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• International education front and centre during Prime Minister’s trade mission to SEA

  From 14 to 20 April, New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon led a delegation of New Zealand business and government leaders to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Included in the delegation was Tracey Bridges, Board Chair of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), who joined a small group of education sector representatives, as well as other New Zealand Inc partners, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and New Zealand Story.  

  ENZ’s offshore teams based in Singapore and Thailand played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the international education events, ensuring international education was front and centre throughout the visit.  

  Tracey said that it was pleasing to see that our sector received significant attention throughout the visit and that it played an important part in the New Zealand export story.  

  “Being part of this delegation gave ENZ the opportunity to reinforce the significant economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic value that international education brings to New Zealand. 

  “It was also a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening bilateral relations. The delegation particularly enjoyed meeting so many New Zealand alumni and hearing how their New Zealand education has had a profound impact on their personal and professional success,” added Tracey.  

  Positive attention on our sector was achieved from the start when Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas signed an Enhanced Collaboration Agreement with Singapore’s PSB Academy’s Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah. This collaboration is a first for a New Zealand university and marks a significant expansion beyond traditional offshore teaching partnerships.  

  From Singapore, the delegation moved on to Thailand, where ENZ facilitated further international education events. Massey University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) under the Thai Ministry of Education. Under the MoU, Massey University in collaboration with ENZ will host in-market English training workshops for more than 100 Thai teachers under the supervision of OBEC in June 2023. This took place during a joint press conference at the Thai Government House, witnessed by the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. 

  ENZ Thailand, in partnership with Rajamagala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), then hosted New Zealand Member of Parliament Mr. Paulo Garcia, along with 27 delegates at the RMUTP campus for several cultural performances and tours. Later that afternoon, the ENZ Thailand team hosted a New Zealand Alumni Network event inviting the education representatives on the delegation, media representatives and 25 alumni who have all made substantial contributions to the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Thailand. 

  ENZ’s Regional Director Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes said that Prime Minister Luxon engaged enthusiastically with the alumni and was able to see first-hand the role that international education plays in strengthening people-to-people connections around the world.  

  “During this event Prime Minister Luxon presented the Distinguished Service Awards to acknowledge the New Zealand Alumni Association in Thailand and the invaluable support it gives to international education.  

  “In addition to this Award, the Prime Minister presented an Eminent Alumni Award to a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to furthering bilateral ties between our two countries,” said Ben. 

  The Thai leg of the itinerary finished with a cocktail reception commemorating the Prime Minister’s visit. Over 400 guests representing various New Zealand Inc agencies, key local stakeholders from government agencies, educational institutions, private corporations, and education agents attended the event, reinforcing the close education ties between New Zealand and Thailand.  

  Lastly, the delegation travelled to the Philippines which for many members was their first visit. The time was effectively used here to engage with a number of ENZ’s key stakeholders invited to New Zealand Inc engagements across the programme.  

  At the close of the trip, Prime Minister Luxon said "the commercial announcements and deals between the delegation on the trip and counterparts in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines represent the growth of long-term, strategic partnerships. 

  "These relationships bind our countries closer together and deliver increased prosperity for all those involved."

• Agents get a taste of ENZ’s ‘Future of Sustainable Food’ pilot at ICEF ANZA 2024

  Over 50 international education agents at the ICEF ANZA workshop held in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 22 to 24 April experienced Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao's (ENZ) education pathways prototype (Stage 1). The prototype was designed to introduce students to the huge global opportunity around sustainable food design and production, and the world-leading education pathways from New Zealand institutions that can open employment doors into a wide range of exciting careers. 

  “In New Zealand, you can learn from top experts and study in the heart of where food is grown, technology is advanced, and industry opportunities abound." 

  This pilot came about in response to agents’ demand for more information about what expertise sets New Zealand apart from other destinations and makes a New Zealand education unique.  

  

  An education agent from Australia trials the ‘Future of Sustainable Food’ prototype at the ICEF ANZA conference held in Ōtautahi Christchurch last month.

  To develop the pilot, ENZ worked with Jix Reality – a Christchurch-based tech company headed up by an ex-international student to New Zealand – using virtual reality to provide an immersive and engaging experience, including examples of real New Zealand study environments. The user journey involved a visualisation of the full breadth of the food production value chain, illustrating how this goes well beyond agriculture to encompass other domains and careers such as food engineering, value chain management and marketing. The experience went on to highlight New Zealand’s credentials as one of the world’s top food developers and exporters, and allowed the user to browse relevant study programmes and consider which one could lead them to their desired future career.  

  

  Jix Reality Founder, Sakthi Ranganathan, (right) is seen here demonstrating the sustainable food production narrative on an interactive table with an education agent from Kenya.

  ENZ’s General Manager Sector Engagement and Innovation, Wendy Kerr, was on hand at the workshop to talk to the agents and collect feedback via a survey. Wendy said that the results were very clear – agents agreed almost unanimously that the prototype provided new and useful information about New Zealand’s strengths, study pathways for students and future employment opportunities in this field. 

  “92% also confirmed that this experience made it more likely that they would recommend New Zealand as a study destination. 

  “One agent said that they think it is a great tool to market New Zealand as students can see their future and make informed decisions while another told me that it was a great experience and the tech and approach is ahead of its time,” added Wendy. 

  

  ICEF ANZA Chief Executive, Markus Badde, trialled the VR experience and is pictured here providing his feedback to Jix Reality Founder, Sakthi Ranganathan, and ENZ’s GM Sector Engagement and Innovation, Wendy Kerr.

  Attending education providers also had the opportunity to try the prototype, one describing it as “a wonderful virtual reality marketing tool which is of enormous value to agents, schools and service providers. A great investment and even better you have used a Christchurch based company to develop it.” 

  This pilot forms part of ENZ’s Innovation and Growth programme, seeking new ways to support the diversification and growth of the international education sector. The next stage for the pilot will be for ENZ’s Innovation and Growth team to use the feedback collected to develop the prototype further. It will then be turned into a marketing tool that is more accessible, informative and scalable for agents to use with students.  

  If you’d like to help us with beta testing or contribute content to future stages please register your interest with tim.brown@enz.govt.nz. 

• International photo round-up

• Announcing closing plenary speaker for NZIEC KI TUA 2024

  Drawing on his experience leading health care organisations and the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand, including during periods of significant change and uncertainty, Sir Ashley’s closing plenary session will focus on how to lead effectively now and in the future. He will talk to NZIEC KI TUA delegates about ‘leading through change and uncertainty’.   

  “We live in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, which needs leaders to be agile and adaptable who can lead using different approaches than what we have used in the past. I am looking forward to speaking at NZIEC KI TUA on how we can lead in a world of rapid change and complexity,” Sir Ashley said. 
   

  Lead with Stories workshop by Jehan Casinader  

  Award-winning journalist and speaker, Jehan Casinader, will run a workshop, Lead with Stories at NZIEC KI TUA on 7 August. Casinader has spent 15 years telling compelling stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. He has a thorough understanding of New Zealand’s international education sector – and a degree in public policy.  

  Casinader says storytelling makes global influence possible.  

  “As New Zealand revives its international education sector, leaders and organisations will work harder than ever to engage the hearts and minds of students and partners around the world.  

  “However, in an increasingly noisy digital world, it’s harder to grab people’s attention.  

  "Traditional marketing no longer cuts it. And yet, many of us lack the confidence and skills to tell stories – or we’re afraid to. As a result, our most important messages are never heard,” Casinader says.  

  In his workshop, Casinader will share practical tools that helps leaders and staff from across the sector to tell compelling stories.  

  The NZIEC KI TUA 2024 programme will be available in July. 

   

  Register now – early bird registrations close on 31 May 

  Earlybird registrations are still open for the 31st New Zealand International Education Conference KI TUA (NZIEC KI TUA), which is being held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington from 6 – 8 August 2024 at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre.

  This year’s conference theme is NZIEC KI TUA – Te Ara ki te Ao* 

  ‘Te Ara ki te Ao’, which translates to ‘the pathway to the world’, symbolises a journey that transcends borders and embraces global horizons. This concept frames Aotearoa New Zealand’s distinct international education environment, inviting participants to connect and collaborate to accelerate global growth. 

  Register now at NZIEC KI TUA 2024.  

   

  NZIEC KI TUA 2024 Partners! 

  Welcome to our newest partners Pearson, Edified, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University  and Flywire, who join TOEFL, Studentsafe, idp, IELTS, and Host Families NZ as partners for NZIEC KI TUA 2024.  

  And welcome to our new media partner: The PIE News.  

