Export Education Co-ordinator Starts Next Week

Export Education Co-ordinator Starts Next Week

Dunedin, 14 February 2014 - Recognising the importance of Dunedin’s education sector, a specialist role has been created to implement the Export Education Strategy, that was developed as an outcome of the new city-wide economic development strategy.

Export Education Co-ordinator Sarah Gauthier starts on Monday. Her position is being funded through the Dunedin Economic Development Strategy project budget and she will be based in the Dunedin City Council’s Economic Development Unit.

Grow Dunedin Partnership Chairman Chris Staynes says creating this new position is a key part of delivering on Strategy aims. Ms Gauthier will implement the Export Education Strategy that was developed during 2013 with the help of Tim Rogers, a leading international expert. The Strategy is designed to position the city as New Zealand’s premier destination for international students.

The position is to support education providers to attract international students, to support local education businesses and providers, and to leverage export education to attract and retain talent and support other sectors, including tourism, in Dunedin.

“To achieve this, Sarah will be working closely with tertiary institutions, schools and private sector education providers. Having someone totally focused on this important area will add greatly to our efforts to promote Dunedin’s strong knowledge base.”

Economic Development Unit Manager Des Adamson says Ms Gauthier has had extensive work experience within the international education sector, at both institution and government levels. Her most recent position was International Market Manager (South East Asia) at Education New Zealand in Wellington.

“Sarah has excellent skills and experience in this area and we are very much looking forward to her joining the team.”

Ms Gauthier’s educational qualifications include a Masters of International Studies (with credit) from the University of Otago.

Ms Gauthier says, “International education is a critical part of Dunedin’s and New Zealand’s economy, bringing with it significant economic and cultural value. I look forward to enhancing Dunedin’s strengths and potential to grow the value of export education.”

Otago Polytechnic Chief Executive Phil Ker says, “I am thrilled to see this project now move into the implementation phase, after months of careful planning. I look forward to seeing the Dunedin community getting in behind the Strategy and really welcoming and supporting the international students who come to study here.

“And also our employers helping out with lots more work experience and internship opportunities – these will really make a difference to the success of the project.”

University of Otago Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Nicholson says, “We are looking forward to working with Sarah on this important strand of Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy. As well as international experience, she brings to the role invaluable first-hand knowledge of what it is like to study here in Dunedin.”

The Dunedin Economic Development Strategy is a 10-year blueprint for increasing incomes and job opportunities for Dunedin residents. It was created from a partnership between the Dunedin City Council, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, the Otago Southland Employers Association, the Otago Polytechnic, the University of Otago and Ngāi Tahu.

The Strategy was adopted in September 2012. Further details about the Strategy can be found at www.dunedineconomy.co.nz.

ENDS

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