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Auckland businesses and families are counting on international students to keep the economy going and help pay their mortgages.
The New Zealand export education industry is one of the few sectors which seems to be booming, and businesses which have been hit by lower migration numbers, a decline in tourism and lower spending by people fearful that they could lose their jobs, are setting their sights on international student spending.
"International students bring to New Zealand an economic churn, and a big benefit is that their spending is diverse, through accommodation, consumption, vehicles, leisure activities and tourism generated by their families visiting here," said the chairman of the Association for Migration and Investment, Richard Howard.
"The financial impact of international students is wide ranging and can benefit a lot of people in the community, especially in the current economic climate."
Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme Osborne says Auckland has about 50,000 international students, and they contribute $1 billion a year to the city's economy.
"The figure includes living costs, which incorporates benefits for tourism, accommodation, dining out and other social activities," Mr Osborne said.
"There are additional economic benefits from visiting family and friends which have positive spin-offs for the tourism industry, as well as the important word-of-mouth recommendations."
He said today's welcome for 1600 new students had attracted more sponsors than previous years - including AJ Hackett Bungy, Auckland Bridge Climb and Kiwiana Tours - as tourism operators recognised the importance of targeting students.
The general manager of Whitireia International, Paul Maguiness, says international education was proving to be recession-proof, because many Asian parents continued to spend on education, even if they had to make other sacrifices.
"I've heard that some are even prepared to sell their houses to send their children overseas - that's how importantly some Asian parents rate education for their children," Mr Maguiness said.
"They see education as a passport to a better life for their children."
Mr Maguiness said his organisation had seen a 20 per cent increase, and it had resulted in four more teachers being employed.
Seven out of 10 first-time homestay families said that money was the main motivation for hosting students.
Lynne Hunt, an unemployed single mother who has a two-bedroom unit in Mt Albert, says she is moving her two toddlers in with her so she can put two students in the other room.
An international student pays $220 to $250 a week in homestay fees.
"My children's father has stopped giving any money since he lost his job, and the homestay money will be the thing that will help keep a roof over our heads and food on the table," Ms Hunt said.
Study Auckland, which represents 130 schools in their overseas marketing, says most schools are reporting an increase of between 10 and 15 per cent in enrolments.
"The low New Zealand dollar certainly makes this an attractive study destination right now," said Study Auckland manager Debbie Chambers.
The students, who will be welcomed at the Aotea Centre this morning,
come from schools, tertiary institutions and language providers throughout Auckland.
Ms Chambers said: "This is our chance to say a big thank you and welcome to those who have chosen Auckland as their study destination and temporary home."
