On 20 November, 55 representatives from schools and educational institutions in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty gathered to celebrate the relaunch of Education Tauranga, marking a renewed commitment to growing international education in the region.

International education plays a vital role in enriching our communities socially and culturally while also driving economic growth. After a few years of recovery post-covid, Education Tauranga is entering a new phase with a new Chairperson, Premila D’Mello, who will focus on positioning the Bay of Plenty as a leading study destination for international students. The wider region already hosts 1,705 international students, including 920 in schools and shows strong potential to attract more international students into our classrooms at all levels – from primary school to University. 

Guest speakers at the event Alana Pellow from Education New Zealand and Paul Millar of MBIE focussed on the development of the international education industry across New Zealand and outlined the government’s vision for the Going for Growth strategy, which aims to double the value of international education to $7.2 billion by 2034.

Working alongside partners such as Priority One, local councils and Tourism Bay of Plenty, Education Tauranga will support schools and providers to strengthen their global connections and showcase Tauranga’s unique learning environment to the world. 

L-R Haidee Kalirai (Tauranga City Council), Paul Millar (MBIE), Kavitha Magesan, Cr. Rosenboom, Chau Tran. Greg Simmonds, Annette Roff, Premila D’Mello, Rowan Barton, Bipul Das