Internationalisation at Waipapa Taumata Rau

'Internationalisation' refers to the integration of international, intercultural and global dimensions into the purpose and delivery of our teaching, research and professional services.

A coordinated, institution‑wide approach allows us to:

• Deliver a high-quality of service while growing sustainably
• Ensure our global engagement aligns with our values and te ao Māori principles and the aspiriations of Taumata Teitei
• Make informed decisions when planning international student recruitment and global engagement
• Expand opportunities for impactful international research collaborations
• Enhance our reputation on the global stage
• Support a diverse, vibrant and welcoming campus culture
• Attract and retain outstanding students and staff from around the world
• Ensure our domestic communities experience the benefits of internationalisation

Our approach begins with Toitū Waipapa, the University's indiginising framework, centring te ao Māori principles and ways of relating to inform and enrich our global engagement. This ensures that as we look outward, we do so with a strong sense of responsibility, reciprocity and who we are.

The Internationalisation Framework (2024–2027) sets the direction and focus for international engagement across the University and encompasses the many ways internationalisation happens across the institution, including:

• International student recruitment and supporting their success
• Deepening and sustaining our global partnerships
• Collaborating with overseas universities and organisations
• Sharing Aotearoa New Zealand and te ao Māori perspectives internationally
• Providing opportunities for students to study or gain experience overseas
• Bringing international expertise and viewpoints into our teaching and research while taking our own to the world 

Read the Internationalisation Framework.

Internationalisation Awards

In 2026 the International Office held the inaugural Internationalisation Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate the people and initiatives that advance the priorities of the Internationalisation Framework and demonstrate our values and te ao Māori principles in the international context.

For more information about the awards, refer to Internationalisation Awards.

International Office open house

In 2025, the International Office held an open house event, inviting staff from across the institution to explore perspectives, activities and insights shaping our international work. As a part of the event the team held two panel discussions exploring international student perspectives and why internationalisation matters at the University.

Watch the panel discussions:

From there to here: International student perspectives

What is internationalisation?