Winston Peters’ Support Welcomed by Language Schoo

Winston Peters’ Support Welcomed by Language Schools

The Association of Private Providers of English Language (APPEL) welcomes Winston Peters’ support for the English language school industry. Mr Peters was reported yesterday as saying that he was concerned about the decline in the number of Chinese students studying English in New Zealand over the past few years.

“The drop in the Chinese market has been very difficult for many schools, especially since it coincided with a rising dollar that has reduced demand in other markets too”, said Frances Woolcott, APPEL Chairperson.

“Overall, income for English language schools in the March 2005 year was $313m, a 41% drop from the $516m revenue in the March 2003 year. The $203m drop in revenue over the last two years represents thousands of jobs lost in the industry, as well as families affected by a drop in homestay students and landlords by empty apartments.”

“We hope to work with Winston Peters and other ministers to find useful approaches to boosting demand in China and other markets.”

ENDS

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