New Zealand’s higher education institutions made a notable impact at the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, held from May 26 to 29 in Orlando, Florida. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) coordinated a unified delegation that included representatives from all eight New Zealand universities, presenting the country as a high-quality, innovative, and welcoming destination for international students and research partnerships.

Context of the NAFSA Conference and Its Global Significance

NAFSA: Association of International Educators hosts the world’s largest annual gathering of professionals in international education. The 2026 event drew thousands of delegates from more than 100 countries to discuss strategies for global engagement under the theme “Global by Design.” This focus encouraged participants to approach international education with intentional planning, creativity, and sustained action. For New Zealand universities, attendance provides essential opportunities to build relationships, share best practices, and position the sector competitively in the global market for students and collaborations.

New Zealand’s Unified Delegation at NAFSA 2026

ENZ and the eight universities collaborated closely to present a cohesive national profile. This collective approach reinforced New Zealand’s reputation for quality education grounded in innovation and inclusivity. The delegation participated in networking sessions, exhibition activities, and targeted presentations that highlighted distinctive aspects of the Aotearoa New Zealand model. By appearing together, the institutions demonstrated the sector’s coordinated commitment to internationalisation, which supports student recruitment, research partnerships, and curriculum development across the country.

Key Presentation on International Student Belonging

One highlight was a session led by Associate Professor Meegan Hall, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Mātauranga Māori) at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Her presentation, titled “He Whenua Whakapiri: The Aotearoa New Zealand Model for International Student Belonging,” explored culturally grounded approaches to fostering connection, identity, and community. Hall emphasised how Māori values and relational frameworks can enhance student success and sense of belonging for international learners. Attendees gained insights into practical strategies that other institutions might adapt to create more inclusive campus environments worldwide.

Panel on Country Partnerships and Study Abroad Equity

ENZ’s Director of Engagement (North America), DuBois Jennings, joined a panel examining the impact of country partnerships on U.S. study abroad engagement. The discussion featured representatives from Germany and Portugal and focused on the U.S. Department of State’s Gilman Scholarship Programme. New Zealand was the first country to establish a formal partnership with this initiative, which expands access to study abroad for underrepresented students. The partnership will mark its tenth anniversary in 2027, underscoring shared priorities around equity and inclusive pathways. Jennings highlighted how New Zealand’s emphasis on tailored student support aligns naturally with these goals.

Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

Perspectives from Education New Zealand Leadership

Natalie Lulia, ENZ’s Regional Director for the Americas, Europe, and Gulf Cooperation Council, reflected on the delegation’s success. She noted that New Zealand’s presence reflected core societal and educational values of partnership, care, and responsibility toward students. This shared foundation enables the sector to achieve outcomes that are uncommon at a national level and strengthens the country’s global voice in international education discussions. Lulia’s comments underscored the strategic importance of consistent participation in events like NAFSA for maintaining visibility and influence.

Benefits for New Zealand Universities and the Broader Sector

Participation at NAFSA supports multiple priorities for New Zealand’s eight universities. These include strengthening institutional relationships with overseas partners, promoting research collaborations, and attracting high-calibre international students. The unified presence helps differentiate New Zealand in a competitive global landscape by showcasing distinctive elements such as culturally responsive support systems and a strong emphasis on student wellbeing. Administrators and academics attending the conference also gain exposure to emerging trends in internationalisation, which can inform policy and practice back home.

Alignment with National International Education Goals

New Zealand universities rank among the most internationalised globally, with all eight institutions placed in the top 3 percent worldwide. This standing reflects sustained efforts in curriculum internationalisation, student experience enhancement, and cross-border research cooperation. The NAFSA delegation advances these objectives by facilitating direct engagement with international counterparts. Such activities complement broader government and sector initiatives aimed at maintaining New Zealand’s position as a preferred study destination while prioritising quality and sustainability over sheer volume of enrolments.

Stakeholder Views on Internationalisation Strategies

University leaders and international office staff from New Zealand institutions view consistent NAFSA participation as vital for long-term competitiveness. The event allows for real-time feedback on global student mobility trends and partnership opportunities. Academics involved in the presentations noted the value of sharing Aotearoa-specific models with a diverse audience, fostering mutual learning. Administrators appreciate the platform for advocating policy improvements, such as streamlined visa processes and enhanced post-study work rights, that support international student success.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Engagement

Following the strong showing at NAFSA 2026, New Zealand’s higher education sector is well positioned to build on the connections established in Orlando. Continued collaboration between ENZ and the universities will likely focus on expanding partnerships in key regions, refining student support frameworks, and contributing to global conversations on equitable international education. As the sector navigates evolving challenges and opportunities, events like NAFSA remain central to sustaining momentum and ensuring New Zealand universities remain active, forward-looking participants in the international education community.

Photo by Kishan Modi on Unsplash

Practical Implications for Academics and Administrators

For academics and university administrators in New Zealand or considering roles there, the delegation’s activities highlight opportunities in international education leadership. Roles in student support, partnership development, and curriculum design increasingly value experience with global networks. Job seekers can explore positions at institutions such as Victoria University of Wellington or through sector bodies like Universities New Zealand that support internationalisation efforts. The emphasis on culturally grounded approaches also signals growing demand for expertise in inclusive practices across the sector.