immerse prospective students in the New Zealand agri-food systems career opportunities and study experience".

"I left the conference feeling energised and hopeful about these initiatives, knowing they could accelerate how we attract additional international students and showcase the incredible opportunities that New Zealand offers. It was a reminder of the exciting future ahead for our education sector!"
Thank you to NZIEC KI TUA 2024 Partners

This year’s conference was attended by 449 delegates and saw 31 sessions delivered over two days by 96 speakers, including expert panellists.

It was a pleasure to have India as our Country of Honour and the support of the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Her Excellency Ms. Neeta Bhushan and the High Commission of India.

To our NZIEC KI TUA 2024 partners; CANIE: Climate Action Network for International Educators, Edified, Education USA, ETS TOEFL, Flywire, Hiremaster, Host Families NZ, ICEF, IDP Education Ltd and IELTS Official, Immigration New Zealand and NZQA, Pearson, Streamliner Productions, Studentsafe (Allianz Partners New Zealand), The PIE, ByteEd, Chasing Time English, JIX Reality and Pipi Learning, Touchprint, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington - thank you for your support.

ENZ Manager, Global Events and Agents, Janine Huxford says, 'We are so appreciative for the fantastic support from our suppliers and partners who went above and beyond to help us achieve our vision.”

“The conference wouldn't have been possible without you" Janine added.

The High Commission of India provided the entertainment for the gala dinner, with the Natraj Dance Company and Shivam dance company dance groups delivering dazzling performances to delegates.

To highlight the country of honour’s unique culture, henna artist Saburi Kesharwani adorned delegates with henna tattoos in the Experience Garden.

There were many other engaging activations in our Experience Garden, which was a place delegates could do just that – engage, connect, and experience.  

Education USA helped attendees uncover their inner superhero. Teacher Tapahia Heke is New Zealand’s only ‘superhero reader’ and was at the conference to help delegates find their superhero alter-ego – right down to the outfit. Graphic designer and animation professional Pita Mei brought the readings to life, providing delegates with a personalised superhero illustration to take home.

Delicious refreshments were key in the experience garden. Delegates enjoyed locally made ICEF-cream provided by ICEF and barista-made coffee from Student Safe.

Thanks to IDP Education Ltd there was a dedicated breakout space for conference attendees. The IDP IELTS lounge was a space to network, learn about the latest international education insights and catch up on their emails.

Thanks to Touchprint, who created the ‘Touchprint School Yard’, a space for the school sector delegates to connect and share.

The Pearson photography headshots activation was a hit, with just under 100 photos taken by local professional photographer Rebecca McMillan.

Delegates got the opportunity to try out some of the cutting-edge technology that some of our New Zealand EdTech companies offer. Pictured here is Dr Anatole Bogatski, Executive Director of QTI trying out the mixed reality prototype that ENZ is testing as part of its innovation and growth programme. Next to him is JIX Founder Sakthi Ranganathan trying out the tool that he has helped develop. Other New Zealand EdTechs also found in the Experience Garden included Pipi Learning, ByteEd and Chasing Time English.

Much appreciation goes to our partner Flywire as the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland office now has a new piece of artwork based on insights from attendees for their office wall.

NZIEC KI TUA 2024 was not just about nurturing the relationships within our sector. Thanks to our conference partner Edified, it was about nurturing our whenua (land) too! In our commitment to sustainability; for every delegate registration, Edified planted a native tree, fostering a greener future for generations to come. 

449 native trees were planted over the weekend after conference.

We’re grateful for the local hāpu, iwi and community who got stuck in and helped with the planting. Part of the team was international student Momone Akiyoshi, who’s from Japan and is currently studying at Paraparaumu College. Her host sister Marion Daste (left) and host mum Jo Picot (right) brought her along because they thought it would be nice for Momone to be part of regenerating the land and having the opportunity of planting native trees while in New Zealand.

Thanks to all our 2024 partners in making this year’s conference a great one! 

