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  • From the CE: Going for growth

    Kia ora koutou,  

    The month of February has seen several important announcements. 

    Firstly, we received confirmation that the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford, now has responsibility for international education and Education New Zealand.  

    Minister Stanford is also Minister of Immigration and the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions.  We are looking forward to working closely with our new Minister to advance her priorities for ENZ and international education. 

    The Government also announced its economic growth plan, Going for Growth: Unlocking New Zealand’s potential. International education is a key plank in the Government’s economic growth agenda and it is one of New Zealand’s major export revenue generating sectors – one that generates jobs, supports the labour market, attracts and retains global talent, and enhances New Zealand’s international relationships. As a sector, international education contributed $3.34 billion in value to the New Zealand economy to the year ending June 2024. 

    Continuing that theme, economic growth is the focus of the Prime Minister’s visit to Viet Nam this week. Our brand health research has identified Viet Nam as the fastest growing market for awareness of New Zealand as an education destination. International education is a central feature of the mission, which has strong provider representation. I’m looking forward to participating and will be sharing some insights in my next column. 

    This month we were delighted to welcome Dr Ron Xavier as ENZ’s new Regional Director Greater China and Counsellor Education. Ron joins us from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment where he was the Science and Innovation Counsellor. Ron has worked in China for over six years and has previously been involved in prime ministerial visits and Chinese ministerial visits to New Zealand. I had the pleasure of meeting Ron when I was in China late last year and know he will be a great addition to our team in Beijing. 

    Whakapau kaha ki te whai i te ao hurihuri 

    Be strong in pursuing the ever-changing world. 

    Ngā mihi nui,   

    Amanda Malu  

    Chief Executive   
    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao  

  • New Zealand universities showcased to global education leaders at QS India Summit 2025

    The initiative was well aligned with ENZ’s goal to build global connections for New Zealand education and explore solid opportunities that will help New Zealand thrive through world-class international education.  

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), along with the University of Canterbury, University of Waikato and Massey University made an impactful presence across a range of sessions and workshops.  

    The summit had the New Zealand contingent showcase the quality of our universities and engage in discussions focused on university-industry collaborations, workforce development, global research leadership, while discussing the importance of building resilient, education institutions that can adapt to a rapidly changing world. 

    Prof. Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato, exploring India’s leadership in cost-efficient R&D and its role in supporting global partnerships to address pressing challenges at the QS India Summit 2025.

    ENZ’s Director of Engagement, East Asia & India, Jugnu Roy, led a discussion on aligning curricula with emerging job market demands to better prepare students for global careers. 

    ENZ’s Jugnu Roy discussed how universities could drive social and economic impact beyond their primary roles of teaching and research at the QS India Summit 2025.

    Considering how well recognised New Zealand universities are globally, with all eight ranked in the top 2 percent in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the QS Summit was an opportunity for New Zealand education to strengthen its relationships with key global and Indian education leaders, Jugnu said.   

    “New Zealand universities are also known for their sustainability stewardship, with our universities ranking first for sustainability stewardship and second for sustainability outreach in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. 

    “Within this context, the summit was a strong platform for us to share best practices and explore new avenues for collaboration between New Zealand and India. 

    “We look forward to collaborating with global and Indian leaders in education to shape a brighter future together.” 

  • From the CE: International education in the spotlight

    Kia ora koutou,  

    I’ve recently returned to New Zealand following a productive visit to Viet Nam with the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission. It was highly encouraging to see international education front and centre of so many conversations. Beyond attracting Vietnamese students to New Zealand, the education relationship between our countries is evolving into deeper collaborations involving education institutions, businesses, and governments. 

    The visit also showcased outstanding examples of educational partnerships across the spectrum of New Zealand’s international education sector, from universities and private training establishments to EdTech companies, highlighting the breadth of collaboration opportunities. 

    Overall, the Mission was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of New Zealand as a top-tier education destination offering a safe and welcoming environment.  

    International education was also a component of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters’ official visit to China. As part of his programme, the Minister had a warm meeting with Chinese alumni of New Zealand universities. From the report back, it was clear that the New Zealand study experience had left the alumni with a lasting, positive impression.  

    Coming up in May, ENZ will be going into the field for the 2025 International Student Experience Survey. This survey covers a range of topics relevant to the sector, including student decision-making, arrival and orientation, the education experience, living experience, people and connections, and perceptions of value for money. 

    Last year’s survey had 86 percent of international students reporting a positive overall experience of their time in New Zealand, and 41 percent of students giving an ‘excellent’ rating, the highest percentage yet! In case you missed deep diving into specific aspects of the student experience, you can browse through them here. 

    I’ve started packing my bags again, as this weekend I will be joining the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to India. I’ll be staying on for a further week in Delhi for APAIE 2025. I look forward to updating you in my next column. 

    Ngā mihi nui, 

    Amanda Malu 

    Chief Executive  

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 

  • Global Agent Webinar: Understanding best practice for student visa applications

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) collaborated to organise a webinar for education agents in early March on best practice for lodging student visa applications.

