Workforce Questionnaire annual return

This page explains what the Workforce Questionnaire (WFQ) is, who needs to complete one, and how the data is used. It has links to resources for preparing, uploading and submitting your WFQ.

What is the WFQ and how is the data used?

The WFQ is a statistical return used to collect data on staff employed by tertiary education organisations (TEOs) that receive government funding.

It is administered by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

The data collected is used to:

calculate student-to-staff ratios
monitor workforce trends, such as:
- changes in the international education labour market
- staff diversity
- an ageing workforce.

Who needs to complete a WFQ?

All TEOs that receive government funding and submit a Single Data Return (SDR) must complete a WFQ.

When and how to submit your WFQ

You will find the WFQ Excel workbook under Data Submissions in DXP Ngā Kete.

Data requirements are provided in the “Questionnaire Instructions” tab of the WFQ workbook.

You need to submit your WFQ with your December SDR – the workbook for the new Return Year will be available in DXP Ngā Kete from November. See the SDR submission dates.

Helpful resources

These resources will help you prepare, upload and submit your WFQ.

Resource	Guidance provided
Error codes for WFQ (DOCX 791 KB)	A list of WFQ error codes and descriptions
Ethnicity groups (XLSX 23 KB)	A list of required groupings for data entered in the Ethnicity Group tab
Version history of changes (DOCX 798 KB)	A record of changes made to the previous year’s instructions
DXP Ngā Kete user guides	Step-by-step instructions on how to access and submit your WFQ in DXP Nga Kete

Need help?

If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Contact Team on 0800 601 301 or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz with subject: [EDUMIS #] – WFQ.

For help with your Education Sector Login (ESL), contact the Education Service Desk on 0800 422 599 or email service.desk@education.govt.nz.