From the CE: Going for growth

Kia ora koutou,  

The month of February has seen several important announcements. 

Firstly, we received confirmation that the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford, now has responsibility for international education and Education New Zealand.  

Minister Stanford is also Minister of Immigration and the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions.  We are looking forward to working closely with our new Minister to advance her priorities for ENZ and international education. 

The Government also announced its economic growth plan, Going for Growth: Unlocking New Zealand’s potential. International education is a key plank in the Government’s economic growth agenda and it is one of New Zealand’s major export revenue generating sectors – one that generates jobs, supports the labour market, attracts and retains global talent, and enhances New Zealand’s international relationships. As a sector, international education contributed $3.34 billion in value to the New Zealand economy to the year ending June 2024. 

Continuing that theme, economic growth is the focus of the Prime Minister’s visit to Viet Nam this week. Our brand health research has identified Viet Nam as the fastest growing market for awareness of New Zealand as an education destination. International education is a central feature of the mission, which has strong provider representation. I’m looking forward to participating and will be sharing some insights in my next column. 

This month we were delighted to welcome Dr Ron Xavier as ENZ’s new Regional Director Greater China and Counsellor Education. Ron joins us from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment where he was the Science and Innovation Counsellor. Ron has worked in China for over six years and has previously been involved in prime ministerial visits and Chinese ministerial visits to New Zealand. I had the pleasure of meeting Ron when I was in China late last year and know he will be a great addition to our team in Beijing. 

Whakapau kaha ki te whai i te ao hurihuri 

Be strong in pursuing the ever-changing world. 

Ngā mihi nui,   

Amanda Malu  

Chief Executive   
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao