Attracting international students back to the Waikato

The new Learn Waikato initiative was welcomed yesterday by local education providers and agents to celebrate the launch of the new website.  

The first of its kind in the region, Learn Waikato is a website and free toolkit of marketing resources that promotes the Waikato region as an exciting study destination for international students that offers ‘all the best of Aotearoa New Zealand.  

“We look forward to seeing the Waikato’s education providers using the high-quality marketing assets that have been created through the Learn Waikato project, to promote the Waikato region to international students around the world,” says Fiona Carrick, Te Waka Chief Executive.  

“International education plays an important economic and social role in our region, and the sector is now in an important rebuild phase with borders reopening. Te Waka is proud to have facilitated the delivery of the Learn Waikato project in partnership with industry and support from Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao.” 

Pre-Covid, international education was estimated to contribute $280 million per annum to the Waikato economy, supporting over 3,000 jobs, bringing students from over 80 nationalities into the Waikato. 

With the borders now reopening to international students, the website is a step towards welcoming the world back to the region. 

“We greatly missed having the diverse range of international students in our classrooms while our borders were closed,” says Julie Radice, Morrinsville College International Student Director.  

“The value our international students bring is significant – they bring a global perspective and unique insight that enhances the learning experience of all our students. The Learn Waikato assets will be a great tool for us to continue attracting a diverse range of students to the region.” 

The Learn Waikato toolkit is a library of assets available on the Te Waka website for education providers to use to market themselves and the region to international students.  

“The Waikato offers world-class education options and an authentically kiwi experience for international students. It’s fantastic to have an asset like Learn Waikato to help us share our story with prospective international students, their families and our international partners, to encourage more international students to choose the Waikato,” says Girish Nair, Wintec’s International Director.   

“Learn Waikato demonstrates the value of education providers from across the Waikato region coming together to help tell the story of what makes the Waikato a great destination for international students.” says Margaret Anderson, The University of Waikato Representative 

“In working together, we have created an asset that can be used to support growth across the Waikato education sector.” 

For access to the Learn Waikato toolkit, please contact learn@waikato.com for instructions on how to register via the Te Waka website.  

Check out the new Learn Waikato website here.