Grow Rotorua has received a grant of $240,000 over three years from Education New Zealand (ENZ) to help boost the economic value of international education in Rotorua.
The ENZ Regional Partnership Fund grant will enable the implementation of Grow Rotorua's Education Initiative which focuses on doubling the economic value of
international education in the Rotorua district by 2019.
This is in line with the government's Business Growth Agenda, which targets a doubling of export (international) education value for New Zealand to $5 billion by 2025.
Rotorua hosts over 2,500 international students each year, with the majority studying at Waiariki Institute of Technology.
These students spend $50 million on fees, accommodation and other direct costs. The wider contribution to the local economy from these students is estimated to be around $75 million per annum.
Grow Rotorua chief executive Francis Pauwels said there was a terrific willingness of organisations keen to work together on the Education Rotorua Initiative.
"We are hugely grateful to the support of our Steering Group members, Action Group, and of course for the Education New Zealand funding which allows us to take the next strategic step in appointing an Education Rotorua co-ordinator."
Rotorua English Language Academy principal Chris Leckie said Rotorua could be proud of its educational achievements and there was capacity for much more growth.
"We have world class educational institutions and Rotorua is recognised as an awesome, friendly and truly beautiful place to live and study."
The Education Rotorua Initiative recognises an opportunity for education providers in Rotorua to work collaboratively to grow their market presence and overseas activity, thereby increasing their international student intake. To support this, Grow Rotorua has formed a Steering Group comprising local secondary and tertiary education providers, as well as representatives from Destination Rotorua Marketing and the Rotorua District Council.
Central to implementing the strategy will be the appointment of a co-ordinator to help build and strengthen these relationships and opportunities.
The co-ordinator will help education providers with marketing collateral and representation at trade events, as well as helping with their systems, information and support services where required. The co-ordinator will also align with Destination Rotorua Marketing which already has a presence in international target markets alongside Tourism New Zealand.
Mr Pauwels is excited about the collective approach to education which allows new relationships to be built between secondary and tertiary providers and tourism and other support infrastructure.
"We are seeing examples of this collaboration already between John Paul College and Waiariki. This provides access to new markets that have not been visible to educators. It also positions Rotorua as a premier destination for international students to gain an education as well as experience all the unique opportunities the region has to offer."