New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) Board Appointments

Information on ministerial appointments to the board of NZQA.

Relevant legislation:

Section 249 Education Act 1989; and
Sections 28 - 32 Crown Entities Act 2004

Crown Entity monitoring team contact: Cliff Laird

Board Structure

Number of members:

8 - 10

Appointment:

All members are appointed by the Minister. The Minister appoints one member to be the Chair

Term:

3 years, renewable [s. 32 Crown Entities Act 2004]

Consultation on appointments:

In appointing members, the Minister is required to consult such persons, authorities, and bodies as the Minister considers appropriate and shall have regard to the interests of industry, the professions, and the authorities and bodies that are respectively responsible for providing compulsory and post-compulsory education.

Formal Eligibility Criteria

Appointees must meet the following criteria:

be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident
be over the age of 18 and of sound mind
not bankrupt nor convicted of a serious criminal offence and
not an employee of the Authority nor a partner of an employee.

Qualities Sought in Board Members

Generic - some or all of the following:

Strong governance and change management skills.
Sufficient life experience to be able to contribute constructively to quality decision making.
Networks of contacts which would allow insights from a range of interested parties.
Time, energy and commitment: is not already heavily involved elsewhere to an extent that could reduce effectiveness.
Has a degree of objectivity, impartiality and independence.
Can work constructively in a team setting to achieve generally stated goals.
Awareness of Government policies and strategic directions which impact on the role of the Authority.
Is aware and sensitive to ethnic, cultural and gender differences.

Specific - some or all of the following:

Experience and skills in the areas of compulsory or non compulsory education and training (including industry and professional provisions).
Understanding of assessment/qualifications methodology.
Has demonstrated excellence and leadership in any one or a combination of the following: a field of education or training, strategic planning, business development and administration or human resource management.
Has expertise and skills in the fields of quality control and quality assurance.

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held once a month and sub-committees meet once every two months. There are times when there may be more than one meeting of any of the sub-committees or the Board depending on the urgency of issues to be discussed.

Generally, Board meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month and take a full day (9 am to 3 or 4 pm). They are held in Wellington, usually at the NZQA offices, 125 The Terrace.

Committees

All members are expected to participate in at least one sub-committee and in Board meetings. Some members participate in two sub-committees.

The timing of meetings is generally as follows:

Audit and Finance Committee: third Thursday afternoon on a two monthly basis,
Human Resources Committee: third Thursday afternoon on a two monthly basis, alternating with the Audit and Finance Committee.

Meetings generally last 3 to 4 hours and are held in Wellington, usually at the NZQA Offices.

Attendance Fees and Cost Recoveries

Attendance fees are $20,000 per year
Travel expenses, reasonable costs, and motor vehicle mileage are reimbursed.
Air travel is booked by Board services.