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Japan and New Zealand celebrate education milestone
Last week, ENZ hosted a reception in Tokyo to celebrate the 20th and 30th anniversaries of three Japanese schools’ first New Zealand visits and to thank them for their continued support of New Zealand.
Over the last three decades, the three Japanese schools – Josogakuin Junior High School, Hikarigaokajoshi High School, Tokorozawa Kita High School – have sent more than 4,000 students to New Zealand for academic study and school excursion programmes.
Misa Kitaoka, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, said the schools shared some fantastic feedback about New Zealand as a study destination.
“The principal of Tokorozawa High School said the importance that New Zealand education places on acquiring future skills and global competency was one of the reasons why it resonated with him as a destination for his school’s study abroad programme,” said Misa.
“His school has also had annual visits to the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, which he felt was an excellent opportunity for Japanese students to experience New Zealand’s tertiary-level programme.”
The reception opened with a powerful kapa haka performance by local group Nga Hau E Wha, showcasing Māori language and culture.
The New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Stephen Payton, presented the schools with certificates of appreciation, signed by ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson.
Air New Zealand was also on hand for the celebration, gifting plaques and airline tickets to New Zealand for teachers at the schools.
Misa said in the lead up to the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, hosted by Japan, the Japanese government is accelerating its plans for internationalisation.
“I see a growing opportunity for ENZ to promote the quality of New Zealand’s universities, especially the direct pathway to the Bachelor’s degree programme available for Japanese high school students.”
The Nga Hau E Wha group performs a kapa haka.
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Prime Minister meets Kiwi students in Singapore
Last week the Prime Minister announced the 249 young New Zealanders who have been awarded prestigious Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA) as part of the August 2018/19 round.
She congratulated the new round of awardees in Singapore, where she met a group of 11 current PMSA recipients and reflected on the value of young Kiwis having international education experiences.
The Singapore-based awardees at the event included Louis Martin (25) who is carrying out a four-month internship with Asia Internship Program (AIP), Nicolas Steyn (20) who is on a one semester exchange at the National University of Singapore, and Lucy Kenner (22) who is undertaking a 12-week legal internship at Providence Law Asia.
“Ongoing academic relationships and new business opportunities are two things we are seeing result from the scholarship programme,” Jacinda Arden said in the announcement release.
“Our awardees are welcomed and supported by diplomatic communities in New Zealand and offshore, which we also value.”
John Laxon, Regional Director – South and South East Asia, Middle East, said that Friday’s event during which the Prime Minister chatted and mingled with the group of Kiwi students showed how international education can be life changing.
“Our scholars gave great insights into how they have created lifelong connections through their PMSA experiences, which will enrich their lives and strengthen their careers,” said John.
“The Prime Minister enjoyed the discussions, which brought back memories of her own exchange student experience at Arizona State University.”
Applications for the next round of PMSA and PMSLA opens mid-January and must be submitted online by 30 March 2019. More information on the application process can be found here. Institutions are encouraged to contact ENZ to discuss potential group applications.
The PMSA recipients’ names from the August 2018/19 round can be found here. The PMSLA recipients’ names from the August 2018/19 round can be found here.
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David Downs appointed Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
David Downs takes over following the recent departure of Amanda Malu, who was appointed Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children.
ENZ Board Chair Tony Gray said Downs’ international and marketing experience, including his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Story Group, makes him well placed to lead ENZ as it continues delivering the International Education Going for Growth Plan.
“David has an innate understanding of New Zealand and its competitive advantage in a rapidly changing world. Coupled with his leadership experience at New Zealand Story Group, he is well placed to lead ENZ at this time,” Tony said.
Downs is currently Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Story Group, a role he has held since July 2021. Previously he has previously held a number of General Management roles at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), most recently working with the technology sector to help fast growing tech companies grow internationally and New Zealand companies adopt digital commerce channels to market. Prior to this he had an extensive career in leadership roles with Microsoft in New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
“David is a passionate New Zealander and storyteller by nature, and we are looking forward to his joining ENZ in June,” Tony said.
In the meantime, Dr Linda Sissons will continue as Acting Chief Executive and the Board will be working closely with her and the leadership team to ensure a seamless transition.
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Noteworthy education programme featured during Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Japan
Hot on the heels of the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Southeast Asia in April, relationships with our partner countries in the region continued to be strengthened for the benefit of the education sector during New Zealand’s most recent trade mission to Japan. This mission supported export sectors, including education, to engage with the Japan market and leverage emerging opportunities while advancing the New Zealand brand. The inclusion of education in the high-level visit acknowledges its contribution to the government’s ambition to lift the value of exports.
