NZIEC KI TUA 2023 (New Zealand’s International Education Conference) was held in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 16 to 18 August 2023 at Te Pae Convention Centre with approximately 600 international education professionals in attendance from New Zealand, across the Tasman in Australia and around the globe.
Twelve months on from New Zealand’s international borders reopening and celebrating its 30th year, the NZIEC KI TUA conference explored a range of key areas, including student mental health and wellbeing, sustainability, the delivery of TNE programs, opportunities for student recruitment and partnerships internationally and how to leverage your marketing spend for results.
A host of impressive keynote speakers explained how the education sector can leverage technology for growth, how the sustainable development goals are everyone’s responsibility (and increasingly important given the current rankings focus attributed to these) and how integrating Māori culture into a student’s international experience will give a unique New Zealand perspective as part of their studies.
Visas were incredibly topical with a range of Immigration NZ staff explaining the current settings, expectations and performance whilst committing to working with the sector to ensure it remains internationally competitive.
A host of special social events ensured old friends and new ones were able to interact and catch up after many years of online events. Whether attending the Opening Networking Function where international student contributions to leadership were recognised; the University of Auckland hosted the Women in International Education Breakfast; or the Gala Dinner, where New Zealand’s educational links with China were celebrated with his honourable Dr. Huai Jinpeng, Minster of Education, People’s Republic of China in attendance, the excitement in the room and at the conference was palpable.
Credit to Education New Zealand for an incredibly well-run event in a beautiful location and to the range of participating New Zealand institutions who are collaborating to ensure Te Ara Ki Tua (the pathway forward) sees New Zealand’s education sector rebounding strongly in the coming year.
Chris Bandy is Acumen’s (part of Sannam S4) Executive Director ANZ