  If you’d like to partner with NZIEC KI TUA 2024, email us nziec@enz.govt.nz  

• Opportunity for New Zealand and German academics to collaborate

  The third funding round for the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP) programme is open now. The programme supports early-career academics from New Zealand higher education institutions to travel to Germany and engage in research projects.  

  The PPP programme was established in 2021, when ENZ and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.  

  Amy Rutherford, Regional Director Americas, the Middle East and Europe said the programme aims to strengthen academic relations between New Zealand and German institutions and to promote cooperative and complementary research activities. 

  “It enables young academics to not only further their careers, but also expand New Zealand’s international research links” she said.  

  The programme aims to fund group exchanges involving two to four researchers per country and covers all subject areas. It invites researchers to think of a project that would particularly benefit from working with German academic counterparts.  

  University of Otago Professor Chris Button is a recipient of PPP funding from the 2023 round and is working with Dr Robert Rein from the German Sport University in Cologne. 

  They are undertaking research that aims to provide evidence-based advice on how to promote water safety and prevent drowning.  

  Chris and his counterpart identified that drowning is a major cause of accidental deaths worldwide and is noted as one of the key challenges in the United Nation’s commitment to achieve global, economic, social and environmentally sustainable development.  

  The pair have observed a gap in academic literature about the potential benefits of floating, versus treading water or swimming when someone is in trouble in the water. They have collected a series of samples from 200 participants in New Zealand and will publish their findings soon. 

  Chris said he’s grateful that the PPP programme has helped him reinvigorate a long-standing collaboration with Robert.  

  “I encourage others to take the opportunities this programme offers to connect New Zealand and German academics” he added.  

  Applications for the 2024 funding round close on 28 June 2024, click here to find out more and apply.  

• From the Acting Chief Executive: Cold temperatures, warm hearts

  Tēnā koutou katoa 

  As a recent “polar blast” bought frost and icy conditions across New Zealand, my thoughts turned to the international students who arrived here in the warmth of summer. Living a long way from home in a different country is challenging enough without being subjected to freezing conditions. The good news is that all our research and everything we hear from our international students is that the welcome and manaakitanga they receive is universally warm. 

  In our Student Experience survey of 4,755 international students from the end of last year, more than 70 nationalities, 84 percent rated their overall experience positively, while another 83 percent said they would recommend New Zealand as a study destination.  

  Last Wednesday, along with our Chair, Tracey Bridges, we appeared before the Education and Workforce Select Committee comprising nine Members of Parliament. This happens every year. As a government agency it is part of reporting to Parliament. I am extremely heartened by the level of interest all the committee members had in international education. It is good to know the sector has advocates within Parliament. 

  Tracey has recently returned from Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines as a member of the business delegation supporting Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. Education was a big part of the Prime Minister’s itinerary, and it was great to have Tracey in the delegation. Throughout the entire trip we took every opportunity to emphasise the benefits of international education to the Prime Minister. A good example was in Thailand where ENZ hosted a series of engagements, including the New Zealand Alumni Networking Event. At this event the Prime Minister met 25 accomplished New Zealand alumni, who have made substantial contributions to the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Thailand. You can read more about the visit in our E-News article here.  

  New Zealanders going offshore for an experience is an important part of international education and ENZ’s work. It is pleasing then to see 60 applications for the group round of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia and Latin America that closed 19 April 2024. Of the 60, 22 were for Latin America and 38 for Asia. The applications are being assessed and successful scholarship recipients will be determined in a few weeks’ time.  

  In summary it has been, as it always is, a busy and productive month across international education. May will be no different. 

   

  Waiho kia pātai ana, he kaha ui te kaha 

  Let the questioning continue; the ability of the person is in asking questions. 

   

  Keep warm everyone. 

   

  Dr Linda Sissons
  Acting Chief Executive

   

• New Zealand top of the world in university sustainability stewardship

  New Zealand universities have come out on top of the world for sustainability stewardship in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. 

  New Zealand universities’ approach to sustainability and equality has been announced as world-leading by Times Higher Education (THE) in its most recent Impact Rankings (2024). The stewardship rankings saw New Zealand score an average of 85.3 to come out ahead of Australia (84.4) and Hong Kong (81.9). All eight New Zealand universities participated in the rankings. 

  Now in its sixth year, the Impact Rankings is the only ranking system in the world that measures universities’ contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals (UN SDG’s). The Rankings assess the commitment made by universities to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.  

