Welcome to Code News
In this edition, we cover:
- Covid-19 lockdown
- The new Code
- What it means for you
- How we’ll support you
- Self-review attestation
Covid-19 lockdown
Thank you for the work you are doing to support the safety and wellbeing of students across Aotearoa as we move through Alert Levels.
The number one priority during this time continues to be the welfare of students and staff. We encourage you to contact our team with any concerns or questions relating to your pastoral code obligations.
The new Code
On 16 July 2021, the Ministry of Education (MoE) released a new Code.
This new Code aims to improve the wellbeing and safety of all tertiary and international ākonga.
The new Code builds on and combines requirements for domestic tertiary and international students.
It comes into effect on 1 January 2022.
What does the new Code mean for schools?
The new Code is new for tertiary providers – there are no changes to existing requirements for schools in New Zealand that enrol international students.
However, existing requirements for schools have different outcome and clause numbers in the new Code, so schools will likely need to update some documentation, such as policies, processes and contracts, to ensure they refer correctly to the new Code clauses.
To help you identify changes, NZQA will be providing a mapping tool in the next few weeks.
Some schools may also be affected by a change in the scope of the Code, which has been broadened to include international students studying offshore. If your school enrols international students who study offshore, please contact us (details below).
How we’ll support you
As Code Administrator, NZQA will continue to support schools to meet their Code obligations. In the next few weeks, we will provide a tool to help schools map the existing international Code to the new Code and update their Code-related documentation.
We’ll continue to run Code workshops in 2022 and to answer your questions on the Code by phone, email and through our website.
Self-review attestation 2021
International Code self-review and attestation will continue as usual for schools this year, with a due date of 1 December 2021.
We understand that schools in international education continue to face challenges as a result of COVID-19. As with last year, we encourage you to run a fit-for-purpose self-review process.
Find more self-review information (external link)
We will provide you with information about how to attest in due course.
Covid-19 impacts
We understand the impacts of Covid-19 and border closures on international Code signatories. We also understand that these impacts may have meant losing key staff members.
If you have any concerns about the new Code, or what to do to meet your obligations, please feel free to contact us.
A message from SIEBA
SIEBA (the Schools International Education Business Association) is the peak body providing support to schools enrolling international students. SIEBA has received funding from Education New Zealand to support capability retention in the sector. This funding allows all schools to join SIEBA for the nominal fee of $1.00. This opportunity is open to schools joining or re-joining SIEBA from now until the end of 2022.
Any questions or feedback?
Feel free to contact us via the details below:
0800 697 296 (ask for Code team)
International Code (external link)