Latest news with #Rushworth
Scoop
12 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
UP Education Strengthens China-NZ Education Links On Prime Ministers Delegation
Auckland, New Zealand — UP Education Chief Executive Mark Rushworth has joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on this week's high-level diplomatic and trade mission to China, a visit that highlights the vital role international education plays in strengthening the economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations. 'Education is one of New Zealand's most valuable exports. Partnerships like these grow our global reputation, develop world-class talent, and strengthen long-term economic and diplomatic ties,' said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. For UP Education, the delegation marks a major moment in its strategic efforts across China — its most important international market. With over 2,400 Chinese students enrolled across its foundation and private higher education programmes since late 2023, the group is seeing strong momentum, with annual growth now exceeding 50%. Rushworth says the organisation is targeting to double Chinese enrolments by 2026, supported by deep in-market investment and a long-standing commitment to the region through its 25 year market leading partnership with the University of Auckland. 'We've built the largest China-based team of any New Zealand education provider,' said Rushworth. 'With 10 full-time staff across eight cities, we're able to support students, families, and agents in both Tier 1 and Tier 2/3 regions and deliver over 500 engagement events annually.' As part of the Prime Minister's visit, UP Education has also launched a NZ$250,000 'Future Scholarship' fund to support high-achieving Chinese students. The fund includes full-fee support for students entering foundation programmes in New Zealand, as well as a new suite of postgraduate offerings, tailored specifically for Chinese learners with global ambitions. In addition to the scholarship launch, UP Education formalised three new partnerships in China through signed Memoranda of Understanding. These agreements include: • A collaboration with Etonkids Educational Group to strengthen early childhood education through teacher training and academic exchange, underpinned by shared philosophies between Etonkids and UP's New Zealand Tertiary College. • A pathway partnership with Hangzhou No.2 High School, one of China's most respected academic institutions, which will host a New Zealand-focused programme preparing students for direct entry into the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies. • An initiative with Beijing National Day School, a flagship public school in Beijing, including direct admission offers and scholarship support for top-performing students, along with regular sessions for students and families about studying in New Zealand. ' During this visit, we're proud to be formalising new relationships with leading institutions at every level — from preschool to secondary and tertiary — and reinforcing the role private education plays in delivering life-changing opportunities for students,' said Rushworth. ' We're also showcasing how New Zealand institutions can partner authentically and ambitiously with China for shared long-term benefit.' With over 39,000 students across 64 campuses in New Zealand and Australia, UP Education delivers higher education, vocational training, and university pathway programmes through partnerships with institutions such as the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and AUT, as well as private providers including Yoobee Colleges, NZMA, the New Zealand Tertiary College, and the Healthcare Academy of New Zealand. About UP Education UP Education is one of the largest private education providers in Australasia, delivering quality education to thousands of learners across New Zealand and Australia. With a strong focus on student outcomes, UP Education offers a wide range of higher education and vocational training programs through its network of colleges, institutes, and industry partnerships. Across its porgolio, UP Education is commited to empowering learners with the skills, support, and confidence to thrive in a changing world. Through strong relationships with industry, government, and community, UP Education ensures that its graduates are work-ready and equipped for future success. Whether through pathway programs that lead to university or practical, hands-on training aligned with workforce needs, UP Education exists to unlock potential and transform lives through education.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rain saves Pears against Warwickshire at New Road
Rothesay County Championship Division One, Visit Worcestershire New Road, Worcester (day four) Warwickshire 227 & 280: Hain 87*; Duffy 5-75 Worcestershire 181 & 181-8: Waite 44*; Rushworth 3-30, Woakes 3-53 Worcestershire (11 pts) drew with Warwickshire (11 pts) Match scorecard Warwickshire were frustrated at New Road as persistent rain ended the County Championship derby when they needed just two more wickets to beat Worcestershire. Chasing 327 for victory, Worcestershire were 181-8 when the players went off for bad light just before tea. Much to the Bears' anguish, rain then arrived to wash out the last 47 overs. Worcestershire had resumed on the final day on 54-2 and appeared destined for defeat when they declined to 87-6 against an attack led by fit-again Chris Rushworth (3-30) and Chris Woakes (3-53). Warwickshire were closing in on victory, but Matthew Waite (44 not out), Ethan Brookes (34) and number 10 Tom Taylor showed great resolve to defy long enough for rain to come to their side's rescue. Finding 327 runs on a difficult pitch under thick cloud against an attack led by Woakes and