Check out the photo highlights reel from NZIEC KI TUA here. 
NZIEC KI TUA 2024 photo feature
You can also check out a highlights reel of delegate's contributions to the conference blackboard below. See if you can spot yourself!
INZ student visa update: August 2024
Post Study Work Visa – cross crediting study from post graduate diploma to masters

Provided eligibility is met, most level 8 post graduate diplomas will be eligible for a one year post study work visa (PSWV) with masters graduates eligible for a three year post study work visa.

In order to be eligible for a PSWV, post graduate diploma (level 8) and masters qualifications (level 9) require a minimum of 30 weeks full time study in the specific programme/qualification being presented for a PSWV.

Students must have held a student visa for that programme/qualification and apply for their PSWV within three months of the expiry date of the student visa for qualification they are presenting to INZ.

Recently some students completed post graduate diplomas (PG dip) and cross credited directly into a taught masters. In these cases, the students did not undertake full time study in the masters for a minimum of 30 weeks full time in New Zealand, due to the cross credited PG Dip.

This resulted in issues for the graduates when they applied for their PSWV. INZ is working directly with affected students and exploring options for them. However, it is important for agents and education providers to understand the PSWV rules.

Eligibility for Post Study Work Visas following study at level 8 and 9 are:
- a minimum of 30 weeks full time study in that specific qualification,
- hold/held a student visa for that specific qualification, and
- apply for their post study work visa within three months of the student visa expiry for that specific qualification.
Although the initial coursework of a masters might be similar to, or the same as a post graduate diploma, the two programmes have different entry criteria and are recognised as separate qualifications. For students who want to cross credit their PG Dip to a masters and undertake some extra study in order to gain a three year PSWV for that masters, the student would need to have studied the masters itself full time for at least 30 weeks.

Note: Study weeks include exam preparation time, but exclude holiday periods and time spent repeating failed components.

We will continue to engage with the education sector to ensure they are aware of the requirements for a post study work visa. If you have questions about this article and are an agent or student, please talk to your education provider in the first instance.

Student visa peak – apply three months before intended travel

The processing of international student visas is a key focus for INZ, particularly as we get closer to the end of the year.

We are now coming into the period in which INZ receives the highest volumes of applications.

As soon as they have all the documents they need to apply for their visa, students should submit their application three months before their intended travel date to give them the best chance of having their application decided in time. They can apply earlier than three months if they wish, as long as they have all the required information and documents.

Our visa processing times are published on the INZ website and updated monthly: Visa processing times for international students

New fees and levies for visas come into effect from 1 October 2024

Earlier this month, the Government announced that the cost of applying for all visas will increase on 1 October 2024.

Until now, the immigration system has been heavily subsidised by taxpayers.

The new fees have been set at a rate to recover the costs of assessing and processing each visa type and more accurately reflect the total service surrounding the immigration system.

Student visa fees increase from $375 to $750. The post study work visa fee increases from $700 to $1670.

Student visa fees differ depending on where the student applies from so be sure to check the new fees and levies here.

It is also important to note that New Zealand does have agreements with some countries where student visa fees are waived, and these remain. You can find information here.

INZ is receiving questions from the education sector on whether students can apply for visas now at the lower fee, and upload documents later once they are ready.

Applications received before 1 October 2024 will be charged the current fee, however if the applications are not ready for assessment because they are missing documents then this will result in delays or disappointment for the student.

INZ will not be contacting applicants if documents are missing from the application and, if the missing information is key to the assessment, then the applications may be declined.

Please make sure you are advising students to submit their visa application when it is complete and ready for assessment. For more information, please see the student visa information sheets here - Student visa information | Immigration New Zealand
Clarifying visa process for students sees launch of video guide
ENZ General Manager Marketing and Communications Geoff Bilbrough said the video would support those considering study in New Zealand.

“As we get closer to the end of the year and the peak period for student visa applications it was important to get this information out early and help the students considering New Zealand understand what is involved in the application process.”

