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  • Our Response Framework for Educational Delivery and Performance

    Source:

    Download a PDF version of our Response Framework for Educational Delivery and Performance (PDF 191 KB)
    What is our Response Framework?
    The Response Framework describes how we manage educational delivery and performance where it needs to improve. It provides an overview of the types of responses the TEC uses to manage delivery and performance, and broad factors that affect whether a response is taken and what type of response.
    The framework is designed to endure over time, so it focuses on responses and factors that will not change over multiple funding rounds. It does not include specific expectations of delivery and performance (eg, specific levels or measures of these factors, rankings of their importance, or mappings between factors and responses) because these vary over time and in different contexts.
    Instead, specific expectations are laid out in a range of regularly published sources including Plan Guidance, funding conditions, funding mechanisms and technical guidance. Tertiary education organisations (TEOs) should refer to these sources to understand what specific levels and/or circumstances are likely to evoke a response.
    Decisions about responses to delivery and performance result from on-balance assessments, not bright-line tests
    Decisions involve many factors and depend on us having as much information as possible. For this reason, we rely on engagement as the first response when an indicator occurs, to enable a “no surprises” approach if a further response is required. We aim to understand the reasons underlying the indicator and what is already happening to address it.
    The Response Framework covers how we respond to educational delivery and/or performance that needs to improve. It does not cover:

    responses to delivery or performance that exceeds expectations
    other types of assessments we make such as tertiary education institution (TEI) risk and private training establishment (PTE) financial viability
    other types of decisions we make, such as those about investment (although both our investment and response frameworks are relevant where responses relate to funding, such as reducing investment when performance is not improving). 

    Fundamental to our decision-making are our legislative functions and obligations under the Education and Training Act 2020, including giving effect to the Tertiary Education Strategy. An ongoing focus on learner success is embedded throughout the framework: as a potential indicator that improvement is necessary, a way to improve outcomes, a contextual factor considered in decisions, and a principle underpinning all decisions.
    We use three broad types of responses
    This list is not exhaustive.
    Information, monitoring and engagement
    Our business-as-usual methods for understanding provider performance include regular data reporting and communicating expectations through Plan Guidance, other publications and engagement.
    Our first choice of response, when a need to improve outcomes is indicated, may include requesting further information, or changing the frequency, intensity, method, attendees or content of engagements.
    Dedicated and/or specialist engagement (eg, a Relationship Manager) is likely when there is more risk (eg, total funding envelope >$5m), or delivery or performance needs to improve.
    Requirements and conditions
    When more structure is required than engagement alone, TEC may:

    require a full Investment Plan
    change the Plan length
    require a significant Plan amendment
    require an improvement plan
    apply organisation-specific funding conditions
    impose a new condition on subsequent Plan funding approval.

    Funding
    In situations where performance is not improving even with requirements or conditions, TEC may:

    remove access to additional funding
    revoke approval for a qualification to be accessible for student loans and allowances
    amend, revoke and/or recover existing funding
    reduce further investment or part-fund only (including signalling this through indicative allocations)
    cease investment.

    Proposed funding decisions made as part of annual Plan rounds are always subject to a Right of Response process.
    We consider many factors in making a response decision
    We generally (although not always) use responses in a graduated manner, with engagement continuing throughout.
    Context
    Context is crucial to which responses we use, how quickly we do so, and the importance of various indicators and mitigations at different points in time. For example:

    at a system level: fiscal environment, overall availability of funding and government risk appetite can affect how quickly we strengthen responses or which ones we apply
    at a sub-sector level: the type of provider, including size, legislated autonomy, business model, and alternatives in the network of provision, affects what responses we use
    at a provider level: specific concerns (eg, low educational outcomes for specific learner groups) can have specific associated responses, or responses might only be applied to pockets of provision or to provision with outcomes that are not improving. We also consider a provider’s existing compliance requirements.

