To:
- Principal
- Principal’s Nominee
From January 2027, Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) will be known as Fair Access to Assessment | Te Ara Tōkeke.
Te Ara Tōkeke: He ara e whakatinana ana i te whai wāhitanga tōkeke ki te aromatawai.
Is interpreted as a pathway that gives effect to fair and equitable access to assessment.
This change reflects updated terminology that better describes the purpose of the service: supporting learners to have fair access to assessment and the opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do.
The change is a name change only. There are no changes to eligibility criteria, assessment supports, application processes, or approval arrangements because of this change.
Over the coming months, NZQA will progressively update websites, guidance, forms, communications, portals, and systems to reflect the new name.
On this page
What schools and kura need to know
The new name takes effect from January 2027.
From that date, Fair Access to Assessment | Te Ara Tōkeke will be used in new communications, guidance, resources, systems, and stakeholder-facing materials.
There are no changes to the way applications are assessed or supports are provided.
References to Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) will remain where they relate to historical applications, approvals, records, reporting, guidance, resources, or activity that occurred before January 2027.
Schools and kura may continue to see both SAC and FAA – Te Ara Tōkeke used during and after the transition period as historical records and archived information remain in use.
Supporting a smooth transition
Our focus is to ensure schools, kura, learners, and whānau have a clear understanding of the new terminology while maintaining confidence that the purpose of the service remains unchanged.
Further information will be provided as implementation activities progress.
Enquiries
Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to your School Relationship Manager.
School Relationship Manager
School Quality Assurance and Support
Telephone: 04 463 3000
Email: firstname.lastname@nzqa.govt.nz