14 April 2005 Media Statement
Minister leads first ever education mission to India
Education Minister Trevor Mallard is to lead the first ever education mission by a New Zealand government to India,
aimed at significantly advancing the New Zealand-India bilateral education relationship.
Trevor Mallard, who departs today, will be accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Education Rob McIntosh, Chair of the
Education New Zealand Trust David Caygill, Pro-Vice Chancellors of New Zealand universities, and other representatives
of tertiary institutions.
“This is the largest education mission to leave New Zealand in recent years, and is another important step in the
development of the international education industry - which is worth more than $2 billion annually to New Zealand,”
Trevor Mallard said.
“Discussions between our governments, officials and sector representatives will help deepen our knowledge of policy and
market trends in Indian education.
"A key part of the April 19 to 22 India visit will be the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between New
Zealand and India. This provides a way to strengthen and deepen the ties between our education institutions, and
academics.
The mission will meet with some of India’s leading universities, and tertiary institutions in Delhi, Bangalore and
Mumbai, as a step in strengthening educational and academic engagement between the two countries.
“The delegation will build understanding around the programmes for international students available from New Zealand
educational institutions. It will also support and publicise existing New Zealand education initiatives and consultancy
work in India. Creating or extending opportunities for collaboration on research will also be a focus of the mission,"
Trevor Mallard said.
Trevor Mallard will also be travelling to the Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, from 24 to
28 April. This mission follows up on his earlier visit to the Gulf in 2003 and is another step in further strengthening
cooperation in education between the Gulf countries and New Zealand. As Associate Finance Minister he will attend the
World Bank conference in Washington from April 15 to 17.
ENDS