Intl. education industry lacks coherent strategy

MEDIA STATEMENT
3 December 2003

International education industry lacks coherent strategy
Re: Education (Export Education Levy) Amendment Bill

Councillor Mark Donnelly, chairperson of the Auckland City Council’s Strategy and Governance Committee, says:

“Today’s announcement by Trevor Mallard that the Government will impose additional levies on the international education industry, reinforces the lack of a coherent strategy for this vital industry and the need for the key stakeholders to join forces.

Auckland City today (Wednesday 3 December) agreed to host a forum of key stakeholders to investigate the formation of a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Taskforce for the international education industry.

We have already had a lot of interest in this forum, which will aim to drive the industry forward in the best way for international students, education providers, residents, businesses and Auckland’s economy.

According to an Infometrics Consulting report commissioned by the council and released this week, the international education industry is worth $930 million to Auckland. The flow-on economic impact of each student on the wider community is immense.

By working in partnership with the industry and other stakeholders, Auckland City plans to better manage the impact and needs of this vital industry and provide international students with a quality experience.”

Ends

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