Auckland - Study in Auckland

Auckland welcomes international students

The city of Auckland welcomed more than 1000 new international students today with a powhiri and kapa haka during a civic ceremony held at Auckland's Town Hall. The students will be studying within the immediate Auckland area.

Councillor John Hinchcliff, chairperson of Auckland City Council's Partnerships Committee, praised the valuable contributions made by international students to the city.

"While the international students receive the benefits of a world-class education and lifestyle, our city also benefits as it becomes a more cosmopolitan and vibrant place to live, work and play", he said.

The international education sector is a significant economic contributor to the city of Auckland since the area has a significant international student population that is unmatched in New Zealand.

Tourism Auckland's chief executive, Graeme Osborne, also said that international students made Auckland an attractive tourist destination.

"The students are often visited by friends and family from overseas while they are here, which boosts Auckland's tourism sector. Ultimately, these students return to their countries as global advocates of destination Auckland," he said.

Councillor Hinchcliff said the city was collaborating with key industry partners in order to ensure the continued growth of the international education sector.

"International education is important to both our economy and in building political and cultural ties that benefit Auckland City and our international friends," said Councillor Hinchcliff. "To achieve this, we recognise that the quality of the student experience must be of the highest standard and that this includes both the academic and social experiences students have", he said.