27 October 2020 at 9:00 am
From the CE: Manaakitanga in the time of coronavirus
I am very proud of the way New Zealand’s education community has risen to the challenge of keeping international students supported, safe and well during this year’s COVID-19 crisis.
New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce the Code for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Regulated by NZQA, the code requires all signatories to ensure international students at their place of study are well-informed, safe and healthy.
New Zealand’s education providers have exceeded the expectations of this important responsibility in 2020. Everyone from teachers to international offices to homestay parents have done their bit to make sure our international students, so far away from home, were looked after during the COVID-19 lockdowns and beyond.
New Zealand has a well-deserved reputation for being a warm and welcoming destination. It is crucial that we continue this responsibility of care over the coming summer break when many students would have returned home, under normal circumstances.
To support this goal, ENZ has launched a new programme of activity: Tū Ngātahi, which calls for us to ‘stand together’. ENZ has created the programme to enable our international education community to express support for our international students.
The central imagery of Tū Ngātahi is the pounamu (greenstone) carved into a pikorua (twist). This design is a symbol of cultures joining in friendship and supporting one another.
You may have heard ENZ’s Paul Irwin, General Manager – Partnerships and Marketing, speaking with Radio New Zealand about Tū Ngātahi this week. The story also included perspectives from international students currently in New Zealand, who plan to make the most of their stay over summer.
We encourage New Zealand’s education providers, student associations and more to show their support for international students with the Tū Ngātahi resources (video, graphics, email footers and more), which you can find on the ENZ BrandLab.
Alongside Tū Ngātahi, ENZ is currently running the Summer in NZ campaign. Aimed at international students currently in New Zealand, this campaign will assist students who, given current border settings, must make tough decisions as the end of the academic year nears. You can explore this campaign on the new Summer in NZ NauMai NZ pages.
On Saturday, 31 October, the team will present the inaugural ‘Your Great Kiwi Summer’ virtual fair, where education providers and regional development agencies will share tips and information on how to make the most of the summer break. There is still time for students to register, so please encourage your students to sign up if they haven’t already.
Thank you again to everyone who has supported an international student this year. Our manaakitanga is what these students will remember in the years to come.
Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My strength is not that of a single warrior but that of many.
Ngā mihi,
Grant McPherson
Chief Executive
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
