Chief Executive
Education New Zealand
Manapou ki te Ao
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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Executive Summary
- Lead a Crown agent at the centre of one of New Zealand’s most strategically important export sectors
- Shape the future growth, reputation and global impact of New Zealand’s international education system
- Operate at the intersection of government policy, international markets, sector leadership and organisational performance
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare opportunity to lead Education New Zealand│Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) at a defining moment for New Zealand’s international education system. International education is a cornerstone of the Government’s economic growth agenda, delivering significant export revenue, supporting jobs and skills, strengthening global relationships, and attracting and retaining global talent for Aotearoa New Zealand.
As a Crown agent operating under the Education and Training Act 2020, ENZ plays a unique system collaborator role. It is a small but highly influential organisation with a global footprint, responsible for raising awareness of New Zealand as a study destination, influencing international student choice, and enabling sustainable growth across the sector. ENZ works closely with education providers, NZ Inc partners, Ministers and agencies, offshore governments and international stakeholders to deliver high-impact outcomes in priority markets.
The Chief Executive will lead ENZ through its next phase of delivery, advancing the Government’s ambition to more than double the value of international education exports by 2034, while ensuring the sector grows in a way that is high quality, resilient, equitable and aligned to New Zealand’s long-term interests.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Board and working closely with the Minister and Crown Monitors, the Chief Executive is responsible for the overall leadership, performance and stewardship of ENZ. This includes setting strategic direction, translating Government policy and ministerial expectations into measurable outcomes, and ensuring strong organisational capability, financial discipline and risk management.
The role requires confident leadership across a complex stakeholder environment. The Chief Executive will build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministers, central agencies, education providers, iwi, NZ Inc partners and international counterparts, positioning ENZ as a credible system collaborator and strategic influencer. Representing New Zealand’s international education interests domestically and offshore is a core aspect of the role, requiring sound judgement, diplomacy and the ability to navigate competing priorities constructively.
Internally, the Chief Executive will foster a high-performing, values-led organisation. Leading a globally dispersed workforce, they will advance the collective impact of a proven leadership team, strengthen organisational systems and delivery capability, and role-model ENZ’s Ngā Manapou values in all aspects of leadership and decision-making. A strong commitment to wellbeing, safety and inclusive leadership is fundamental.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be a senior executive with a strong track record of leading complex, purpose-driven organisations in public sector, education, or internationally focused environments. They will command respect through experience, composure and well-considered advice in complex, high-accountability settings, and bring the personal presence and credibility to engage confidently at senior levels. They will bring the credibility to operate at Chief Executive level with Boards, Ministers and senior officials, and the strategic capability to translate vision into delivery in a politically and commercially nuanced context.
They will be recognised as a collaborative and confident leader who can engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, exercise sound judgement under pressure, and lead through complexity and change. Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi are essential, alongside the ability to strengthen organisational capability in Te Ao Māori and build strong, respectful relationships with Māori partners.
Ideally, candidates will bring familiarity with New Zealand’s education system, international engagement, marketing or global trade environments, though this may be gained across a range of sectors. Above all, ENZ is seeking a values-driven Chief Executive who can balance ambition with stewardship, grow impact while maintaining trust, and lead with integrity on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
David Price
HG National Manager, New Zealand
M. +64 (0)210 2392211
E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
Education New Zealand
Manapou ki te Ao
About Us
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is a Crown Agent under Schedule 1 of the Crown Entities Act. ENZ operates under section 511 of the Education and Training Act 2020 and is funded through Vote Tertiary Education. ENZ has a dedicated focus on international education and brings the New Zealand Government’s goals for international education to life, bringing benefits to New Zealanders and international learners.
Our name, Manapou ki te Ao, defines our part in enabling students to flourish and in creating the world’s next generation of problem solvers:
- Manapou means supporting and sustaining life which allows growth and progression
- Ki Te Ao is a call to action for us to take New Zealand’s education to the world.
Our Values - Ngā Manapou
Ngā Manapou are the values and behaviours of ENZ that all employees strive to uphold.
Our Purpose
ENZ’s core purpose is to raise awareness of New Zealand as a study destination and to influence the choice of students, to grow international enrolments. A small but influential agency, ENZ is focused on delivering high impact campaigns and events into key markets to support the international education sector and achieve the government’s double export value target. ENZ focuses on the areas of greatest impact through its offshore teams’ work on government-to-government relationships, agent seminars and workshops, and facilitating in-market visits from providers. This work is all informed by onshore data and insights capability, marketing expertise and sector engagement.
ENZ’s strategy focuses on three goals:
1. Accelerating sector growth through delivery of Growth Plan initiatives
2. Strengthening organisational delivery capability
3. Fostering a high-performing organisation
Our Outcome
International education is a key plank in the Government’s economic growth plan.
ENZ aims to achieve the outcomes of the International Education - Going for Growth Plan, enabling a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class international education.
International education is one of New Zealand’s key export revenue generating sectors. International education generates jobs, supports the labour market, attracts and retains global talent, and enhances New Zealand’s bilateral and multilateral relationships. Relationships created through international education support New Zealand’s relationships with key trading partners and help develop opportunities for growth in many other sectors. According to the latest Statistics New Zealand data, education-related travel exports climbed to $4.52 billion for the year ended September 2025, up from $3.6 billion in the year ended December 2024.
For further reading:
Role Specification
The Chief Executive (CE) will lead the organisation to achieve our goals and contribute to a thriving international education eco-system in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Reporting to the Board, responsive to the Minister and in close collaboration with our Crown Monitors, the CE will lead a positive, entrepreneurial culture that supports the growth of New Zealand’s diverse international education sector.
