Statement from Linda Sissons, Acting Chief Executive

We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of international students in a road accident near Lake Tekapo on Saturday. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the campus communities at the University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington and the wider Malaysian student community in New Zealand.

We hope those injured in the crash make a full recovery.

We are grateful for the community of support that has emerged around the accident in New Zealand and Malaysia to aid the victims and their families during an extremely distressing and challenging time – heartfelt thanks to our emergency response teams, the Malaysian community in Ōtautahi Christchurch, universities, and locals who responded to the scene.

 

Linda Sissons

Acting Chief Executive, Education New Zealand