    The webinar was well received, with 1,364 attendees from around the world over two sessions scheduled to accommodate for different time zones.

    The session provided education agents with the latest information on visa processing, student visa insights, types of student visas, financial requirements and best practice for submitting student visa applications. It also featured a robust question and answer segment where pre-submitted questions from attendees were addressed.

    INZ Engagement Partner (Acting), Mark Andrew, said the webinar was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with education agents and answer their questions.

    “This webinar helps ensure education agents have the most up to date information and guidance to support more efficient processing and favourable outcomes based on real life examples and trends. Immigration New Zealand and Education New Zealand working in partnership to deliver the Global Agent Webinar is key to ensure a positive customer experience for agents, applicants and the wider sector.”

    If you missed this session, the recording, slide deck and a copy of the Q&As are available to view on AgentLab.

    INZ resources for agents

     

  • Around the world in five

    Global

    Decline in interest in ‘Big Four’ study destinations

    Interest by prospective international students in the ‘Big Four’ study destinations – the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia – declined by 14% in the year ending January 2025.

    Australia

    The 2025 student: A data-driven analysis of Gen Z and learning abroad

    The landscape of higher education has undergone profound shifts over the past five years. The characteristics, expectations, and financial realities of students in 2018 differ significantly from those of today’s university cohort.

    United Kingdom

    Report projects need for greater diversification in international student recruitment this year

    A new analysis from British Council projects softening student numbers from China and India this year. The report argues that educators will need to extend recruiting efforts across a larger number of markets.

    China

    Chinese universities “hungry” for international partnerships

    Chinese universities are keener than ever to create and upgrade international partnerships, a new white paper has said.

    India

    Could Indian branch campuses bail out struggling Western universities?

    India’s opening up to overseas outposts has injected new life into a form of transnational education.

     

  • Thailand retention campaign launches to encourage long-term study in New Zealand

    ENZ Thailand has launched a retention campaign to encourage students from Thailand who have previously studied here to return to New Zealand for further study. 

    Students who choose to continue their education in New Zealand will be eligible for an air fare scholarship (valued up to NZD $3,000), making it easier for them to travel and transition into long-term study. At least 25 New Zealand education providers have volunteered to subsidise the award.

    The campaign has already generated strong interest. It was launched at the New Zealand Summer Pre-Departure Orientation on 1 March in Bangkok with over 240 students and parents in attendance.

    The scheme will work with students or education agents providing proof of previous study. Once the students are in New Zealand, they can rebate the air fare through coordination with their agents.

    Education providers involved in the campaign:

    Universities:

    • Lincoln University 
    • University of Canterbury 
    • University of Otago 

    Schools: 

    • Auckland Grammar School 
    • Cambridge High School 
    • Glendowie College 
    • Hamilton Girls’ High School 
    • Hillmorton High School 
    • Kaikorai Valley College 
    • Lynfield College 
    • Macleans College 
    • Massey High School 
    • Mount Albert Grammar School 
    • Napier Boys’ High School 
    • Newlands College 
    • Nga Tawa Diocesan School 
    • Northcote College 
    • Palmerston North Boys’ High School 
    • Palmerston North Girls’ High School 
    • Papatoetoe High School 
    • Pukekohe High School 
    • Rosehill College 
    • Waitaki Girls’ High School 
    • Whanganui Girls’ College 
    • Whanganui High School 

    If you are an education provider interested in being involved in future retention campaigns, you can email Jaruwan Pongjaruwat, Programme Manager – Thailand at Jaruwan.pongjaruwat@enz.govt.nz.

     

  • PM’s mission to Viet Nam marks significant progress in international education

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent trade mission to Viet Nam saw significant education outcomes delivered, including boosting the number of available Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship awards, increasing the number of the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) to 45 places and introducing 14 New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA) for the first time, as well as the announcements of several new partnerships between Vietnam and New Zealand education providers.  

    Education New Zealand Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, joined five providers for the education component of the trade mission - The University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Media Design School, Pacific International Hotel Management School, and Neurofrog (edtech company). 

    The New Zealand-Vietnam EduConnect at Foreign Trade University was a significant education event in Hanoi, where Amanda joined Prime Minister Luxon in witnessing the signing of cooperation arrangements between education institutions in New Zealand and Viet Nam.  

    The EduConnect event also recognised the contribution of alumni to the friendship between our countries, with the launch of the inaugural New Zealand Alumni Network in Viet Nam. 

    ENZ Regional Director, Ben Burrowes said it was a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening bilateral relations.  

    “This comes at an auspicious time, as New Zealand and Viet Nam celebrate the 50th anniversary of our longstanding partnership,” he added. 

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon snaps some pictures with alumni at the New Zealand – Viet Nam EduConnect event.

    AUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Damon Salesa, Chair of Universities New Zealand's International Committee, represented Universities New Zealand to sign the Collaboration Arrangement with the Department of International Cooperation of the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training.  