The CE will work closely with a very wide range of partners and stakeholders, in the public sector, education sector and beyond, in New Zealand and offshore. They will be able to identify and resolve competing priorities and pressures in a way that is constructive, sustainable and consistent with Government policy.
Education New Zealand’s (ENZ) purpose is to take New Zealand’s education experiences to the world for enduring economic, social, and cultural benefits. We work with partners in New Zealand and offshore to achieve our goal of more than doubling the export value of international education by 2034.
ENZ has a team of just over 80 people working in New Zealand and around the world to attract students to New Zealand’s education offerings, support a positive student experience, and enable global citizenship. Our teams develop and activate marketing programmes, facilitate innovation in the delivery of international education, and work offshore with the sector and NZ Inc partners to create opportunities for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Success in this role means:
- ENZ delivers on its strategic goals and priorities, with clear progress toward a thriving and sustainable international education ecosystem aligned to the International Education Growth Plan.
- A positive and high-performing organisational culture is fostered, where people are engaged, supported and empowered to succeed.
- Strong, trusted relationships are built and maintained with Ministers, Crown Monitors, sector partners, public sector agencies and international stakeholders, enabling coordinated action and effective influence.
- Competing pressures and priorities are navigated with sound judgement, resulting in constructive, sustainable decisions and well-managed organisational performance and risk.
- ENZ’s role as a system collaborator is strengthened, with the organisation recognised for its strategic insight, partnership capability and contribution to New Zealand’s long-term international education outcomes.
The most important work of this role is to:
1. Strategic leadership
- Lead ENZ to deliver measurable outcomes that give effect to Government policy and ministerial expectations.
- Maintain effective relationships with the Board, Minister and monitoring agencies, ensuring confidence in ENZ’s performance.
- Drive the development and implementation of robust and strategic business plans, supported by strong financial and risk management.
- Represent New Zealand’s international education interests credibly across government, the sector and offshore.
2. People and organisational leadership
- Build and empower a high-performing, collaborative leadership team and engaged workforce.
- Foster a positive, values-aligned culture that supports delivery and continuous improvement.
- Ensure clear communication, effective performance management and strong organisational systems and processes.
- Promote professional development and capability building across ENZ.
3. Professional integrity and conduct
- Model integrity, resilience and ENZ’s Ngā Manapou values in all leadership actions and decisions.
- Uphold high standards of ethical behaviour and good employer practices.
- Champion diversity, inclusion and cultural capability across the organisation.
4. Rautaki Māori and Te Tiriti commitment
- Support and advance ENZ’s cultural capability and understanding of Te Ao Māori across the organisation.
- Lead delivery of Rautaki Māori to strengthen outcomes for Māori and for international education.
- Build strong, respectful relationships with Māori educators, providers and iwi partners.
5. Safety, wellbeing and care for people
- Lead a culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of ENZ’s global workforce.
- Ensure compliance with all safety and wellbeing legislation and responsibilities.
- Demonstrate personal responsibility for safe practices and wellbeing leadership.
You’ll also have the following expertise:
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
- Senior-level leadership experience, including working with Boards, Ministers, or agencies.
- Knowledge of central government processes and financial/commercial management.
- Familiarity with New Zealand’s education system, international education, and global engagement (desirable).
- Experience in promotion and marketing in a national or international context (desirable).
- Confidence in undertaking media interviews and providing informed commentary on issues relating to international education.
1. Strategic Leadership and System Stewardship
Demonstrated ability to provide clear strategic leadership within a complex system, translating Government policy, ministerial expectations and Board direction into measurable organisational outcomes. Proven capability to exercise system stewardship, building on an established and effective platform to support sustainable growth, focus and long-term impact rather than unnecessary change.
2. Governance, Ministerial and Crown Accountability
Proven experience operating at a senior executive level with Boards, Ministers and monitoring agencies, bringing sound judgement, integrity and political acumen. Able to engage constructively, communicate clearly and decisively, and maintain confidence in organisational performance, risk management and stewardship of public resources.
3. International Influence and Stakeholder Leadership
Strong capability to build and sustain trusted relationships across the education sector, public service and international stakeholders. Credible and assured in representing New Zealand’s international education interests domestically and offshore, with the presence, gravitas and communication skills to engage effectively in government-to-government, sector and public or international forums.
4. Organisational Performance, Financial and Risk Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading organisations with strong financial discipline, commercial awareness and effective risk management. Able to set clear priorities, maintain focus, and translate strategy into robust business planning and delivery while supporting organisational stability and continuous improvement.
5. People, Culture and Values-Led Leadership (Ngā Manapou)
Proven ability to foster a positive, high-performing organisational culture where people are engaged, supported and empowered to succeed. Leads collaboratively and with care, demonstrating humility, authenticity and respect, and role-modelling ENZ’s Ngā Manapou values in everyday leadership practice.
6. Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Cultural Capability
Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to advancing organisational cultural capability. Proven experience strengthening understanding of Te Ao Māori, supporting Rautaki Māori delivery, and building respectful relationships with Māori educators, providers and iwi partners, alongside a broader commitment to inclusion and social impact.
7. Personal Integrity, Presence and Leadership Impact
A values-driven leader who demonstrates integrity, resilience and calm confidence in complex and high-profile environments. Brings personal presence and credibility, exercises decisive leadership without ego, and engages openly and collaboratively to build trust with people, partners and stakeholders.
To be discussed with HG Principal Consultant
Reports to: Board Chair
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Tenure: Fixed term (5 years)
Direct Reports: Up to 5
Some international travel will be required
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 1st February 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5343
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga: M: +61 (0)494 101 082 / E: azuniga@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
David Price
HG National Manager, New Zealand
M. +64 (0)210 2392211
E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
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Diversity
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