International education could bring $30 million a year to Northland within the next decade, according to a new strategy launched in the Bay of Islands on Friday.
The Tai Tokerau Northland International Education Strategy includes specific, sustainable growth targets including boosting international secondary student numbers to 400 and primary and intermediate school enrolments to 200.
Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith said the fast-growing sector was now New Zealand's fourth largest export earner, worth $4.5 billion a year and supporting more than 33,000 jobs.
"There is real potential for international education to bring a range of benefits to Northland. Many international students value the opportunity to experience tikanga Maori and te reo in an authentic setting. Northland delivers a uniquely New Zealand experience," he said.
"International education supports our young people to develop their skills as 'global citizens', and connects New Zealand communities and businesses to the wider world."