What We Do

ISMNZ is committed to the welfare and pastoral care of international students who have come to Aotearoa New Zealand. We follow the Māori health model of Te Whare Tapa Whā, the four pillars in caring for the hauora (entire well-being and health) of individuals: Taha tinana (physical health), Taha wairua (spiritual health), Taha whānau (family health), and Taha hinengaro (mental health).

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Most of the international students we care for come to New Zealand to complete their tertiary education, in Private Tertiary Institutes, Polytechs or Universities. For many of them, New Zealand is the first foreign country that they have step foot in. They leave their family and friends on their own, without knowing anyone in New Zealand, oftentimes without having a full picture of the country.

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Our ISMNZ staff workers and volunteers come from diverse nationalities and cultures, and provide that home away from home for students during this critical period of their lives. This crucial as most come from cultures with a strong emphasis on family and community life.