  In topping the table for sustainability stewardship, New Zealand’s universities have scored well against indicators such as tracking food waste and having sustainable food choices on campus (SDG 2), the proportion of senior female academics (SDG 5), having water reuse policies and measurements (SDG 6), ensuring energy efficiency with renovations of buildings (SDG 7), and guaranteeing a living wage (SDG 8). 

  New Zealand universities also came second equal in the world against sustainability outreach, meaning high scores were achieved for contributing to policies addressing poverty (SDG 1), collaborating with health institutions (SDG 3), providing programmes for the local community to learn about energy efficiency (SDG 7), participating in cooperative planning for climate change disasters (SDG 13), and providing expert advice to government (SDG 16). 

  ENZ’s Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons welcomed the results and said the global recognition for New Zealand’s universities working hard to make a positive impact in the face of pressing environmental and social challenges world-wide was significant.   

  “New Zealand’s education system is guided by Kaitiakitanga (the Māori concept of guardianship). This principle instils a deep sense of connection to our land and a commitment to ensuring its health and vitality for future generations.  

  "Kaitiakitanga informs the approach taken by our universities to resource management, conservation, and sustainable development that all contribute to the UN’s SDGs particularly in the areas of food security, bioenergy, sustainable urban development, and climate change,” said Dr Sissons. 

  Dr Sissons added “It is incredibly positive to have our approach to sustainability stewardship and outreach recognised as world leading. This is particularly important to us as we know that students around the globe are increasingly prioritising environmental and social responsibility and choosing to study at institutions that align with their personal values.” 

  In this year's Impact Rankings, a record 2,152 universities from 125 countries/regions were assessed. Progress is measured for each of the individual 17 SDGs, and across the goals as a whole. View the full Impact Rankings 2024 results here.  

   

  Top countries/regions for sustainability stewardship in THE’s Impact Rankings 2024  

  Country/region	Number of ranked universities	Average stewardship score
  New Zealand	8	85.3
  Australia	21	84.4
  Hong Kong	5	81.9
  Ireland	8	81.4
  Canada	24	80.5
  United Kingdom	68	79.7
  United States	46	69.1
  South Korea	24	67.9
  Belgium	5	65.2
  Netherlands	6	64.5

  Note: Table only includes nations with five or more ranked universities. Credit: Times Higer Education Rankings 2024 

   

  Top countries/regions for sustainability outreach in THE’s Impact Rankings 2024  

  Country/region	Number of ranked universities	Average stewardship score
  Hong Kong	5	81.4
  New Zealand	8	80.4
  Canada	24	80.4
  Australia	21	80
  Ireland	8	76.4
  United Kingdom	68	75.6
  Belgium	5	71.9
  Germany	8	68.1
  South Korea	24	67.9
  Netherlands	6	66.2

  Note: Table only includes nations with five or more ranked universities. Credit: Times Higer Education Rankings 2024 

   

  For further information 

  Stephanie Morison, Senior Communications Advisor,  

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 

  Stephanie.Morison@enz.govt.nz | +64223020104  

   

  Notes to Editors:  

  About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/   

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency dedicated to helping Aotearoa New Zealand realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Our role is to promote New Zealand as a high-quality education destination offering excellent education and students experiences and to encourage New Zealand students to study overseas. 

  With approximately 110 staff in 16 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector which includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and universities. Internationally, we work with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector.    

• 50 Malaysian educators experience New Zealand’s interactive early childhood education

  On 9-10 May 2024, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), the Ministry of Education Malaysia, and the University of Auckland co-hosted a two-day workshop for Malaysian educators. The theme of the workshop was "Engage, Explore, Excel: Interactive Play Strategies for Effective Preschool Education". 

  The workshop gave approximately 50 Malaysian preschool educators the opportunity to see and experience for themselves some of New Zealand’s innovative and interactive approaches to education that start in early childhood education facilities. The workshop was also an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties between our two countries.  

  

  Workshop participants discussing learning techniques used in New Zealand early childhood institutions.

  Professor Marek Tesar, a distinguished early childhood education expert from the University of Auckland led the workshop and shared his expertise with the group. He highlighted innovative approaches to implementing interactive outdoor play and used practical insights with theoretical foundations to enhance the educators' skills and knowledge. This included leading the group through experiential activities and thought-provoking discussions, including how outdoor play can instil a sense of environmental stewardship among teachers and children.  

