The consultation for the proposed code for the safety and wellbeing of all tertiary learners, a new disputes resolution scheme for domestic tertiary students, and law changes to clarify tertiary organisations’ responsibilities to learners opens today and runs until midnight Friday, 21 May. 

Why are we proposing changes now?

We know that the education system in Aotearoa is changing. In partnership with the sector, we’re working to put the needs of all ākonga, their families and communities, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi first in order to deliver more equitable education.

We also know that wellbeing and safety are essential for learners to achieve their goals in education.  When learners have safe, inclusive and healthy environments for learning, living and socialising, they are more likely to succeed in their studies.  

This work is a shared responsibility.  The Ministry, government, tertiary education providers, learners, whānau and the wider community all have a part to play in the safety and wellbeing of tertiary and international learners.

What are the proposals?

We are asking for feedback on:

• A code of practice that sets out what is expected of providers for domestic tertiary learners and all international learners’ safety and wellbeing. 
• A new service to help resolve some disputes between students and tertiary organisations. 
• Law changes that would affect tertiary providers with domestic and international students, and schools with international students.

You can read more about the changes on our consultation page
Te Oranga me te Haumaru Ākonga | Learner Wellbeing and safety

Who are we seeking feedback from?

We welcome all feedback. 

We are also working directly with Pasifika and Māori students, domestic, international and disabled student associations, community, ethnic and faith-based groups, providers, student accommodation providers, and peak bodies.

How can people provide feedback?

The consultation opens today and runs until midnight Friday, 21 May. 

Feedback can be shared online, in a zoom meeting or face-to-face hui or by asking the Ministry of Education to meet with your network. 

You can also email your feedback to CodeOfPastoralCare@education.govt.nz 

If you have questions, you can get in touch with the team leading this work at the Ministry of Education at CodeOfPastoralCare@education.govt.nz.

Interim code changes 

On Wednesday, 31 March 2021, the Minister issued minor and technical changes to the interim code. These include updating the expiry date of the interim code and references to the Education and Training Act 2020, and being clearer about what the Code Administrator must do if it uses powers to enter student accommodation (clause 33). Tertiary providers don’t need to do anything differently, and NZQA will ensure that it meets the new requirements. You can view the updated code on the Ministry of education website. These changes follow from Parliamentary review of the interim code by the Regulations Review Committee.