    Indicators
    Indicators are signs that performance may need to improve, to minimise potential risk to learner outcomes and/or to government investment. They increase the likelihood that we will use more or stronger responses. Indicators include:

    low or declining educational performance
    low educational outcomes for specific learner groups
    unfavourable quality assurance reports
    unsatisfactory Plan quality (or components of a Plan), including learner success milestones
    under- or over-delivery
    unsatisfactory progress following previous responses
    breach of funding conditions
    non-compliance with criteria for significant Plan amendments or replacement Plans
    adverse audit and investigation findings.

    Mitigations
    Mitigations are factors or actions that (where satisfactory) can lower risk and increase our confidence that expectations will be met. Satisfactory mitigations decrease the likelihood of further responses and/or the severity of those applied. Mitigations can include:

    proactive communication about indicators
    improved educational performance
    improving educational outcomes for specific learner groups
    proactive actions taken (eg, collaboration with other providers)
    demonstrable outcomes other than educational (eg, community impact)
    improved quality assurance reports.

    Key principles underpin every response decision
    Evidence-based
    We make informed decisions based on best available data, information and intelligence. We understand and apply knowledge of the sector, learner demand, stakeholder needs and best practice.
    Fair, transparent and consistent
    We use engagement to maintain transparency with providers and understand the context that makes our decisions fair. Our methods and processes build trust and confidence in the system for learners, industry, communities and government. We balance costs and risks in proportion to outcomes.
    Learners at the centre
    We incentivise, promote and enable improved educational outcomes for everyone by making providers accountable for how they deliver education and the outcomes they achieve. We expect providers to recognise learner diversity and meet learners’ needs and aspirations.
    Continuously improving the system
    We improve the system’s effectiveness through reviewing and updating internal processes for deciding and applying responses, as necessary. We improve the system through the tools and guidance we provide to the sector and the network of provision we invest in.

  • Truck broken down, SH2 Aongatete

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists are advised of delays on State Highway 2, Aongatete after a truck broke down.

    Reports came in to Police around 8:15am, of the incident in the northbound lane about 500m north of Wright Road.

    There are no injuries but motorists are advised there is significant traffic build-up as a result, and are urged to delay travel if possible.

    ENDS

  • First Fast-track referral applications progressed

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Minister for Infrastructure has referred the first two non-listed projects into the Fast-track approval process under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

    “The Fast-track Approvals Act contains two pathways for projects to enter the Government’s new one-stop shop approvals process. 

    “The first pathway, Schedule 2 of the Act – commonly referred to as the Fast-track list – contains 149 projects which can apply directly to the Environmental Protection Authority to have an expert panel assess the project, decide whether to consent it, and apply any relevant conditions. The first three expert panels are already underway and more are expected soon.

    “The second pathway is for project owners to apply to the Minister for Infrastructure for referral into the Fast-track process. For this pathway, the Minister for Infrastructure must consult the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, along with iwi and the relevant local authority, before deciding whether to refer the project.

    “I have today referred the first two projects into the Fast-track process. 

    “One of these projects is the Ayrburn Screen Hub. This application is for the construction and operation of a film and television production facility on about 26 hectares of land between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, Otago.

    “The other project is Ashbourne in Matamata, Waikato. This application is for a residential and retirement development project of 530 new homes and 250 retirement units, along with associated commercial development and infrastructure and two solar farms with the capacity to power 8000 homes.

    “These two projects may now move to the next stage in the Fast-track process by lodging substantive applications with the EPA to be considered by expert panels.”

    Note to editor:

    Project details will be published on the Fast-track website: www.fasttrack.govt.nz.

    The three projects currently being considered by expert panels are:

    1. Maitahi Village (Nelson)
    2. Delmore (Auckland)

    Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (Auckland)

  • Proposed changes to the Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle

    Proposed changes to the Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle

    Source: police-emblem-97

    Have your say

    The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is consulting on proposed changes to how sheep and beef cattle are farmed in New Zealand.

    NAWAC has reviewed the existing code of welfare for sheep and beef cattle and wants your feedback. The committee is proposing several updates to minimum standards and recommendations for best practice.

    You can make a submission between 14 May and 15 July 2025.

