NZQA Withdrawals Registration From Training School

Withdrawal Of Registration From Private Training Establishment

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has withdrawn registration as a private training establishment from the New Zealand Academy of Studies, of Auckland, following an investigation into the fraudulent issuing of a qualification.

The Appeals Committee of the NZQA Board confirmed the decision on Friday, 18 December.

The NZQA investigation followed an Illegal NZ programme screened on TV2 on 20 August which showed an unnamed private training establishment selling a NZ Diploma of Business qualification.

As a result of the investigation, NZQA was no longer satisfied that NZAS was a suitable body to be registered, and in August 2009 NZQA gave notice of its intention to withdraw registration from NZAS. After considering NZAS submissions, NZQA moved to cancellation of registration in September 2009.

Under NZQA processes, the provider had 10 working days to appeal the decision to the Appeals Committee of the Board and elected to do so. This hearing was held on 11 December.

Throughout the process, NZQA has acted to ensure the needs of students have been addressed.

NZAS has ceased to operate as a training provider and all affected students have been provided with access to alternative providers to continue their studies.

NZQA Deputy Chief Executive, Quality Assurance, Tim Fowler said the decision should send a strong message to private training establishments.

“The vast majority of providers are delivering quality education outcomes for students, but it is important that the industry is aware that any evidence of inappropriate, or fraudulent, activity by training establishments will result in strong action by NZQA.”

ENDS

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