Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, accompanied by Hon Penny Simmonds and Member of Parliament Nancy Lu, has officially opened New Zealand Skills and Education Group’s new city campus at 99 Albert Street, marking a historic milestone for the organisation and New Zealand’s education sector.
With the Government’s plan to double the economic contribution of the international education sector to $7.2 billion by 2034, NZSEG’s new campus plays a role in bolstering student numbers.
“What NZSEG does for domestic students, for international students, and for the state of the economy, is really something to be proud of,” said Prime Minister Luxon during his address to attendees including university officials, immigration advisers, consulate representatives, Royal NZ Navy personnel, and alumni.
“New Zealand is embracing science, technology, and innovation, but most importantly, we need to continue building world-class education systems that provide access to higher-paying jobs. This is where NZSEG comes in.”
The new campus — located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD — offers NZSE College and Seafield School of English students state-of-the-art facilities and a taste of central city life. The proximity to nearby restaurants, shopping centres, and tourist experiences encourages students to get out and enjoy Auckland before and after class — boosting the local economy.
It also opens the door to significant programme expansion within NZSE College. As a leading private tertiary provider in health, technology, education, military preparation, and more, NZSE plans to launch 10 new programmes ranging from diploma to master’s level, further strengthening pathways to high-demand careers.
Luxon says that education’s importance to building New Zealand’s wealth is not to be underestimated. “I was the first in the Luxon family to receive tertiary education. And that education got me from one set of circumstances to a much better set of circumstances. I want that opportunity for everyone in New Zealand, regardless of where they come from.”
Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment and for Vocational Education says that NZSEG is a remarkable institution that truly plays its part in improving students’ lives, families, and for the industries they go on to serve. “My focus as Minister is on building a vocational education system that supports quality jobs, economic growth, and empowers communities. I value that NZSEG strives to meet all those goals,” says Simmonds.
“Today we are celebrating the opening, but it is more than just bricks and mortar. We are celebrating the learning, ambition, and innovation that will flourish from this new campus.”
During the opening, Luxon and Simmonds also tried their hand at winning over Mr Anderson, NZSE College’s virtual reality avatar. Created to encourage healthcare students to develop rapport-building skills, the three-dimensional patient is prickly on the surface, but programmed to respond in kind. Mr Anderson gives Luxon a hard time at first, but he wins him over by asking about his grandchildren.
Often we hear stories about the challenges of AI for the education sector, but NZSEG views it as an opportunity — a way to deliver immersive, real-world learning experiences that can go beyond the traditional classroom.
“I am a big advocate for NZSEG’s investment in virtual reality and healthcare education — it is leading the country in providing students a safe and immersive environment to practice in,” says Simmonds. “The changes this Government is making is all about ensuring students get the skills they need, and that employers get the workforce they require. Modern facilities like NZSEG, with technology at the heart of it, creates impact far beyond the walls of the new campus.”
Luxon, Simmonds, and Member of Parliament Nancy Lu joined NZSEG Founder Brijesh Sethi and Group CEO Wendy Liao to cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveil the plaque, officially opening the doors to a meaningful new chapter.
“This campus is our commitment to delivering education that not only transforms students’ lives but also strengthens the nation. What matters most to us is that each learner gains the skills employers need and moves into meaningful employment — helping to address the country’s critical skill shortages,” says Sethi.
NZSEG continues to face global economic pressures and shifts in education and immigration policy, but Liao says it has shaped the group to be more resilient and innovative. “Now looking forward, I am thrilled to further expand our academic offering with our first master-level degrees in fast-growing and highly-employable fields like data analytics and business intelligence. NZSEG remains a strong ambassador for vocational growth here in New Zealand.”
