2026 Waitaha Canterbury International Student Award Winners AnnouncedChristchurch has honoured the achievements and contributions of its international student community with the announcement of the 2026 Waitaha Canterbury International Student Award winners. (Photo/Supplied)The Awards recognise exceptional international students whose leadership, cultural contributions and service to their communities enrich Waitaha Canterbury socially, culturally and economically. International education-related exports reached $4.52 billion in the year ending September 2025, while Canterbury welcomed 9,180 international student enrolments, supporting more than 4,000 jobs across the region. The 2026 award winnersSupreme Award - Mayor's International Student of the Year AwardJenny Korneck (Papanui High School)Originally from Germany, Jenny was named the 2026 Mayor's International Student of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, community service and positive impact. Leader & Mentor Award – University SectorLingyu Zhao (University of Canterbury)Lingyu has demonstrated exceptional leadership through mentoring, student organisations and volunteer programmes at the University of Canterbury.