Rushworth is about as tough an assignment as county cricket gets and, sure enough, Worcestershire wickets were soon falling on the final morning. The overnight batters fell in successive balls when Gareth Roderick (37) was adjudged lbw to Rushworth and Kashif Ali edged Woakes to second slip where Beau Webster took a superb catch, diving forward to his right. If the batters were blameless in those two dismissals, that was not the case four overs later when Brett D'Oliveira lifted a leg-stump half-volley from Rushworth straight to long leg. When Rob Jones nicked a perfect outswinger from Ed Barnard to wicketkeeper Kai Smith, it was 87-6. Waite and Brookes blended the inevitable playing and missing with sound defence and selective counter-attack to add 61 from 63 balls before the latter's middle stump was plucked out by Ethan Bamber. Woakes soon had Ben Allison caught behind but Taylor joined Waite to consume 38 minutes before the weather closed in. Warwickshire were denied the victory they, and in particular Sam Hain's superb batting – 86 and 87 not out on a pitch on which only one other player passed 50 – deserved. Worcestershire may feel that their luck has turned this season, having followed last week's win over Essex with a healthy points haul from a draw. ECB Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Returning Woakes helps put Bears on top against Worcs
Rothesay County Championship Division One, Visit Worcestershire New Road, Worcester (day two) Warwickshire 227: Hain 86, Latham 59; Taylor 4-37 & 53-1: Yates 17* Worcestershire 181: Libby 45; Rushworth 4-37, Woakes 3-34 Warwickshire (3 pts) lead Worcestershire (3 pts) by 99 runs with nine wickets remaining. Match scorecard Chris Rushworth and Chris Woakes bowled Warwickshire into the ascendancy over Worcestershire on the second day of the County Championship Division One derby at Visit Worcestershire New Road. Rushworth (4-37) and Woakes (3-34) exploited perfect seam-bowling conditions to bowl the home side out for 181. That gave Warwickshire a first innings lead of 46 - small but potentially decisive in a low-scoring game. The visitors closed the second day on 53-1 - 99 ahead overall. It was an encouraging day for Warwickshire and also for England as Woakes safely came through his return to first-team bowling after a knee injury. He looked fluent and in good rhythm as he bowled well from the Diglis End. Worcestershire resumed on the second morning on 53 without loss, strongly placed but in batting conditions which were even more tricky than on the first day. Cloud cover and dampness from overnight rain had been added to the mischievous pitch. Rushworth and Woakes could not have asked for more helpful conditions for their first competitive bowl of the season and both took full advantage as Worcestershire's ten wickets fell for 117 runs. Woakes began the collapse by pinning Jake Libby (45) lbw. He then extended Henry Nicholls' thin spell of form via a catch at third slip. Nicholls' departure was the first of four wickets to fall for eight runs in seven overs as Rushworth found his rhythm from the New Road End. Perfectly pitched outswingers induced three fatal edges in eight balls from Gareth Roderick (24), Rob Jones and Brett D'Oliveira. Under glowering skies, the outside edges continued to come. Wicketkeeper Alex Davies took the catches as Woakes snared Ethan Brookes and Matthew Waite became Rushworth's 673rd first class victim. Kashif Ali's 159 minutes of impressive defiance for 31 ended when he edged Ed Barnard high to second slip. Tom Taylor clubbed Webster to mid on and when the Aussie all-rounder, on his farewell appearance for Warwickshire before joining up with the Australia squad, bowled Ben Allison through a slog, Warwickshire's first innings lead was a solid 46. With the last session to bat, Warwickshire soon lost Alex Davies, beaten for pace and bowled by Jacob Duffy. In murky light, Rob Yates (17*) and Tom Latham (15*) ground out an unbroken partnership of 38 in 115 balls to cement their side's advantage while Rushworth's happy day got even better when his beloved Sunderland knocked in a stoppage time winner against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay Taylor leads Pears comeback after Hain's 86 for Bears Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rushworth nears return to boost Warwickshire
Chris Rushworth has given Warwickshire an injury boost a week after leading wicket-taker Michael Booth was ruled out with a stress fracture. The veteran seamer, 38, is nearing a return for the Bears and has been named in the squad for the Division One fixture against Hampshire at Edgbaston, starting Friday. Rushworth, who took 53 wickets in 2023 and 13 in an interrupted campaign restricted to six outings by injury last summer, has missed the start of this season with a calf strain. With Booth expected to be out until at least the end of July, Rushworth's return will replenish the Bears' fast bowling options if he is deemed sharp enough to start against Hampshire. "It's good to have Rushy back in the squad," Warwickshire first-team coach Ian Westwood told the club website. "We don't know yet if he'll play but he's going well in training, he's building back up, and has been progressing nicely with our strength and conditioning team. "The news on Boothy came as a real blow. He's had a great start to the season, looking very sharp and has been among the wickets. He's in good hands and we hope to see him back as soon as possible." Warwickshire have had a good start to the County Championship season with two wins and three draws putting them second in the Division One table behind Nottinghamshire.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
County Durham MP reveals shocking impact of daily online abuse as tormenter jailed
