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5 AUGUST 2008 - New Zealand's leading educators are gathering in Auckland this week for the 17th Annual International Education Conference, hosted by Education New Zealand.

International education is a major export for New Zealand, bringing in almost $2 billion per year. With potential for growth in a number of emerging and existing markets, the mood in the industry is one of "cautious optimism" according to Education New Zealand CEO Robert Stevens. The industry is marketed overseas under the "New Zealand Educated" brand, managed by Education New Zealand.

In this election year, conference delegates will hear from both the Labour and National parties regarding their commitment to international education following the election. Hon Pete Hodgson, Minister for Tertiary Education, will speak from Labour's perspective on Thursday, August 7. Patsy Wong, National's spokesperson for International Education, will have her say on Friday, August 8. Both are expected to respond to an ENZ policy brief containing key demands from the industry.

The conference will be about much more than politics, however. Educators will learn more about expectations from emerging markets like Thailand and the Gulf States. There will also be sessions regarding New Zealand's immigration policies, and how they affect students from overseas.

On Thursday evening, an awards dinner will celebrate special achievements by international education providers over the past year.

The conference is being held at the Langham Hotel in Auckland, from August 6-8, 2008.

Education New Zealand is a not-for-profit charitable trust that is governed by the New Zealand export education industry.