Canterbury launches Strategy Leadership Accord

The Accord represents a commitment to grow the social, cultural and economic value of international education in the region over the next 10 years.

The strategy vision is that Canterbury is a “a globally connected region for international education with education and training that leads to enhanced student opportunities and outcomes with enduring benefits for the community”.

This will be achieved through:

• Strong industry leadership via the Accord

• Building partnership with government, iwi and other sectors

• Building a regional value proposition and strong international partnership in key markets

• Developing flagship programmes in areas of regional strength

• Developing pathways through school, higher education and employment in areas of regional strength

• Enhancing the student experience through developing a regional qual-mark for international education providers

At the launch function this week, Michaela Blacklock, General Manager for Business and Sector Development at Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) noted:

“CDC believes that Christchurch’s international connectedness is critical to growing a strong economy which contributes to a better quality of life for people living in the region.  We recognise both the economic and social benefits to Christchurch and Canterbury from a strong international education sector.”

The Leadership Accord has appointed Murray Strong as the Independent Chairperson, charged with overseeing the implementation of the strategy.  

“It is important that we build on the industry cohesion and momentum gained during the post-earthquake period, which may be lost if there is no medium-term strategy to provide focus -  the real work starts now.”  says Murray Strong.

The strategy development process was funded by Education New Zealand and facilitated by Canterbury Development Corporation, the Christchurch City Council economic development agency.