The video outlines what applicants can do to make sure their application is able to be processed as quickly as possible. These include:
- checking the student visa information sheet on the INZ website to make sure a good quality application is submitted that includes all the evidence and supporting documents needed to process the application
- demonstrating that applicants can comfortably afford to study in New Zealand. New Zealand has a thorough funds assessment and INZ looks for genuine sources of funds that are credible and can be verified. If INZ cannot verify funds or is not satisfied that any verification would be genuine, then the application will be declined.
It aims to make sure the students understand the requirements before applying.

INZ receives the highest volumes of student visa applications between October and March. Applications generally take longer to be decided during this peak period, so it is important that anyone who is wanting to come to New Zealand to study next year applies early.

“If you want to study in New Zealand next year, INZ recommend applying three months before you intend to travel. This gives you the best chance of having your application decided in time,” Bilbrough said.

The video is available on Study with New Zealand the official Government website giving information for students considering studying in New Zealand. ENZ will also be promoting the video on social media in all key markets and making it available to education agents.

Link to video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GoqKkkXgIck

Update on 24/9/2024

The video is now available in Chinese and Thai and will soon be available in Japanese and Korean. These versions can be downloaded from ENZs's BrandLab.

For further information:

Justin Barnett | Director of Communications, Education New Zealand

justin.barnett@enz.govt.nz

+64 021 875 132

About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency dedicated to helping Aotearoa 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 students experiences and to encourage New Zealand students to study overseas.

With approximately 105 staff in 16 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 (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.
Education links recognised during Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Malaysia and Republic of Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent Trade Mission to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea involved a wide range of education-related events. They proved the perfect opportunity to recognise New Zealand’s education cooperation with both host countries while also raising New Zealand’s education brand awareness. The events also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections that were started through international education and continue through links to alumni and the industries they have gone on to work in.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul held on 5 September.

Representing our sector during the Mission was Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, and John van der Zwan, Executive Director of Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and NZ Inc agencies worked closely with the sector delegates on the education components of the Mission which included two education-related arrangement signings, education representatives at the two Gala Dinners, the Green Room with Influential Alumni event in Kuala Lumpur, and the New Zealand – Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul.

Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Joining the Mission for the education elements of the programme was ENZ’s Acting General Manager – International, Mr Ben Burrowes. Mr Burrowes said that having education representatives and dedicated education components feature strongly on the Prime Minister’s agenda supports the education sector with our brand awareness and elevates New Zealand’s reputation in these two important source countries for international students.

"During the series of events, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong connections between our people that have been nurtured through education.

“At one of the alumni events in Malaysia which featured Malaysian alumni who are now influential leaders in politics, business, science, and education, Prime Minister Luxon spoke of the importance of such alumni networks in fostering these connections,” said Mr Burrowes.

While in Korea, ENZ’s Acting General Manager International, Ben Burrowes, provided an appreciation gift to our school sector partner, Seoul Metropolitan City Office of Education to recognise their commitment to supporting young learners through global citizenship initiatives.

Professor Edwards said that he found the discussions on trade and education with Malaysia and the Republic of Korea highly valuable.

“Lincoln University signed two significant agreements during the trip: firstly, we signed an MoU with Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance research collaboration in agriculture and food security, and then a second MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) to support student training in specialised agricultural education programmes.

“The new agreements will broaden Lincoln University’s collaborations with international institutions and further expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s global education partnerships,” said Professor Edwards.

Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) in Seoul.

Representing the school sector for the Republic of Korea leg of the Mission, John van der Zwan of SIEBA provided remarks at the education event on fostering school cooperation and participated in local education site visits after the Trade Mission programme concluded. Mr van der Zwan also visited a local education agency and a school in Seoul where he taught twenty years ago.

Executive Director of SIEBA Mr John van der Zwan speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony.

Mr van der Zwan said that the Trade Mission was a special opportunity to join with the Prime Minister to promote the New Zealand school sector for international education.

