International students arrivals welcome

Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced on 14 January that 1000 international tertiary students studying at degree-level or above, who started their studies in New Zealand but were offshore when the border closed, would be allowed to return in April.

WITT CE John Snook told Stuff reporter Brianna McIllraith that he welcomes the Government's announcement, though he'd like to see priority given to students who can meet the labour shortages in New Zealand rather than granting an exemption based on the level of the qualification.

“It’s not necessarily about the qualification itself – it’s about the contribution the graduate will make and the job they’ll do in New Zealand once they’ve completed their studies,” he said.

Read the full story on Stuff here: 

Witt head wants international students who can meet country's labour shortages to be given border exemption