Christchurch-based author and former international student Sandeep Sharma has made a remarkable debut with his book, Good on You, Mate! – The Kiwi Chronicles of an International Student, selling 1,000 copies on its very first day.
The story, blending memoir and practical guidance, is resonating strongly with audiences across New Zealand and beyond.
The title of the book was inspired by a welcoming phrase Sandeep heard from a New Zealand immigration officer upon his arrival at Auckland Airport in 2014: “Good on you, mate!” The book takes readers on a journey from Mumbai to Christchurch, exploring themes of adaptation, resilience, career growth, and cultural exchange, while offering practical guidance on visas, internships, financial planning, and post-study opportunities.
The book launch took place on 14 September at Mumbaiwala Restaurant in Christchurch, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from the education sector, government, ethnic communities, academia, and politics.
The event underscored the importance of the book’s message for New Zealand’s international education landscape. A week prior, the first copy of the book had been presented to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a separate Christchurch function.
The launch was inaugurated by Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, Raf Manji, former politician and current local election candidate, and Garry Gupta from the Ministry of Ethnic Communities. Dr Natasha Zimmerman moderated the session, which was also attended by the book’s publisher, Jamie Small of Wordshop.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey praised the book’s
She added that the book’s release was timely, coinciding with New Zealand’s renewed international education growth targets and efforts by universities to welcome more students from abroad.
Sandeep Sharma described the book as his “tribute to New Zealand as a nation, Canterbury as a region, and Christchurch as my home.”
He explained that it began as a personal journal of his experiences and evolved, with encouragement from friends and industry
Raf Manji noted, “this book is going to put Christchurch and the University of Canterbury back on the map. Having visited across Asia recently, I can say Sandeep’s story and journey will resonate with students and parents alike who can find everything they need to know about studying in New Zealand universities in this book.”
A highlight of the launch was the announcement by Natu Rama and the Rama Love Foundation, who signed an agreement to sponsor 1,000 e-books of Good on You, Mate! for distribution to international students across the country.
“There is a greater need for universities to work closely with ethnic communities and support each other," Rama emphasised.
Sandeep highlighted the crucial yet often overlooked role of communities in supporting international students with housing, food, and emergency care, contributions that extend beyond what official brochures often mention.
Garry Gupta added, “It is not only about the numbers, it is about
He noted that ethnic communities now make up 22% of New Zealand’s population, many of whom began their journeys as international students.
Sandeep Sharma is an accomplished professional, with a background as an engineer, entrepreneur, and international education expert. He is the Founder of NorthStar Global Advisory and has held senior leadership roles, including CEO of QualityNZ Education and Regional Marketing Manager at the University of Canterbury. He also serves as Chair of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) Christchurch Branch and as Trade & Strategy Advisor with the India NZ Business Council.
Published by Christchurch-based Wordshop and edited by Jamie Small, Good on You, Mate! is now available worldwide through all major online bookstores in both e-book and print-on-demand formats.
Sandeep Sharma is available at sandeep.sharma@northstarglobaladvisory.com or +64272814940