Hawke's Bay honours international students with civic reception

The Hawke's Bay region celebrated its international student community through a special civic reception on Wednesday, April 9, highlighting the area's growing reputation as an educational destination.

The students were welcomed at a prestigious event hosted at MTG in Napier. The mayors of Hastings and Napier personally greeted the attendees, marking a significant moment of recognition for these global learners.

Riaz Kaizar Unwala, Regional Manager of Learning Hawke's Bay, reported a notable surge in interest towards the region's educational landscape. "We witnessed a remarkable increase in inquiries and subsequent placements from international agencies and parents in 2024 and 2025," he said, underscoring the region's expanding appeal.

Hawke's Bay offers more than just exceptional educational opportunities. The region boasts a captivating blend of pristine natural landscapes and diverse recreational activities. Students can immerse themselves in mountain treks, surf along beautiful coastlines, enjoy sailing expeditions, experience world-class golfing, and explore horseback riding adventures. Additionally, the area has been renowned for its abundance of fresh, non-GMO local produce.

Napier mayor Kirsten Wise said Hawke’s Bay was an attractive destination for visitors of all types and for learners it had much to offer, whether it was culture, heritage, recreation or social.

“Napier offers a vibrant city experience at the centre of a wonderful region full of opportunities to explore. Welcoming international learners here also enriches our region by broadening our understanding of different cultures and of diversity.”

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was wonderful to have the students from all corners of the world gaining an education in Hawke’s Bay.

“We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community and welcome these students of many cultures who will add to this diversity, and also make a hugely important contribution to our local economy. I wish them all the best with their studies while they are here and hope they have lots of opportunities to get out and explore what our region has to offer.”

Learning Hawke's Bay, a collaborative association of regional educational institutions, is committed to supporting international education. Their mission encompasses creating global connections, developing international programmes, and promoting global citizenship. The significance of international students extended far beyond economic contribution. These students brought invaluable cultural diversity, created global networks, and enhanced the educational environment by introducing unique perspectives and insights. They have served as cultural ambassadors, enriching the local community's understanding of global dynamics.

"International students are integral to the social, cultural, and economic tapestry of Hawke's Bay," Mr Unwala said. "They contribute significantly to our region's vibrancy and long-term sustainability."

The welcoming event was a collaborative initiative involving Learning Hawke's Bay, Welcoming Communities, Napier City Council, and Hastings District Council, with sponsorship support from The Food Company. Over 200 international students from local secondary schools and Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) participated in celebrating the region's commitment to global education and cultural exchange.

15 April 2025

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