Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s (ATEED) Manager International Education – Study Auckland, Henry Matthews, says it’s important for international students living in Auckland to have a positive experience while they are here and feel included.
“We want these students to be well supported, welcomed and valued for their contribution to the country and communities they live and study in,” he says.
“We believe a better destination experience (both on and off campus), will create more positive word of mouth recommendations to the offshore friends and family of international students, that in turn fuels the future demand of international students and visitors into our region.”
As part of this work, Study Auckland worked with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to develop the Rukuhia Global Leadership Programme.
As part of the day, students experience a pōwhiri, meet iwi leaders, elders and youth council members, learn some te reo Māori (Māori language), participate in a waiata workshop, and have a guided walk across the ancestral lands of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to discover the local flora and fauna.
Already more than 140 tertiary level students from 41 nationalities take part in day-long workshops on the marae (ancestral grounds) focusing on leadership, values, innovation, sustainability and the connection of people, place and environment.
Read more about the programme here