English New Zealand, the representative body for English language schools in the country, has for the first time in its 30-year history, appointed an executive director.
After a structural review, the position was created with the aim of growing the English New Zealand brand and increasing the organisation’s ELT market share.
Kim Renner was appointed to the role in July and speaking with The PIE News she said she hopes to continue the previous work of the board in developing positive relationships with government agencies involved in export education.
“We want to be separated from the PTE (Private Training Establishment) category in the legislation”
“We’re reviewing our strategy so developing a cohesive strategic plan with input from the board and members is a key goal,” she said.
“Our plan needs to lead us in achieving growth for individual members, greater market share, and more rewarding business conditions for member schools.”
“We want English New Zealand schools to be the first choice for any international student choosing to study English in New Zealand,” Renner added.
Kim Renner was appointed English New Zealand’s executive director in July
With Renner at the helm, the organisation will aim to ensure government agencies have a “clearer appreciation of the unique aspects of the study-tourism/EL industry”.
“We want to be separated from the PTE (Private Training Establishment) category in the legislation, similar to how ELICOS and VET are separated in Australia,” she explained.
“In our view, this will have a positive flow-on effect to other aspects of operation such as compliance and quality statistics gathering.”
The role of executive director is a new post, created as part of a structural review, and will allow the elected board and chairman to focus more on governance.
English New Zealand is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
“We have experienced significant evolutionary change over the past 30 years and have become a very well-respected industry peak body, both in the international market place, and among our government agencies at home,” said chairman, Ewen Mackenzie-Bowie.
English New Zealand has 25 member schools.