    Consultation documents

    Proposed changes to the Code of Welfare: Sheep and Beef Cattle [PDF, 750 KB]

    Related documents and information

    NAWAC Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle [PDF, 810 KB]

    NAWAC Code of Welfare Evaluation Report [PDF, 1.2 MB]

    Find out about NAWAC

    What’s being proposed?

    Proposed changes to the code include:

    • incorporating dairy sheep into the code
    • amended behavioural provisions for sheep and beef cattle
    • new minimum standards for animals in off-paddock facilities and feedlots.

    NAWAC is also proposing a regulation to prohibit the use of electro-immobilisation devices.

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the draft code by 5pm on 15 July 2025 to animal.consult@mpi.govt.nz

    You can also use our online survey to make a submission.

    Online submission form for the sheep and beef cattle code of welfare

    While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

    Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle Submission
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140
    New Zealand.

    What to include

    Make sure you tell us in your submission:

    • the title of the consultation document
    • your name and title
    • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
    • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

    Additionally, state in your submission which of these groups you best associate with:

    • primary sector organisation
    • farming
    • member of the public
    • animal advocacy organisation
    • transport or livestock company
    • animal health professional
    • research institute
    • other – please specify.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

    If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior returns for 40th anniversary of French bombing in Auckland on 10 July

    Source: Greenpeace

    The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will return to Aotearoa this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original Rainbow Warrior at Marsden Wharf in Auckland by French government agents on 10th July 1985.
    Russel Norman says, “The Rainbow Warrior’s return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment-when the fight to protect our planet’s fragile life-support systems has never been as urgent, or more critical.
    “Here in Aotearoa, the Luxon Government is waging an all-out war on nature, and on a planetary scale, climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat.
    “As we remember the bombing and the murder of our crew member, Fernando Pereira, it’s important to remember why the French Government was compelled to commit such a cowardly act of violence.
    “Our ship was targeted because Greenpeace and the campaign to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific were so effective. We posed a very real threat to the French Government’s military programme and colonial power.
    “It’s also critical to remember that they failed to stop us. They failed to intimidate us, and they failed to silence us. Greenpeace only grew stronger and continued the successful campaign against nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific.
    “But just like in 1985 when the French bombed our ship, now too in 2025, we will not be intimidated, we will not back down, and we will not be silenced.
    “We cannot be silenced because we are a movement of people committed to peace and to protecting Earth’s ability to sustain life, protecting the blue oceans, the forests and the life we share this planet with,” says Norman.
    “In the 40 years since, the Rainbow Warrior has sailed on the front lines of our campaigns around the world to protect nature and promote peace. In the fight to end oil exploration, turn the tide of plastic production, stop the destruction of ancient forests and protect the ocean, the Rainbow Warrior has been there to this day.
    “Right now the Rainbow Warrior is preparing to sail through the Tasman Sea to expose the damage being done to ocean life, continuing a decades-long tradition of defending ocean health,” says Norman.
    This follows the Rainbow Warrior spending six weeks in the Marshall Islands where the original ship carried out Operation Exodus, in which the Greenpeace crew evacuated the people of Rongelap from their home island that had been made uninhabitable by nuclear weapons testing by the US Government.
    In Auckland this year, several events will be held on and around the ship to mark the anniversary, including open days with tours of the ship for the public.

  • Awards – Finalists announced for 2025 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Awards

