Primary Industries at NMIT get international nod

The Indonesian government runs IISMA for both undergraduate and vocational groups of students. The scheme is centrally managed by Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (DGHERT) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (MoECRT).

The vocational group of scholarship winners has never been accessed by New Zealand before, with NMIT being the first education provider to be accepted after submitting a proposal to offer study programmes in the primary industries.

Both the Richmond and Nelson campuses have received students who are undertaking horticulture and marine science programmes.

“This has been a huge, positive team effort,” says Will Tregidga, Head of International Development. “We are here to show what Te Pūkenga is capable of and are excited to see expansion within the network in the future.”

All the students are living with homestay families, where they receive homecooked meals and are immersed in New Zealand culture.

“They arrived at Nelson Airport on the day we observed Matariki, which seemed fitting,” Will says. “We were there to welcome and connect them to their host families to show our support all the way through.”

The Nelson Indonesian Society also met the group at the airport with a warm welcome and gifts for the newcomers.

Several all-encompassing programmes have been designed for the learners to offer them a mix of unique opportunities whilst they are here.

“Since a lot of the applicants selected were marine engineers, the marine science study programme was bolstered with maritime studies content and, of course, all of the learners are going on many field trips, including on boats” Will says.

Will believes there is a holistic, socio-cultural benefit that international students bring to the wider community. He is confident these initiatives not only raise the understanding of different cultures within our communities, but also enhance strategic partnerships.

“This cultural exchange of knowledge in the main industries of our region can only be a good thing,” he says.

The Indonesian students will remain at NMIT until the end of the year.