Each year, the Bay of Plenty strengthens its global connections by welcoming hundreds of students from around the world. Premila D’Mello, Chairperson of Education Tauranga, tells us how their presence enriches our schools, communities and economy, while helping shape a vibrant, inclusive and internationally connected future.

Education Tauranga recently hosted the region’s annual International Student Civic Welcome at Holy Trinity, where Tauranga Mayor, Mahé Drysdale and Western Bay of Plenty District Council Deputy Mayor, Margaret Benge formally welcomed students and their families to the Bay of Plenty.

Arriving for the new academic year, students have come from countries including Korea, China, Germany, Austria, Spain and India. “Their arrival continues to strengthen the local education sector and enrich the wider community with the diverse cultural perspectives they bring,” says Education Tauranga Chairperson, Premila D’Mello.

International students – An asset for the region

International students make a significant contribution to the regional economy through tuition fees, accommodation and homestays, and spending across food, retail, transport, tourism and hospitality, as well as through visits from friends and relatives, and part-time employment where eligible.

Collectively, this generates millions of dollars in economic activity each year. Strategically, they also strengthen the region’s long-term talent pipeline by progressing into tertiary pathways, supporting key sectors such as health, engineering, technology, horticulture and tourism, and increasing the likelihood of skilled migrants choosing to settle locally. International students are not just temporary visitors — they are potential future residents, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals who bring talents that are very useful, especially for growth of New Zealand’s economy.

“With 2,515 international students studying in our region, international education is not just a school-level activity – it’s a significant regional asset,” says Premila. Keeping students is an opportunity for the region. Stats from ENZ show that in 2023, 32.6% of international school leavers transitioned to tertiary studies in New Zealand.

Of these students, 54% went to Auckland and 8.3% to Wellington. “There’s an opportunity for our tertiary institutes and The University of Waikato to attract some of the remaining 37.7% to stay in our region for further studies,” she says.

New perspectives & world views

International students play a vital role in shaping Tauranga’s identity as a vibrant, inclusive and globally connected region. “International students significantly enhance Tauranga’s cultural and social fabric by increasing diversity and global awareness within schools and the wider community,” says Premila. “Their presence enriches classrooms with new perspectives and worldviews, helping local students develop intercultural competence and a deeper understanding of the world.

“Over time, many international students become lifelong ambassadors for Tauranga, maintaining personal and professional connections that extend the region’s global reach,” she says. Beyond education, they strengthen relationships with other countries, fostering valuable international links, while visits from their families and friends boost visitor numbers and further promote the region internationally.

Creating a sense of belonging

“A civic welcome from the Mayors of Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty signals that international students are valued by the entire community, not just their schools,” says Premila. “Creating a genuine sense of belonging early on is directly linked to student success – academically, socially, and emotionally. It also reinforces that international education is strategically important to the region’s future,” she says.

“When a city welcomes students publicly, it shifts the message from ‘you are enrolled here’ to ‘you belong here’.”