  

  Malaysian early childhood educators at the workshop on "Engage, Explore, Excel: Interactive Play Strategies for Effective Preschool Education".

  Ben Burrowes, ENZ’s Regional Director Asia (excluding China) and Acting General Manager International, and Emma Verry from the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur attended the session and extended warm welcome remarks, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in advancing early childhood education in both countries. 
     

  

  From left to right: ENZ’s Ben Burrowes, Juraida Binti Umat Bidin, Deputy Director of Preschool Sector Curriculum Development Division and Nooraini Binti Kamaruddin, Senior Deputy Director Curriculum Development Division from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Emma Verry from the New Zealand High Commission, ENZ’s Market Manager for Indonesia and Malaysia Naluri Bella, and University of Auckland’s Professor Marek Tesar. They are pictured here after the exchange of commemorative gifts in recognition of the occasion.

  Ben said that the workshop gave a wonderful opportunity for educators from Malaysia to come together to hear from Professor Tesar and explore the multifaceted benefits of interactive play. 

  “Our two countries recognise the critical importance of the formative years in a child’s development and the profound impact that quality early childhood education can have on their future success and well-being.  

  “Participants were all very enthusiastic about discovering new ways to engage and empower their students. We hope this will lead to more collaboration and sharing of ideas between our two countries that educators and students alike can benefit from,” said Ben.   
   

• Malaysian students and NZ universities strengthen ties in series of education events

  From 13 to 20 May, the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) team in Malaysia supported a series of international education events across the country. The activities were co-funded with education agencies and were organised to raise awareness of the quality of New Zealand’s universities and the breadth of education opportunities for Malaysian students.

  The initiative kicked-off with a series of education fairs held at MARA Colleges in Kuala Lumpur, Ledang, and Lenggong from 13 to 16 May. MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) is the Malaysian Government Scholarship Provider and supports Malaysian students to pursue higher education at home or abroad. At these fairs, ENZ and participating New Zealand universities partnered with IDP to engage with diploma students from MARA who are looking to continue their bachelor's degrees overseas.   
    

  

  ENZ’s Market Manager for Indonesia and Malaysia, Naluri Bella (3rd from left), and education representatives delivered a session at Mara College in Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia.

  ENZ followed this event by co-hosting another education fair in Kuala Lumpur with AECC Global Malaysia from 17 to 19 May. This event attracted approximately 100 enthusiastic students interested in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at New Zealand universities.  

   

  

  Crowd at the Education New Zealand fair with AECC Global Malaysia on 18 May 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.

  Prospective international students from East Malaysia were then offered the opportunity to learn more about studying in New Zealand at an information session in Kuching from 19 to 20 May. This session was held in collaboration with the city's leading education agency, MMS, and gave students valuable insights into New Zealand's academic landscape, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their future education.  

  

  Study in New Zealand Information session at MMS office in Kuching, East Malaysia, 19 May 2024.

  ENZ’s Regional Director, Asia (excluding China) and Acting General Manager of International, Ben Burrowes, highlighted the importance of conducting such events in Malaysia. 

  “Running student recruitment activities like these in Malaysia are a core part of ENZ’s strategy to promote diversity within New Zealand’s international student community.  

  “They also serve to foster cultural exchange and mutual growth, strengthening the enduring ties between our nations that were originally established through the Colombo Plan,” said Ben.  

  ENZ’s Market Manager for Indonesia and Malaysia, Naluri Bella, added that it was positive to see so much interest in learning more about studying in New Zealand from students right across the country.  

  “In an effort to broaden the reach of our recruitment efforts, ENZ and agents also connected with international schools in Malaysia. Our PR activity also gained traction with local media who shared details of our information sessions. 

  “This approach really underscores our commitment to fostering educational exchanges and facilitating pathways for Malaysian students to pursue higher education in New Zealand,” said Naluri.   

  

  School visit at Sayfol International School in Kuala Lumpur, 17 May 2024.

• Latest Immigration New Zealand update: English translations will be required for visitor visa suppor

  English translations will be required for visitor visa supporting documents

  Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from 17 June 2024, all supporting documents submitted with visitor visa applications to INZ must be provided in English. This includes visitor visa applications from people wanting to study for less than three months.   

  For further information on what this means please see the announcement on the INZ website: English translations will be required for visitor visa supporting documents | Immigration New Zealand.

  There are no plans at this stage for student visas to follow suit.