NZ Universities and Maharashtra Government enter Strategic Partnership

A Strategic Education Partnership Agreement has been signed today between Universities New Zealand and the Maharashtra State Government, to coincide with Prime Minister John Key’s visit to India.

The Strategic Partnership Agreement signals a commitment to strengthening education cooperation and engagement at the university level with the state of Maharashtra, to advance teaching, research and management in member institutions.

The Chair of Universities New Zealand, Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, says the Agreement provides a framework to explore academic opportunities between the two countries.

“This strategic agreement offers us an avenue to build institutional engagement between our universities, through faculty relationships and exchanges, research and innovation collaboration, and information sharing.”

“New Zealand offers a world-class university system. Our eight universities are all ranked in the top three percent of universities globally. We welcome this Agreement as an opportunity to further build institutional and academic relationships across borders,” said Professor Hayne.

The Agreement, facilitated by Education New Zealand (ENZ), the government agency responsible for international education in New Zealand, is one of a number of initiatives underway to reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to strengthen higher education links between New Zealand and India. 

Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of ENZ, who attended the signing added, “This is one of several sector-led initiatives that will enable New Zealand to continue attracting high-quality students from India, and support research and innovation in both counties. I applaud Universities New Zealand and the Maharashtra State Government for their efforts.”

The agreement was signed by Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato, on behalf of Universities New Zealand, and Shri Sitaram Janardan Kunte, Principal Secretary, Higher Education of the Maharashtra State Government, at an event attended by education representatives from both the State and New Zealand.

The Partnership signing is one of many education initiatives being formally announced during the Prime Minister’s visit to India. 

Background:

Maharashtra State Government in Western India, is the second most populous state in India with over 112 million inhabitants. Its capital, Mumbai, has a population of approximately 18 million. Maharashtra has 24 universities with a turnout of 160,000 graduates every year, while New Zealand has eight universities and 43,000 graduates each year.