New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Functions and Responsibilities
Information on functions and responsibilities of NZQA, and links to State Service Commission and Cabinet guidelines for board members.
Relevant legislation on functions:
General functions of NZQA
- To oversee the setting of standards for qualifications in secondary schools and in post-school education and training;
- To monitor, review, and advise the Minister on these standards;
- To develop a framework for national qualifications in secondary schools and in post-school education and training;
- To establish policies and criteria for the approval of courses at institutions and private training establishments;
- To establish policies and criteria for granting institutions and private training establishments accreditation to provide courses of study;
- To ensure mechanisms are in place to guarantee that institutions or private training establishments providing approved courses have assessment procedures that are fair, equitable, consistent, and in keeping with the required standard;
- To assist overseas governments and their agencies and international agencies in the development and operation of examinations and awards;
- To liaise with overseas bodies in order to recognise overseas qualifications in New Zealand and to have New Zealand qualifications recognised overseas;
- To ensure that post-school qualifications maintain international comparability; and
- To promote and monitor inter-institutional course approval and moderation procedures.
The NZQA is also required to give effect to any policy of the Government that has been communicated to it in writing by the Minister and is not inconsistent with the Education Act 1989.
Duties of Board members
Further information on the duties of Board members can be found at:
Guidance for Members of Statutory, Commercial and Other Bodies Appointed by the Crown [Cabinet Office Circular, DPMC Website]