Joyce sells NZ education to South Americans

Steven Joyce. Photo / NZME.

Steven Joyce has begun a 10-day visit to South America to try to drum up more interest in New Zealand as a study destination.

He will be visiting Colombia, Brazil and Chile and is accompanied by a group of university representatives.

Mr Joyce said New Zealand was becoming a popular destination for Latin American students - which totalled 4 per cent of the total international student population.

"As a small trading nation our level of success in this Asia Pacific century will be determined by our level of connectedness."

He said the education relationships were focused on research collaboration and scholarships especially in agriculture, science and innovation. "The visit will explore opportunities and for co-operating in new areas including teaching training, curriculum development and qualification frameworks."

Mr Joyce will give a speech at a science, technology and innovation conference in Bogata, Colombia, and at an education conference in Cuiaba, Brazil. He will be in Sao Paulo on Anzac Day and will attend a commemoration with Australian, Turkish and Brazilian Government representatives.

Those accompanying Mr Joyce on his education mission are Grant Guilford, vice-chancellor, Victoria University; Richard Blaikie, deputy vice-chancellor (Research & Enterprise), Otago University; Chris Whelan, executive director, Universities New Zealand; Jeremy Baker, deputy vice-chancellor, International and Business Development, Lincoln University; Maria Duter, South American specialist, Lincoln University; Grant McPherson, chief executive, Education NZ.