AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

TOURISM AUCKLAND

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

28 February 2007

International students make positive move for Auckland

The annual international student civic welcome was held in Auckland’s Town Hall today to welcome almost 1200 new international students to the city.

Dominic Bowden from NZ Idol hosted the event and students were welcomed by Mayor of Auckland city Dick Hubbard, Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme Osborne, a powhiri, kapa haka performance and musical entertainment by New Zealand artist Sarah Brown.

Chairperson of Auckland City Council’s Partnerships Committee, Councillor John Hinchcliff, says the students will be studying at high schools, language schools, private training establishments and tertiary institutions throughout the Auckland region and their move brings many benefits to Auckland.

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

“International education is important to both our economy and in building political and cultural ties that benefit Auckland City Council and our international friends,” Dr Hinchcliff says.

International education is an important part of Auckland’s economy, with around 50,000 students studying in the Auckland region and an economic benefit of more than $1 billion per year. The Auckland region has more than 50 per cent of all international students in New Zealand.

Tourism Auckland chief executive, Graeme Osborne, says international students have a significant role in Auckland’s tourism industry.

“We aim to encourage international students to get out and experience Auckland’s activities and attractions while they are here and many also get involved in part-time work while they are studying, further benefiting the hospitality and tourism sectors.

“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,” Mr Osborne says.

Dr Hinchcliff says Auckland City Council works closely with partners like Study Auckland, schools, universities and tertiary education institutionsto ensure the level of international education in Auckland grows in a sustainable way.

“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,” says Dr Hinchcliff.

The civic welcome was organised by Study Auckland, a department of Tourism Auckland, in association with Auckland City Council.

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