The strong people-to-people links between New Zealand and Japan are noteworthy with high student mobility in both directions. Japan is the third largest source of international students for New Zealand according to 2023 international student enrolment data with the school sector making up the largest proportion of enrolments. Japan is also a top destination for New Zealand scholars with many joining the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme and in the most recent Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia group announcement, three groups were awarded scholarships for programmes in Japan.
The international education sector was represented by two delegates nominated by ENZ to participate in the full business delegation. Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor University of Canterbury, attended as Chair of the Vice-Chancellor’s Committee on behalf of the wider university sector and John van der Zwan, Executive Director, Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Unfortunately, John had to withdraw due to illness.
The education programme elements woven into the high-level visit included a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing, a visit by Mrs Amanda Luxon to a local Japanese school, and scholarship students participating in the New Zealand Sports and Business Leadership luncheon.
MoU between Massey University and a group of all-girls secondary schools
The Prime Minister promoted awareness of New Zealand’s world-leading universities among high schools in Japan through witnessing the signing of an MoU between Massey University and six all-girls secondary schools in Japan.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon witnessed the signing of the MoU between Massey University and six all-girls secondary schools in Japan.
The memorandum signing ceremony was held at the New Zealand Embassy in Japan on 18 June. The MoU will develop a special admission system, enabling Massey University’s foundation or bachelor’s programmes to accept outstanding students recommended by the principals of the Japanese high schools. Through this agreement, students who meet Massey University's English and academic requirements and receive a recommendation from their schools will be able to enrol in Massey University's bachelor's programmes. Students can graduate with a degree in three years from the time they start their studies.
Shelly Turner, Deputy Vice Chancellor represented Massey University in Tokyo at the MoU signing and said at the signing “Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has a long-standing relationship with Japan, reflecting our commitment to fostering international education and cultural exchange, and more recently we have seen a growing interest in our full degree programmes.
“We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to ensure our Japanese students thrive academically and personally. We recognise the crucial role of women and girls in tertiary education and are committed to empowering them to achieve their full potential during their studies, and transition to successful careers,” said Shelly.
The Japanese school Principals, including Japan Women’s University Senior High School Principal, Yumi Susuki also welcomed the new partnership.
“For the past 30 years, our school has deepened its understanding of New Zealand culture and society through language training programs in New Zealand. With the 2022 agreement between Education New Zealand and our school, and now the new special admission system with Massey University, we hope to build even richer relationships and empower our students to shape their future,” said Yumi.
The Japanese schools that signed the agreement participated in the 'New Zealand Education Familiarisation Tour,' co-hosted by ENZ and Air New Zealand in March 2024. During the tour, they found a high level of compatibility with Massey’s educational philosophy, wide range of academic options, future-oriented learning environment, and extensive support for international students.
Homei Elementary School
Mrs Luxon with teachers and students at Homei Elementary School.
International education opportunities were also highlighted in a well-received visit Mrs Luxon made to Homei Elementary School on 19 June (affiliated to Japan Women’s University). It was Mrs Luxon's first trip to Japan and her school visit enhanced New Zealand's presence and reputation among all-girls' schools and universities in Japan.
In 2022, an Education Cooperation Arrangement between ENZ and Japan Women's University (JWU) and its affiliated schools including the Homei Elementary School was concluded to promote student and teacher exchange as well as gender equality and women’s empowerment.
From 2025, Homei Elementary School will send its first cohort of six graders (11-12 years old) to St. Margaret’s College for a short-term study and homestay experience.
Sports and Business Leadership Luncheon
The Sports and Business Leadership Luncheon held earlier in the programme on 17 June celebrated people-to-people connections and promoted New Zealand as an attractive study destination, including through the “Tobitate” scholarship programme.
The Tobitate programme, managed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), sends students abroad and New Zealand has welcomed many students as part of this initiative. Ten Tobitate Alumni were invited by ENZ to attend the lunch in support of the New Zealand – Japan sporting ties and to promote education opportunities in New Zealand to the Japanese audience.
The Prime Minister’s remarks during the event celebrated ten years of the Game on English programme (which combines rugby and study in New Zealand for Japanese high school students), highlighted Fonterra’s contribution to its success, and announced Air New Zealand as a new sponsor.
Upcoming Events in Japan for NZ education providers
ENZ’s Acting General Manager International and Regional Director Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes accompanied the delegation and said he is looking forward to the upcoming ENZ events in Japan.
