To maintain registration and programme approval and accreditation, private training establishments (PTEs) must get our approval for any changes in ownership.
You must tell us at least 30 working days before the change of ownership takes place.
Our requirements for change of PTE ownership are outlined in the guidelines for registering a PTE and maintaining PTE registration:
On this page
Types of ownership change
There are different types of ownership change.
Sale of shares
A sale of shares is essentially any change of ownership in which the registered entity that owns the PTE remains the same.
This change includes sale of shares, transfer of shares or the introduction of new shareholders.
Sale of assets
A sale of assets is any change of ownership that occurs through the sale and purchase of a registered PTE's assets or operating activities comprising the business that is the PTE.
In this situation, the buyer (if not already a registered PTE) must apply for new PTE registration, programme accreditations, training scheme approvals, and consents to assess.
The vendor or seller would then request cancellation of the old PTE's registration.
If the intention is to change ownership through sale of assets, please contact us for advice:
Submit a change of ownership application online
A representative of the organisation's governing body must submit an application to NZQA with information about the proposed change of ownership.
They can do this online in the providers portal.
Application form for change of registered PTE ownership [DOCX, 79 KB]
How to apply
- Log in to the providers portal.
- Select TEO Applications then Create Application
- Choose Change of Ownership application
- Enter the details in the application wizard. Attach all supporting documentation to your application.
Log in to the providers portal (external link)
The application must include:
- a completed application form
- a signed sale and purchase agreement
- proof of body corporate status
- two organisation charts showing the organisation's structure before the sale and the proposed structure following the sale. This must include role titles and the names of people holding the roles at all levels of the organisation
- statutory declarations as a fit and proper person and of conflicts of interest for each proposed new governing member (which includes senior managers)
- a business plan for managing the transition of operations, students and staff, including future business development strategies
- a communication strategy including consultation with relevant internal and external stakeholders
- a copy of the current quality management system (QMS)
- a list of all current and proposed PTE delivery sites
- a student fee protection plan (where applicable)
- any other supporting documents.
Next steps
We analyse the application and assesses the appropriateness of the change.
We will, as needed:
- confirm change of shareholding
- confirm programme changes, if applicable
- confirm site changes, if applicable.
Costs of change of ownership
NZQA charges $190 per hour plus GST for analysis of change of ownership applications.