Meet Gina Hughes of Gina & Partners, our featured ENZ Recognised Agent for April 2022
Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao
Nau mai, haere mai. We are New Zealand's government agency dedicated to international education.
Gina Hughes is Managing Director of Gina & Partners - an Education New Zealand Recognised Agency. She's our featured international education agent for April 2022, and took the time to answer a few questions.
What does being an ENZ Recognised Agency mean to you?
It’s an endorsement which shows our clients that we know what we are doing and know about New Zealand. It helps that I’m a kiwi and a big fan of NZ!
What is your favourite thing about being an ENZ Recognised Agency?
Getting to know Misa [ENZ's Senior Market Development Manager based in Tokyo].
How much has your job changed in the last 18 months?
Massively, totally, unimaginably. We closed our office in Fukuoka, and had to terminate all our employees in Japan and New Zealand. But not long before COVID I moved to Queenstown, New Zealand, got married and had a baby, so now I’m a family person as well as an agency owner. After 18 years building a business in Japan, it was good to have a big change and focus on personal goals as well.
How are you supporting students given current restrictions on travel?
Our company has been in hibernation since the COVID related border closure. We are just now starting to promote our unique paid internships in New Zealand and the response is good. I have just employed two excellent staff and we are ready to recommence placing students into language schools and into paid employment. Pre COVID we had two companies, one each in Japan and New Zealand. This will continue with staff in both locations, but I will personally be based in Queenstown, NZ.
What are some new skills you’ve had to pick up along the way?
Closing the company gave me the time to look at what we were doing well and what we could improve. We will be a significantly more effective and efficient company after all this. I am getting excited about the way the company will function going forward. I will be more of a director, and I will work more on than in the company. Improved technology and software will also assist with this.
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How have you been taking care of your own wellbeing?
Getting married to my perfect husband has changed my life. We function as a great team, and all my wellbeing needs are met. Going through the pandemic on my own in Japan, with no income would have been a disaster, but instead it has been a chance to focus on my goals and own personal development. I have taken time to read for entertainment rather than business, focus on fitness, Pilates, outdoor lifestyle, and adventures and for this, Queenstown is perfect. I love living here with all the amazing opportunities it offers. Then there is my new role as mother to my wonderful and smart daughter. To be honest, I couldn’t be happier.
Lastly, any recommendations on what you’ve been watching, reading or listening to that have brought you joy or distraction?
In Japan my whole focus was on business goals. Here I have become a reader which I love. Moving to Japan so young, there are things I missed out on or didn’t learn by not being in NZ, so I am enjoying catching up. I like learning about the world, the universe, history, and many other things. I love a good historical novel that teaches me something. Also I’m enjoying improving cooking skills as I love good food.
Thanks, Gina!
Learn more about Gina & Partners:
If you are an education agent, you can?sign up here?for access to AgentLab, ENZ's dedicated online platform for agents, and The Brand Lab, which provides marketing and brand resources to promote New Zealand education.
?? "Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." - John F. Kennedy. ?? Gina Hughes exemplifies resilience and vision in the face of adversity. Your work sounds incredibly impactful for the student community across Japan and New Zealand! Keep shining, Gina! ????? #Inspiration #GlobalEducation #Resilience