16 August 2017 at 9:00 am
Tai Tokerau Northland welcomes new strategy
Northland’s education providers, iwi, international students and local and central government celebrated the launch of Tai Tokerau Northland’s international education strategy at Waitangi last Friday.
Tertiary Education Minister Paul Goldsmith launched the strategy alongside some 90 Northland representatives as well as students from Whangarei’s Chinese sister city of Haikou.
The 10-year strategy aim is to create a sense of belonging and wellbeing for Northland’s international students, while outlining specific and sustainable growth targets. This includes boosting international secondary student numbers to 400, primary and intermediate school enrolments to 200 and tripling the economic value of international education to the region to $30 million.
Greg Scott, ENZ General Manager, Industry Development, said the strategy emphasises the region’s unique value proposition for students.
“As the Minister said, many international students value the opportunity to experience tikanga Māori and te reo in an authentic setting. Northland delivers a uniquely New Zealand experience.”
Northland has now joined ENZ’s Regional Partnership Programme, which will help to further the potential of the strategy via partnerships with Northland Inc., Northland communities and education providers.
Northland Inc Chief Executive Officer David Wilson said international education offers many cultural, social and economic opportunities for the region.
“International education is not only an export earner for Northland – it is also a way for our youth to gain exposure to different cultures, connections and opportunities,” said David.
The Tai Tokerau Northland International Education Strategy is available here.
Students from Haikou, Whangarei's Sister City, pose for a photo with Chinese Counsel General Madam Xu Erwen.
Photos courtesy of Rabea Pein.