    The arrangement provides additional support to Project 89 scholars who wish to study in New Zealand. Project 89 is one of Viet Nam’s key initiatives to support its education sector, allowing local lecturers to pursue PhD study and postgraduate study overseas on fully-funded scholarships. 

    Following the success of education engagements during this trade mission, Amanda Malu, said New Zealand sees significant potential in strengthening education partnerships with Viet Nam.  

    “New Zealand will continue to expand the range of initiatives in Viet Nam across all levels of education, from schools to postgraduate study, to make it easier for Vietnamese students to engage in knowledge exchange, innovate and realise their dreams of studying abroad,” 
     
    “With Vietnam’s ambitious education and technology goals for 2045, our nation is well-positioned to support this journey,” she added.  

  • Hundreds of Brazilian high school students arrive at New Zealand schools

    Over January and February, 200 students from Paraná and 100 from São Paulo arrived in New Zealand on a Brazilian state-funded scholarship that will have them spending a semester and term in New Zealand schools while staying with host families.  

    Chosen for their academic performance, attendance, and completion of an English course, these top students get a chance to immerse themselves in New Zealand's education system and culture. 

    New Zealand is considered a strategic partner by Paraná state and São Paulo. This programme highlights the success of increased educational cooperation between Brazil and New Zealand. In addition to improving English proficiency, the initiative also aims to develop intercultural skills.  

    Paraná's programme, launched in 2019, has sent 1,240 students to various countries, with more than 600 going to New Zealand.  

    Coordinator of the São Paulo programme, Simone Telles, said New Zealand was chosen for this programme due to our innovative education system, use of technology, the freedom given to students and the welcoming nature of New Zealanders. 

    Simone Telles and ENZ’s Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale: Education partnership between São Paulo and New Zealand.

    In São Paulo, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale, attended one of the departure days for the group traveling to New Zealand. Bruna spoke to Luciangela Fonseca, mother of one of the selected students, Juan Fonseca. Luciangela said she felt “pride mixed with fear and emotion” and that the family felt privileged to get this opportunity.  

    Juan Fonseca, his parents, and sister. Emotions at the departure for Auckland. 

    All programme costs are funded by Brazilian states, including transportation, education, food, accommodation, and leisure activities.  

    Paraná students departing in São Paulo.

  • International students welcomed across New Zealand

  • Group General Manager appointments

    The appointment of three Group General Managers to ENZ’s Leadership team completes the organisation’s recent change process.  

    This week, ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu was pleased to confirm three new Group General Manager appointments to the ENZ Leadership team.  

    As you may be aware, ENZ has recently been through an organisational change process, which is now complete with these latest appointments.   

    Sahinde Pala has been appointed Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement; Julia Wootton is appointed Group General Manager, Strategy, Capability and Performance; and Anna Gestro has been appointed Group General Manager International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships.  

    The Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement oversees the wider International team, alongside a newly created International and Sector Engagement (ISE) team, including four new International and Sector Engagement Leads.   

    The New Zealand-based ISE team is led by Director International and Sector Engagement, Sharon-May McCrostie, who has responsibility for overall engagement and relationships with peak bodies.   

    The team is the sector’s primary point of contact for ENZ in New Zealand.    

    The ISE team is responsible for working across sub sectors and facing into offshore markets to ensure a seamless flow of market and sector intelligence. The team is the sector’s primary point of contact for ENZ in New Zealand.    

    The ISE Leads are:  

    Alana Pellow – with responsibility for Americas, Europe, Korea and Japan  

    Alanna Dick – with responsibility for Greater China  

    Alex Glidden – with responsibility for South-East Asia (excluding Philippines)  

    Andy Walker – with responsibility for India, Philippines and Sri Lanka  

     

    Read on more about ENZ’s new Group General Manager appointments below. 

    Group General Manager appointments  

    Sahinde Pala – Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement  

    Sahinde Pala has been appointed Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement. Sahinde has been with ENZ since 2016 and has vast experience navigating international markets and developing smart strategies to boost student recruitment and sector engagement. She has also led the transition of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme. Sahinde will officially start in her new role on 17 March 2025.  

    Julia Wootton – Group General Manager Strategy, Capability and Performance  

    Julia Wootton comes with 10 years of senior leadership experience from Kainga Ora, the Department of Internal Affairs, and ACC. She’s an expert in strategy, performance management, and workforce reorientation, and she’s led successful transformation programmes across various Government departments. She will be joining ENZ on 14 April 2025.  

    Anna Gestro – Group General Manager International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships  

    Anna Gestro is currently CEO at HFC Engineering Group and has an impressive track record in global brand development, data-driven strategies, and audience engagement. Anna played a key role in transforming New Zealand Cricket into a more inclusive and purpose-led brand. Anna’s start date is still being finalised. In the meantime, Adrian Hirst will be Acting Group GM International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships.  

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