Education agents receive ‘ultimate’ tour of Wellington

Tip: A little in-country experience goes a long way with agents, giving them insights into the experience they are promoting to students back home.

The competition offered agents a chance to experience the best of Wellington’s education and lifestyle offerings to help in their student marketing efforts. The promotion proved popular, with over 500 agents from more than 47 countries vying for a spot.

The four lucky winners received return flights and accommodation in Wellington, and had the chance to visit local schools and explore the region's awe-inspiring landscapes and urban lifestyle. The agents enjoyed a guided tour of the national museum Te Papa, interacted with native wildlife at eco-sanctuary Zealandia, and received a behind-the-scenes look at The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies at Weta Studio.

The tour’s literal highlight was a helicopter ride over the city, where the agents had a bird’s eye view of South Wellington Intermediate School (SWIS) students spelling out the name of their school.

The agents said Wellington was bigger than expected, and they were impressed with the friendly people, ease of public transport and the many events and cultural activities available to students.

WREDA Education Programme Manager Brook Pannell said the competition had been overwhelmingly successful at building Wellington’s profile amongst agents.

“Experiencing Wellington on the ground and in-person is the best way to fall in love with the place and really see what life here is really like.

“Familiarisation trips are a great way for us to show that – we just wish we could’ve brought more agents to visit!”

Through the competition, nearly 300 agents signed up to Wellington’s quarterly newsletter for agents to learn more about study options, as well as lifestyle and career opportunities.