Education New Zealand Press Release

25/08/04

Winners Announced in the Inaugural International Education Excellence Awards

‘International Education in New Zealand is in good heart and excellent hands, going by the outstanding achievements of the winners of the first annual International Education Excellence Awards’. That’s the verdict of Education New Zealand Chief Executive Robert Stevens, following the announcement of the winners of the winners at a gala dinner at Auckland’s Sheraton Hotel.

Representatives from each institution were on hand to receive their Awards from Hon. Steve Maharey at the packed event, held in conjunction with the Education New Zealand International Education Conference.

‘The theme of this year’s Conference has been ‘Maintaining the Edge’ says Robert Stevens. Each of these winners is a great example of just how the edge is being maintained in the extremely competitive global education marketplace. Each winner shows an impressive commitment to quality throughout their institutions.’

The Awards were the culmination of a process that saw nominations submitted from throughout New Zealand. Judging was by a large panel of industry experts and senior institutional representatives.

‘This is very much a peer driven evaluation’ says Robert Stevens. ‘The judging panel recognised the extra lengths that these institutions are going to in order to ensure that their students are getting the best. It is a real boost to the winners to know that their efforts have been noticed and appreciated, and a real boost to the industry to be able to count among itself such excellent examples of educational practice. We are all particularly delighted that the winners are from a range of sectors, and from across the country. Best practice is an industry wide aspiration’

‘These Awards send a very positive message to institutions, to New Zealand and to the world’ says Robert Stevens. ‘New Zealand can be proud of its international educators and what they are achieving every day. The winners of these Awards a setting a great example for us all’.

The Categories and Winners are as follows: The AI (Advancing Internationalisation) Award
Excellence in internationalisation initiatives that are advancing genuine educational internationalisation in New Zealand.
Christchurch College of Education, which highlighted their cohesive and progressive 10 strand strategy The CR (Community Relations) Award
Excellence in fostering and improving community relations between New Zealanders and international students.
Unique New Zealand, who are an integral part of their Browns Bay community. The PD (Professional Development) Award
Excellence in professional development programmes within the industry.
Papanui High School, with a strong record of PD leadership The ET (Excellent Teaching) Award

Excellence in teaching programmes, including innovative and effective classroom programmes and other teaching initiatives.
University of Otago Language Centre, who have actively implemented new teaching methods over the last 18 months The OD (Offshore Delivery) Award (NB. Joint Winners)

Excellence in implementing, building and expanding offshore delivery.
Auckland University of Technology, with their programme in Shanghai.
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, who have also developed operations in China. The MD (Marketing Diversification) Award
Excellence in developing and fostering diverse markets offshore.
Dominion English, who have opened up many diverse markets and been a leader in international linkages. The PC (Pastoral Care) Award
Excellence in pastoral care and student support programmes relating to non teaching activity.

Nayland College, who have developed a wonderfully supportive approach to pastoral care for their student body.

ENDS

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