University Of Melbourne In Auckland Expanding

Language school Hawthorn Auckland has seen overseas student numbers grow from 25 to 175 in the last 12 months, has doubled floor area and looking to do the same with teacher numbers, with job advertisements for six new permanent full-time teachers running this week in The New Zealand Herald. Chairman David Lloyd says the growth is pleasing and bodes well for planned international expansion.

“Hawthorn Auckland was the first of a planned 30 overseas schools owned by Melbourne University Private, but operated locally, with its own Board of Directors.

“Auckland has already been joined by three others (Edinburgh, Vancouver and Ho Chi Minh City), and these have opened many opportunities for internationally marketing study in New Zealand. It has also given New Zealand teachers the opportunity to teach and gain experience overseas within the network yet return to secure teaching employment in New Zealand.

“New Zealanders are working overseas with us right now, and we have seconded from Edinburgh Stephanie Smith to be director of studies, bringing her wealth of international experience to New Zealand.

“Our search for six new permanent New Zealand teachers for Hawthorn Auckland, as well as the marketing of Hawthorn Auckland and its links to other New Zealand educational institutions is part of Melbourne University Private’s commitment to New Zealand.

“With the international expansion having started in Auckland, and this initial school growing so well, we believe our target of further growth in Auckland is achievable despite the events of September 11. We are also confident of opening another 4 schools overseas in 2002, and having 30 in total by 2004.

“Hawthorn Auckland and its links with New Zealand tertiary institutions, such as the University of Auckland, will remain a pivotal part of this expanded network. As then Minister of Education, the Hon. Phil Goff, said when he opened the Auckland school last year: ‘I welcome its role as a significant contributor to the New Zealand drive to attract international students to New Zealand. The economic and foreign policy implications of international education services for New Zealand are profound’.”

“Within 12 months, Hawthorn Auckland will be known in the other cities we will be opening schools, including Dublin and Muscat.”

Melbourne University Private has a turnover of about A$50 million per annum with interests primarily in intellectual property management, international project management, consultancy services and English language centres. In 1999 the organisation floated a successful dot com company, and has been using the funds to build other businesses. The acquisition in 2000 of the Hawthorn Auckland language centre was one of these.

More information:
David Lloyd Ken Lee
Chairman CEO, New Zealand
phone 0061-3-9810 3301 09-373 4489
d.lloyd@muprivate.edu.au k.lee@hawthornenglish.co.nz

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