“The team is preparing to welcome providers to Japan later this year for the New Zealand Fair and Agent Seminars from 6 to 8 October.
“The timing of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent visit to Japan couldn’t have been better. We will look to further leverage this focus by continuing our work with the sector to promote New Zealand’s education offerings with prospective students, families and education stakeholders in Japan.”
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Korea looks to Christchurch and Canterbury
On 27-29 July, ChristchurchNZ led the group promotion that included an agent seminar and a student recruitment fair.
The promotion was planned to follow the success of a Korean reality TV show that featured a week in the school life of Korean celebrities’ children at Halswell School in Christchurch, which showcased Christchurch’s education system and lifestyle.
ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – South Korea, Kay Lee, said the promotions were a wonderful opportunity for Korean agents, parents and students to learn about the Christchurch’s globally connected economy, 21st century education system and lifestyle, particularly highlighting the brand new city.
“Participating education providers did a fantastic job sharing with agents how Christchurch is the world’s newest city, alive with opportunities for young people to try new things, explore their potential and discover who they want to be,” Kay said.
On 28-29 July, the group, including University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Riccarton High School, Middleton Grange School, Kirkwood Intermediate School and Villa Maria College participated in a two-day, agent-led student recruitment fair to meet prospective Korean students and their parents.
The group was also representing Avonside High School, Casebrook Intermediate School, Cashmere High School, Christ’s College, Chisnallwood Intermediate, Cobham Intermediate School, Darfiled High School, Halswell School, Hillmorton High School, Papanui High School, Rangiora High School and St Bede’s High School in Christchurch.
ChristchurchNZ International Education Programme Manager, Bree Loverich, said the fair sent an all-round positive signal for education providers regarding this market.
“Agents, parents and students did not ask questions about the past, rather they were excited about the opportunity provided by our future-focused city. As a result, our agent partner reported that they took 22 pre-deposits on courses in Christchurch alone. After this trip, we are confident that we will see more Koreans students in our city and region,” Bree said.
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Stronger together: TNZ and ENZ support school sector growth through agent famil
The week-long programme brought eight agents from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Wellington, Marlborough and Canterbury.
The aim was to give agents first-hand experience of New Zealand’s short-term study offerings in schools, strengthen connections with regional education providers, and explore opportunities to develop tailored study tour programmes.
The famil was funded by TNZ, with ENZ collaborating with Schools International Education Business Association of New Zealand (SIEBA) to manage the itinerary and logistics.
ENZ Senior Market Development Manager (China), Felix Ye, and TNZ Trade Development Manager (Greater China), Sandy He, led the delegation of eight agents - providing on-the-ground support and sector insights.
In the year ended December 2024 New Zealand exported $1.29 billion of education related travel to China. This represented 35.8% of all exports of education related travel. For trade in education related travel China, People's Republic of ranked 1 of 140 for highest export value. [1] According to data from Stat NZ, 7.9k Chinese students holding visitor visas came to New Zealand for short-term programmes or study tours - the majority visiting during China’s school holidays in July. [2]
The agents visited St Mark’s School in Wellington, meeting with Erica Harrison, the Acting Principal, and her team.
The agents met with 15 schools across the three cities, including a mix of private, state-integrated, and single-sex schools. The journey began in Wellington with a warm welcome at Rāroa Normal Intermediate, where the group received a traditional mihi whakatau — a first-time experience for many.
Deputy Principal Dave Gillies said it was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s experiential learning focus.
“We’re excited about developing professional relationships with the agents and the opportunities that will grow from this visit,” he said.
Students from Chisnallwood Intermediate School perform a haka to welcome the group to the school.
In the South Island, the group explored a range of school offerings and regional initiatives.
In Blenheim, agents gained insights into the unique characteristics of state-integrated education at Richmond View School, Marlborough Boys' College, and Marlborough Girls' College.
In Methven, Mt Hutt College showcased its tailored short-term programme, featuring sustainability-focused tourism at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and hands-on alpine and agricultural experiences – a creative integration of local resources into learning.
The famil concluded in Christchurch, where SIEBA and Christchurch Educated gave overviews of the New Zealand school system and introduced how their initiatives support the growth of international education across the sector.
ENZ Regional Director of Greater China, Dr Ron Xavier, said study tours are a growing area of interest among Chinese agents.
