Toi Ohomai‘s International Services Manager, Ada Chen, has been recognised by her peers at ISANA: The International Education Association of NZ, for her outstanding contribution to leadership in the sector. 

Priority One General Manager, Greg Simmonds, says Ada is a well deserving recipient of the award as she has played a key role in leading initiatives supporting international student recruitment, experience and wellbeing, as well as supporting new talent in the international education sector. In addition, Ada has volunteered for many years to serve on the board of Education Tauranga. This regional organisation is made up of local institutions dedicated to ensuring the region provides the highest quality of education and care to international students who choose to live and study in the region. 

Last year, the international education sector was worth $3.6b to Aotearoa’s economy and under the Government’s Going for Growth Plan, launched in July 2025, the goal is to grow the value of the sector to $7.2b by 2034. 

Education Tauranga aims to ensure the Western Bay of Plenty is a leading contributor to the growth of export education and a destination of choice for international students.