A County Durham MP has exposed the shocking abuse he has received after being subjected to repeated online threats – including one image of him overlaid with a gun's telescopic sight. Sam Rushworth, who was elected for the first time in July 2024, has received extra security during public engagements in the Bishop Auckland constituency. Online abuse has intensified from criticism of Mr Rushworth's political views and voting record to threats to his life and family. He compiled a dossier of evidence revealing the daily abuse and personal attacks he receives from online users, which also resulted in a different person sharing the same name as him being targeted with abuse by rival candidates and activists. A man who threatened to kill the Labour MP said he would firebomb his house or office, and 'lock the doors so I could hear him screaming'. Benjamin Clarke, of Bishop Auckland, was jailed for 18 months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (May 12). Mr Rushworth and his family became terrified that he would carry out the threats, which also included sinister messages wanting to 'smash his head off a pavement until he dies'. Fearing for his family's safety, he fitted a panic alarm and extra cameras at home. The MP previously voiced his concerns over the abuse in Parliament and said residents and organisations had also been targeted. Clarke's unhealthy obsession with the MP started when he posted a message on Facebook saying: 'I can't wait for your next public appearance, you will be lucky to leave in one piece'. Sam Rushworth exposed messages sent to his social media account by Benjamin Clarke, which were then shared in local Facebook groups (Image: Sam Rushworth MP) The dossier says hate speech and fake news are being promoted and shared on social media platforms, and that local Reform UK activists regularly use misinformation to paint the Labour MP and other political opponents in a negative light to drive anger and hatred towards them. He was accompanied by security during a 2024 Remembrance Sunday service in Bishop Auckland. Shortly after the General Election in July 2024, a social media post falsely claimed Mr Rushworth had moved into a property outside the constituency. In a case of mistaken identity, a different person sharing the same name was reportedly targeted with abuse by rival candidates and activists. Mr Rushworth was also linked to claims that a disused Bishop Auckland tower block, bought by developers to convert it into flats, would be redeveloped to house refugees. The report states: 'Some also tried to tie Sam Rushworth to this imaginary plan, despite the fact he had no role, political or otherwise, in determining such things. This generated significant anger towards Mr Rushworth and the developers. The developers decided, given the public reaction, to withdraw their planned investment in Bishop Auckland and put the building back on the market.' Sam Rushworth exposed messages sent from Facebook groups on posts relating to the MP (Image: Sam Rushworth MP) Speaking after exposing the shocking abuse, Mr Rushworth said: 'It is important to understand Mr Clarke's crimes in the context of the online world in which he forms his views. I am calling on the leadership of Reform UK to ensure those promoting Islamophobia, racism, fake news, and hate are not able to hold office or represent them at local or national elections. 'Robust debate about policies and ideas, and scrutiny of elected representatives, is integral to a healthy democracy, but it is equally important that elected representatives, candidates for office, and all citizens are protected from defamation and abuse. 'While there is nothing wrong with expressing concern about the impact of immigration on the economy, public services, and national security, there should be no place in mainstream politics for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, or any other forms of prejudice; and any political party which stands candidates for local or national elections should uphold British values of tolerance and respect. 'All political parties will sometimes have activists, candidates, and elected representatives whose conduct falls short of what is acceptable. To maintain standards in public life it is important that when evidence of wrongdoing comes to light it is properly investigated and appropriate actions are taken.' Concerns over the safety of MPs were in the spotlight once again earlier this month, when Katie Amess, the widow of murdered MP David Amess, said it 'is imperative that individuals and groups are held accountable for their words and actions that incite violence and hatred'. The comments came after footage emerged from a gig allegedly showing a member of Irish rap trio Kneecap saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons, previously urged Reform UK officials to 'take action against those thugs because we need to defend democracy and our elected representatives at all costs'. Man who threatened to kill the Bishop Auckland MP jailed County Durham MPs among 42 rebels refusing to back 'unacceptable' welfare cuts Sam Rushworth MP criticises school trust's CEO pay Durham Police Superintendent Neal Bickford, who has responsibility for MPs' security in the county, said: 'In a democratic society, elected officials must be able to serve the public without fear for their lives or the safety of their families. 'Recent threats to MPs represent not only a danger to individual representatives, but a broader threat to the integrity of our democratic institutions.' A Reform UK spokesman said: 'We of course condemn all threats of violence in politics. However, we will take no lessons from a Labour Party who appointed a Deputy Prime Minister that branded her political opponents as 'scum' and currently has an MP under investigation for rape and child abuse.'