“This famil gave a genuine sense of what New Zealand schools can offer — from cultural experiences to hands-on learning — and helped connect agents with educators who are eager to host students,” he said.
ENZ and TNZ plan to work closely with participating partners to develop new study tours across different regions for 2026, helping raise awareness of New Zealand as an education destination for Chinese students.
SIEBA Executive Director, John van der Zwan, is looking forward to experiencing the benefits of the study tour famil.
“Study tours have significant potential, we look forward to the outcomes of this famil increasing the exposure of New Zealand’s regional schools in the China market,” he said.
Paddling a waka on the Avon River. Beyond education, the famil also highlighted New Zealand’s unique culture and natural beauty. From visiting Te Papa and Wētā Workshop to paddling a waka on the Avon River in Ōtautahi Christchurch, agents experienced the blend of tradition and innovation that makes New Zealand a compelling destination.
[1] Tourism data | Corporate and Stats NZ
[2] https://tourismnewzealand.com/insights/tourism-data/
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Auckland Agency Group progresses student well-being initiatives
AAG Chair Isabel Evans, Director of the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Auckland, says more than 60 per cent of international students currently study in Auckland.
“The AAG group was established to build cross-agency government leadership in the Auckland region,” she says.
“We also wanted to ensure that agencies on the ground in Auckland are collaborating effectively.”
Education members of the AAG include the MOE, Education New Zealand (ENZ), New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Tertiary Education Commission. Other government agencies include New Zealand Police, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Social Development and Office of Ethnic Communities, Waitemata and Auckland District Health Boards and the Human Rights Commission. Auckland economic growth agency ATEED also plays an important role.
Ms Evans said the AAG was involved in stakeholder engagement in August which contributed to a draft International Student Wellbeing Strategy.
“From this engagement, we identified a number of action areas. Since then, group members have been working on ways to improve the overall international student experience in Auckland, with the potential to roll these out nationally if successful.”
Below are some of the initiatives underway.
- ATEED and NZ Police are working on a refresh of a safety video for international students. While it will be filmed in Auckland, its messaging will apply to students nationally, and should be available from early 2017.
- ATEED is developing an International Student Experience programme in partnership with ENZ and industry partners.
- Several agencies are looking at ways to improve the information available to international students and their families. Students are seeking more information on such topics as the true cost of living, insurance and what it covers, employment rights, health services and New Zealand culture.
- Agencies are also looking at ways to provide more volunteer and internship opportunities for international students. ATEED and MBIE will also launch phase two of their job-ready graduate programme working with ICT grads specifically.
- Several agencies are looking at ways to better support international parents, particularly those accompanying children who are studying at primary school here. These parents can be isolated and lonely. This support can also extend to the homestay parents who host international students.
“These initiatives are a start, and the AAG members are enthusiastically collaborating to make sure that opportunities to enhance the international student experience are progressed,” says Ms Evans.
She says the AAG’s work is aimed to enhance the service that international students receive from their education provider, rather than replacing it.
For further information, please contact ENZ Acting Director, Student Experience, Sahinde Pala at Sahinde.pala@enz.govt.nz.
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Around the world in five
GLOBAL
What institution rankings are most important to students?
An annual survey of prospective international students found that university rankings are an important decision factor for 25 percent of respondents. The survey also found that QS World University Rankings and The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are the most popular among prospective students, including those in China and India.
AUSTRALIA
Group of Eight university consortia propose special visa for Indian PhDs
Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) university consortia pushed for a special visa for researchers and PhD graduates during the Australian Business Week 2017 in India. They also outlined action points to enhance both countries’ student and research collaboration.
ASIA
Asia rising in university rankings
US universities are struggling to maintain their dominance the latest World University Rankings 2018 by Times Higher Education (THE). US universities now face increasing competition from established institutions in the UK as well as those in Asia as their institutions provide more options to students worldwide.
GLOBAL
Governments are among game changers in global education
Among the finalists in the inaugural PIEoneer Awards are the Australian government’s outbound student mobility programme, the Malaysia Qualifications Agency, an international alumni jobs network in Hong Kong and Viet Nam, and an aptitude test from language learning app Duolingo.
UK
EU students will face tougher entry requirements post-Brexit
Students from EU countries coming to study in the UK could face a more arduous application process after Brexit, one that requires them to sit an English language test and prove they have enough money to support themselves.
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Japan and New Zealand celebrate long education partnership
To acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the first school visits by four Japanese schools, ENZ partnered with Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand to host a reception in January, thanking the schools for their continued support of New Zealand. The event received positive media interest in Japan and resulted in almost 30 articles.
