International students relish warm Auckland welcome

More than 1,600 new international students enjoyed a taste of Auckland’s vibrancy at yesterday’s International Student Welcome at the Auckland Town Hall.

The annual event, hosted by Study Auckland, attracted students of all ages from schools, tertiary institutions and language providers from across the Auckland region.

Tourism Auckland Chief Executive, Graeme Osborne, welcomed the students and applauded them for choosing Auckland as their study destination.

“I’m proud of what our region has to offer – both the excellent quality of education and the superior lifestyle. I encourage you to embrace life in Auckland, explore the region and make the most of your time here,” he said.

The event was hosted by Kasina Campbell who wowed the crowd during a performance with the New Native dance group.

Attendees also enjoyed inspirational speeches from students who currently study here, as well as entertainment from Mt Albert Grammar School kapa haka group and The Corelli School of Performing Arts.

Sixteen-year-old Paraguayan student, Jamile Alcarraz Valdaz from Waiuku College, was one of several students to receive a tourism activity spot prize.

“I couldn’t believe that I won – it’s awesome. I’m studying Maori so it was really cool to see the performances. It was also great to meet all the people from other schools and countries here,” she said.

Twenty-year-old Indian hospitality student, Bhupender Singh, shared his love for living in New Zealand’s largest city.

“It’s an enjoyable life here in Auckland and the weather is so fantastic. I’m getting knowledge of how to live without my parents which is a really beneficial experience,” he said.

Students took away a goodie bag of New Zealand products and an Official Auckland Guide of things to do in the region.

The event had the financial support of Auckland City Council and students from the International Travel College of New Zealand helped on the day.

Other sponsors include Absolute Tours, Auckland Bridge Climb and Bungy, Auckland Museum, Auckland Zoo, Bush and Beach, Butterfly Creek, Explorer Bus, Explore NZ, Intercity, Horse Riding Warkworth, Kiwiana Tours, MOTAT, National Bank, NZBus, SkyJump, SkyWalk, Snowplanet, Stardome, Surf n Snow and Telecom.

Export education is big business. It is a significant contributor to Auckland’s visitor economy and a key driver of export earnings, generating 3.8 million dollars of GDP per day.

Last year 56.7 percent of New Zealand’s international students, or 50,000 people, chose to study in Auckland, with 10 percent of New Zealand’s international visitor nights generated by Auckland’s students.

Visiting friends and families of students generated a further million visitor nights to New Zealand.


Study Auckland is a business unit within Tourism Auckland that was established with the support of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Auckland City Council in 2001. Study Auckland promotes the Auckland region to international students as a desirable destination to study and live.

About Study Auckland
Study Auckland is a business unit within Tourism Auckland. It is supported by, and works closely with, Auckland City Council, North Shore City Council and Manukau City Council. Study Auckland represents 130 schools, tertiary institutions and private providers that enrol international students in the Auckland region.


About Tourism Auckland

Tourism Auckland’s mission is to develop sustainable economic growth in tourism for the Auckland region through integrated marketing and industry development. It is funded by grants from Auckland City, Manukau City and Auckland Regional Councils. Tourism Auckland operates five visitor information centres and its areas of expertise include international marketing, conventions and incentives, events marketing and media services.