Update for industry on Assignments4U issue

Although I was made aware of the issue late on Friday, I was still taken aback at the tone of the article and some of the implications made.

The issues raised are of concern to all of us, and we are working on gaining better understanding of the scale of the problem. We do know that it is not, as the article may imply, a problem that is peculiar to Chinese students, nor to students from any other country.

Education New Zealand’s (ENZ’s) main focus on this issue is to manage any risks to New Zealand's international reputation as a provider of world class education, and to local perceptions of the value of international education to New Zealand.

We are following a clear plan to manage any impact this issue may have locally and, most importantly, in China. I’d like to let you know what’s underway now.

Yesterday we responded to media enquiries through a statement, most of which has been reported in the various media items on the matter so far.

ENZ has excellent relationships within the Chinese education sector and our Regional Director, Greater China, is in touch with Chinese officials to ensure there is no misunderstanding about the issue or the New Zealand Government’s response to the matter.

I am aware of the efforts everyone our industry makes to maintain New Zealand’s reputation as a provider of high quality education, and you can be sure we are very much focussed on that as well.

If you have any thoughts, comments or require any assistance, then please get in touch with me, or Senior Communications Advisor, Susie McShane.

Kind regards,

Grant McPherson