Internationalisation Framework (2024-2027)

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, is New Zealand’s leading tertiary institution with a distinctive te ao Māori perspective (Māori worldview) and strong commitment to sustainability. Aligned with our indigenisation framework, Toitū Waipapa, the Internationalisation Framework (2024–2027) sets out how the University will strengthen global engagement, amplify research impact and create opportunities for students, staff and partners worldwide.

As the world changes, so do we. Our refreshed international approach strengthens our role in global education and research, creating opportunities for collaboration and impact that benefit all, while remaining grounded in our place and guided by our purpose.

The Internationalisation Framework (2024–2027) is our roadmap for global engagement. It sets out how we will:

• Strengthen our global partnerships to accelerate innovation, discovery and impact.
• Expand opportunities for students to learn, work and research across borders.
• Champion Indigenous knowledge and our place in the Pacific in our international initiatives and activities.
• Align our global engagement with our values and te ao Māori principles, drawing on the indigenising framework Toitū Waipapa.
• Provide the clarity and focus required to realise the ambitions set out in Taumata Teitei.
  
• Deliver responsibly and sustainably, with clear priorities and timelines.

The framework brings together the University’s global efforts, enabling students, staff and partners to connect, collaborate and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

The Internationalisation Framework focuses our international efforts on key priorities aligned with the pillars of Taumata Teitei.

Strategic priority 1: Engagement

An ambitious and relevant partner that is globally networked.

Our promise

We will seek to become more widely recognised as Aotearoa New Zealand’s most globally active, influential and important university. To do this, we must incorporate principles of internationalisation into all our activities. We should aspire to be a top 50 global institution. We must strive to maximise the positive impact we have upon our community, our city and our nation.

Strategic priority 2: Engagement

A diverse student body reflecting our communities.

Our promise

We will grow the proportion of international students undertaking postgraduate coursework and research. We will expand transnational education opportunities through overseas learning hubs, pathways and  online programmes. We will aim to increase student enrolments from the Pacific region, particularly at the postgraduate level.

Strategic priority 3: Research and innovation

World-class research inspired by our place in Aotearoa and the Pacific

Our promise

Our global research will be inspired by the spirit of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship unique to our place in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. A key focus of our research and our international collaboration with strategic partners will be to make a tangible contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for the benefit of all.

Strategic priority 4: Sustainable university

Efficient, effective and prudent operations that support our sustainability goals.

Our promise

We will prioritise the environment and collaborate with our communities, seeking ongoing user feedback to guide our programme of continual improvement. We will deliver professional services which are ethical, equitable and sustainable. Accountability and integrity will define our decisions.

Strategic priority 5: Education

Graduates who make the world better tomorrow than it is today.

Our promise

We will support the development of graduates who are interculturally aware and connected to the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Moana nui a Kiwa (The Pacific) and our international communities.

We will instil an ethos where graduates seek to make the world a fairer and better place. We will internationalise the curricula through design that enhances global knowledge, understanding and that is flexible enough to enable international study experiences.

Strategic priority 6: Education and student experience

Equitable higher education opportunities that reflect the diverse needs of our international community.

Our promise

We will continuously improve the study experience for all international students, enhancing their opportunities for success. We will support all students in realising their potential to thrive as pūmātauranga scholars,  aronga raraupori global citizens, kiriauaha innovators and kaiarataki leaders. By design, we will expand international learning and work experience opportunities for all students to develop intercultural understanding and capabilities.

Strategic priority 7: People and culture

An eco-system of high-performing, inclusive and equitable communities that support international activities to thrive.

Our promise

We will strive to attract and retain top international staff with excellent intercultural capabilities, who can help the University reach its internationalisation objectives through teaching, research and engagement. Our institution’s enhanced cultural competencies will reflect our place in the world and our ambition to positively impact all our futures. We will ensure all people feel valued and respected and can contribute fully the University's success.

Strategic priority 8: People and culture

Active demonstration of our values and te ao Māori principles across our people and culture practices.

Our promise

Our approach will be values and purpose-led and will recognise the need for aspirational, inclusive leadership and empowered teams to build insight, trust and confidence for change. We will offer a distinctive experience in which our people’s wellbeing is central, our place in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific is celebrated and our commitment to sustainability is ongoing.

Strategic priority 9: Māori-Pacific relationships

Deep engagement with diverse Aotearoa and Pacific communities.

Our promise

Our approach will prioritise the recognition of te ao Māori principles and our place in the Pacific, and embody whakawhanaungatanga when building international relationships. By expanding relationships with universities in our region, we will highlight our special relationship with the Pacific while enabling pathways for Māori and Pacific staff and students to study abroad.

Director International

Email: Martin Hookham-Simms