MEDIA RELEASE
19 August 2003

Capital of country’s education export industry will host 2004 international conference

Auckland City will host the New Zealand International Education Conference in 2004.

It is one of many steps the council is taking to ensure the vitality of a $1.7 billion industry, $900 million of which goes into Auckland’s economy.

Currently the council is researching how to maximise the industry’s benefits.

“Over the past few years the international student industry has seen phenomenal growth. The Iraqi war, SARs and a general downturn in international markets have seen a slowing in the industry. Although growth will continue it will be at lower levels,” says Councillor Mark Donnelly, Chairperson Strategy and Governance Committee.

The committee provided Study Auckland, a council-funded enterprise, $40,000 to continue its work in supporting education institutions through generic marketing material, website promotion, industry events and monthly forums on topical issues.

It has also commissioned an International Education economic impact report from Infometrics to gain a better understanding of the industry and its future planning needs.

The research will determine the role of the industry in the Auckland’s economy, its costs and benefits, long-term sustainability and the risks of any industry downturn.

It could point to a number of potential areas for council involvement. These are institutional infrastructure, transport planning, planning for an education precinct, government advocacy, rental space and accommodation issues, open space planning (especially in the CBD), communication and marketing, support of student care, and the general management of the industry’s sustainability.

“With a lower industry growth at present, we can take the time to plan for future needs,” says Councillor Donnelly.

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