Wintec Hosts National Code Symposium with ISANA NZ

Over 50 educational practitioners from schools and tertiary institutions across New Zealand recently attended the Wintec Code Symposium at Wintec’s City campus.

Wintec Code Symposium at Wintec's City campus

The one-day event, delivered by the International Education Association New Zealand (ISANA NZ), provided valuable professional support to educators and student service kaimahi (staff) working with international learners, migrants, and those with refugee backgrounds on the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.

The code sets out clear and consistent expectations of how education institutions should partner with ākonga (students) to provide pastoral care to ensure a positive educational experience.     

Attendees heard from an experienced lineup of presenters and panellists, who shared their insights on a range of topics, including communicating effectively with second-language learners, innovations in code-responsive practice, and managing expectations of cross-border learners.

Wintec Code Symposium panellists address attendees

Karen Kemsley, Wintec International Student Services Manager and ISANA NZ President, was delighted with the event and the discussion and connections it produced.

“It was fantastic to see open and generous sharing of experience across the sector - from schools to universities, to polytechnics - all working with common themes and shared commitment to student wellbeing.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to host this event and to contribute to ongoing sector-wide learning around the needs of international students, new settlers, and learners from refugee backgrounds,” said Karen.

A particular highlight for Karen was hearing from a panel of local tertiary and secondary school leaders and Oluwatosin ‘Peter’ Osifalujo, a Nigerian student studying toward a Master of Applied Management with Wintec.

“Peter spoke honestly and eloquently about the challenges and experiences many international students face, and his contribution was deeply appreciated,” said Karen.

In addition to studying at Wintec, Peter is also the leader of a Wintec student group, which he founded to support and connect with his peers during his studies.

The symposium was the second of two national code events held this year; the first took place in May at Otago Polytechnic.