A hold on processing most temporary visas in New Zealand may decimate the number of international students allowed into the country this year, tertiary institutions are fearing.

As new research reveals international education was worth NZ$2.6 billion in 2012/2013, Education New Zealand has released an engagement plan to bolster its struggling private sector. The initiative will focus on advocating for regulatory reform, increasing access to government grants and boosting offshore marketing. There is a clear focus on leveraging opportunities presented by vocational training too.