Where’s the strategy for export education?
Business NZ today expressed concern at the Government’s apparent lack of strategy for growing the export of education
services
“Developing the sale of educational services - whether in New Zealand to overseas students, or delivered offshore by
New Zealand providers - is a critical component of the Government’s own growth objectives,” Business NZ Chief Executive
Simon Carlaw said.
“This is a global business in which new Zealand’s competitors should not be gifted an advantage for spurious reasons.
There is no room for policy flip-flops on the role of private providers, the questionable imposition of education
industry levies and now arbitrary caps on the number of fee-paying students.
“If New Zealand is to grow and prosper, it needs to be a strong, vibrant and innovative nation with strong business and
export links. For the same reasons as apply to immigration policies, New Zealand cannot afford to be been by others as
anything other than a welcoming and confident society with clear, consistent policy objectives targeting growth.”