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What is ISMNZ?

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).

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.

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.

ISMNZ Staff Workers and Volunteers at 20th Anniversary Kick-off Celebrations

Taha Tinana
(Physical Health)​

Providing a warm meal, either on campus or at home, taking them hiking, potluck meals, international cooking classes.
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Sharing different cultures and feeding them.

Taha Wairua
(Spiritual Health)

Many of our volunteers are chaplains who can provide counsel, advice and mentoring. ​

​We present Biblical perspectives to students in a non-threatening way, which staff workers and volunteers model through their lives. At the same time we remind them to value the homeland they have left behind.

Taha Whānau
(Family or Social Health)

​Our staff workers and volunteers come from diverse cultures and are able to provide culture specific support and a community they can find their sense of belonging in.

Taha Hinengaro
(Mental Health)

We support students with their post graduation transition, CV editing, and proofreading thesis papers.​
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We treat students with respect and compassion, and see one as individual with dignity and self-worth.
We need your Partnership
We partner with education providers, churches and other organisations across New Zealand and worldwide to provide support for international students, hold social events to help students learn about the culture of New Zealand, as well as weekly meetings at the different centres, English Corner, and Bible Studies.

We need volunteers to follow-up, disciple and walk with students.