The event was opened by a powerful kapa haka performance by local group Nga Hau E Wha to showcase Māori language and culture.
Nga Hau E Wha performing a kapa haka
Misa Pitt, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, said Māori language and culture has been a popular subject for school trips to New Zealand.The event was opened by a powerful kapa haka performance by local group Nga Hau E Wha to showcase Māori language and culture.
“I learned that Yokohama Senior High School has its own kapa haka group,” she said.
After the performance, Misa officially welcomed the guests before Stephen Payton, New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, and awarded the school representatives a certificate of appreciation, signed by ENZ CE Grant McPherson. They also received plaques and airline tickets from Clovis Peryer, General Manager of Air New Zealand Japan.
Both Ambassador Payton and Clovis emphasised that New Zealand is a safe and welcoming environment for international students, with Misa adding that support starts from a government level.
“I explained our code of practice for the care of international students, assuring them that New Zealand has a robust support system for the well-being of students,” said Misa.
Ambassador Payton also noted that both the upcoming Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics are opportunities to further promote an education exchange between the two countries.
“We look forward to continue working closely with the awarded schools to promote New Zealand as a study destination,” said Misa.
Ambassador Payton awarding representatives of the Japanese schools.
The Japanese schools awarded were:
Osaka Kunei Senior High School – 25th anniversary
Have sent 3,800 students on an academic study programmeTama University Hijirigaoka High school and Junior High School – 25th anniversary
Have sent 2,770 students on an academic study programmeUrawa Reimei Senior High School – 20th anniversary
Have sent 5,000 students on a school excursionYokohama Senior High School – 25th anniversary
Have sent 690 students on an academic study programme -
First marae-led Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia recipients build indigenous connections in Japan
The first marae-led Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia recipients (members of Te Piruru Papakainga, Ngāti Maniapoto) visited Japan for a six-week visit that included a customised internship that connected them with indigenous Ainu organisations and villages in Hokkaido.
ENZ’s Manukura Chief Advisor Māori, Ed Tuari and Director of Education – Japan, Misa Kitaoka, welcomed the scholarship recipients in Tokyo in early January.
This is a great outcome for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, which has seen an increase in Māori participation. The latest round of applications for the scholarships saw an increase in Māori participation to 22 percent in 2022 from 5 percent from 2016 to 2019.
ENZ is eager to continue partnering with iwi, marae and whānau groups to raise Māori participation in the Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme, particularly in the current group round that opened for applications in March.
ENZ’s Manukura Chief Advisor Māori, Ed Tuari said it was a privilege to participate in what is an important milestone for building indigenous connections between Māori and the Ainu people of Japan.
“This is a significant achievement for ENZ Manapou ki te Ao. I want to acknowledge this collective achievement as we break new ground with this marae-led group of PMSA recipients.
“It’s hugely encouraging to see the increase of Māori participation in the latest round of the scholarships. This is a demonstration of ENZ ‘walking the talk’ to ensure Māori are better represented in opportunities to share and learn on the global stage, as well as promote indigenous to indigenous exchanges.”
ENZ’s Director Scholarships Carla Rey Vasquez said she was excited to see the growth and learnings that these programmes would bring to the wider whānau and iwi.
“Our scholarship recipients cherished the opportunity to connect with indigenous communities in Japan, and they particularly appreciated the value of reciprocity as well as the importance of generational knowledge being shared along.
“We look forward to continuing to raise Māori participation in the Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme.”
The latest visit by scholarship recipients has also been a good opportunity to enrich the existing education connections between New Zealand and Japan under a Memorandum of Understanding between New Zealand and the Hokkaido Government, which was renewed in 2022.
The customised internship that saw scholarship recipients visit Ainu villages and organisations, was organised by the Hokkaido Government and the Hokkaido Board of Education.
ENZ’s Director of Education – Japan, Misa Kitaoka, said the visit by scholarship recipients was timely as Japan starts to promote Ainu history, language and culture.
“The Ainu people received official recognition as ‘indigenous people of northern Japan’ from the Japanese government in 2019. As the government begins to promote Ainu history, language, and culture in Japan, Ngāti Maniapoto’s visit to Hokkaido was timely and appreciated by the Ainu community to learn about how New Zealand society has embraced Māori language and culture.”
Applications are open for the 2023 group round of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America until 23 April 2023. More information on applications is available on ENZ's dedicated scholarship website here.
[updated 18 April 2023]