“Our schools are seen as world-leading, providing excellent education to students from the Republic of Korea. The education event organised by ENZ and attended by the Prime Minister was a highlight for SIEBA with important connections made with education officials looking to strengthen people-to-people links with schools in New Zealand,” said Mr van der Zwan
ENZ launches new tool to help students with visa application process

Developed as a resource for both students and education agents, the video guides students through the steps of applying for a visa to study in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The video, now available in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai, offers students helpful tips to increase their chances of a successful visa application outcome.

As we near the October and March period when Immigration New Zealand (INZ) receives its highest volume of visa applications it is important that students not only apply early for their visa but also complete their application properly to ensure it is processed as quickly as possible. INZ recommends that students apply at least three months before their intended travel date to give them the best chance of having their application decided in time.

The visa videos are free to download from Brand Lab and can be used across the marketing channels of individual education providers. The English language version of the video is also publicly available on YouTube and on the Study with New Zealand website.
SIEBA Launches New Agency Registration Service
SIEBA has launched its new Agency Registration Service to better support education agencies and meet the evolving needs of New Zealand schools. For an annual fee of NZD $150 plus GST, registered education agencies will gain access to services that strengthen their connections with schools and enhance their operations.

Benefits include:
- Reference Checking: Agencies listed on the SIEBA website will have undergone initial reference checks, helping schools feel confident that they align with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 standards.
- Student Placement Service: Agencies can create student listings for individual and group placements, connecting directly with member schools.
- Tailored Resources, Webinars, and Professional Development: Agencies will have access to resources and learning opportunities to help them succeed.
- Networking Opportunities: Agencies will have the opportunity to expand connections with SIEBA member schools through events such as Onshore Marketing Forums.
John van der Zwan, Executive Director for SIEBA, acknowledged the importance of education agents to their members and this service would provide more support and connections for them.

"We have hundreds of members, including lots of smaller schools, who will particularly benefit from building closer relationships with agents", said John.

For more information on the Agency Registration Service, visit www.sieba.nz or email agents@sieba.nz.
Proposals sought for the New Zealand – China ECE Symposium

This year’s theme is Digital Transformation in Early Childhood Education. We are seeking session proposals from academics, professionals, and practitioners in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) or International Education fields for the fifth New Zealand-China Early Childhood Education Symposium.

Refer to this Call for Proposals document and the event landing page for more information. Be sure to submit your proposal by 13 October 11:59pm NZT.

The last ECE Symposium was held in Nanjing, China in September last year and three New Zealand presenters travelled to present. You can read about this previous event here.

If you have any questions about the upcoming event, please contact china@enz.govt.nz.
An opportunity for NZ primary schools to grow their international business!

The programme, which starts on Tuesday 15 October, is a new initiative jointly organised by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Hosted by ENZ’s Mary Camp and SIEBA’s Melissa Heyrick, the series of webinars is open to all New Zealand primary schools, from those seeking Code Signatory status, to those starting out, and those looking for support to grow.

The programme will run from Term 4 into early 2025 and every aspect of managing an international programme for primary schools will be covered – with the focus on Years 1 to 6. Participants will meet experts, be guided through services and resources, get connected to others, and get advice to support success.

The webinars will be interactive and engaging, and content will be shaped as the series progresses depending on the needs and requests shared during the sessions. Mary and Melissa are both former teachers and will provide open, jargon-free sessions that build the confidence of the primary school sector to grow international business that benefits both schools and their communities. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Following the first session on Tuesday October 15 at 3.30pm there will be two further sessions in 2024 to help schools prepare for Term One 2025. There will be further webinars held throughout 2025.

Register once for the whole series at https://enz.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-6urTkpHtQITM1XtbIoTbEOBfBxqGr1

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Sessions will also be recorded with links shared on Intellilab to enable those that missed out to catch up.

E tipu e rea – grow and thrive!