25 October 2017 at 9:00 am
Letter from the CE: We are keen to engage with new government
The past few days have provided more clarity on the new Government, with Labour leader Jacinda Ardern sworn in as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, with Winston Peters as her deputy, tomorrow.
We learned today that Chris Hipkins will be the new Minister of Education, with responsibility for tertiary education and skills including international education. In addition, the appointments of Kelvin Davis, Tracey Martin and Jenny Salesa as Associate Ministers of Education were announced.
Our immediate priority at Education New Zealand is to ensure we are well positioned to advise our new Minister, and to ensure a smooth transition of administration.
We are well advanced in this work. We are finalising a Briefing to the Incoming Minister (BIM) and working with other government agencies on other advice to safeguard New Zealand’s reputation as a high quality and desirable place to study.
In particular, we are keen to engage with incoming Ministers on the long-term picture for international education and the broader benefits it delivers to New Zealand, in particular on delivering an education to be proud of and driving sustainable growth especially in the regions.
2017 has already been a year of significant adjustment for the industry, particularly in the India market. There has also been considerable work around provider quality, student wellbeing and shifting the dial in student attraction from volume to higher value, particularly at university level.
We will have a busy few months ahead. New Zealand must work hard to be a place that welcomes high quality international students and offers them a world-class education and a great experience.
Grant McPherson
Chief Executive, Education New Zealand