    Source: Business Central

    ExportNZ is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards.
    The awards recognise exporting excellence from across the Central New Zealand Region – from Greater Wellington to Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Manawatū.
    This year’s new-look event is being hosted for the first time in Palmerston North, at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre on June 6.
    The awards are judged by a highly experienced panel of exporting specialists from ExportNZ, ASB and NZTE.
    This year’s finalists represent a wide range of businesses from across the Central region, with judges commending their innovation, creativity and endeavour amidst a challenging global market.
    ExportNZ national Chair and chief judge David Boyd says this year’s finalists are a special group:
    “Entrants in the Export Awards always amaze us with their ingenuity and innovation but I can honestly say that this year’s standards are exceptional and in all categories.
    “From groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs to excellence in constant improvement of everyday processes, our exporters are amazing!”
    This year’s category finalists are:
    DHL Best Emerging Business
    – DownUnder Honey
    – Ellen Joan Ford
    – Fleet Line Markers
    – Mana Pacific Consultants
    – Mufftech
    – Powa Products International Ltd
    Gallagher Insurance Best Established Business
    – Biophive
    – IPU New Zealand
    – Noske Rail
    – NZP (an ICE Pharma Company)
    CentrePort Excellence in Innovation
    – NovaLabs
    – Proliant Health & Biologicals
    – Sharesies
    – The Village Goldsmith
    Business Central Excellence in Sustainability
    – NZP (an ICE Pharma Company)
    – Fleet Line Markers
    – BioLumic
    All category winners are also eligible for the supreme award, ASB Exporter of the Year. In 2024, Wellington’s Lane Street Studios received both Best Emerging Business and the supreme award. Lane Street Studios CEO Kirsty Grant says:
    “Being recognised as Best Emerging Business and overall Exporter of the Year in 2024 was a significant achievement for myself and the team. We have all worked extremely hard to get our business established after building during covid and the myriad of challenges that impacted our industry.
    “As our business is considered to be a weightless export, receiving the recognition of these awards was also an acknowledgement of the substantial contribution our sector makes to the NZ economy – with so much more potential for growth.
    “We are very excited for future exporters to also be recognised for their work in supporting and further developing crucial trade relationships for NZ. Bring on the 2025 awards,” Grant said.
    Gala Dinner and Winners Announcement
    About the ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards:
    The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards recognize and honour the remarkable work of Wellington exporters, showcasing their contributions to New Zealand’s global reputation. Now in its 9 th year, the awards provide a vital role in celebrating success and fostering growth in the export sector.

  • Consumer NZ – Smaller banks pack a punch: Consumer’s best and worst banks in 2025

    Source: Consumer NZ

    The Co-operative Bank has topped the rankings for customer satisfaction, while ANZ finished at the bottom, according to Consumer NZ’s latest independent survey of New Zealand banking customers.

    The Co-operative Bank has taken out the top spot in Consumer’s latest banking satisfaction survey, earning a customer satisfaction score of 77%.  

    At the other end of the scale, ANZ – the country’s largest bank – scored just 57%. The average satisfaction score across all banks was 64%.

    “This is the fourth year in a row that The Co-operative Bank has won our People’s Choice award,” says Jon Duffy, CEO of Consumer NZ.  

    “It’s an impressive result, especially considering its market share – less than 1%.

    “Bigger is not necessarily better. ANZ is New Zealand’s most profitable bank, with the biggest market share, but when it comes to customer satisfaction, it finished bottom of our survey.

    Consumer’s annual independent survey measures customer satisfaction across 17 areas, including trust, value for money, digital banking, and customer service.

    Don’t bank on the big banks

    Duffy notes this year’s survey results come amid persistent concerns about the state of competition in New Zealand’s banking sector and the ever-present threat of scams.  

    Our survey also found that more than 1 in 5 New Zealanders have fallen victim to a scam that has involved their bank account or a financial service.  

    While some progress has been made by banks to address scams – following pressure from central government and advocates for banks to increase efforts to protect customers – New Zealand still lags behind other countries when it comes to banking technology.  

    “The pace of innovation in the sector has been glacial. Technologies like comprehensive open banking and real-time payments that could save consumers money and keep us safe are still on the ‘to do’ list for banks,” says Duffy.

    ”Our research also shows fewer than 3% of New Zealanders switch banks each year – one of the lowest switching rates of any service sector we monitor.

    “Low switching rates and low satisfaction scores – particularly among banks with the biggest customer bases – is never a good sign for consumers. Banks are yet to deliver improvements to their switching services, as recommended by the Commerce Commission’s market study to improve competition in the sector.  

    “This is why we publish our annual satisfaction surveys. We strongly encourage people to do their homework and switch to a bank with higher customer satisfaction. It’s easier than you might think and a powerful way to foster competition so that we can collectively raise the bar,” says Duffy.

    Key findings from Consumer’s 2025 banking satisfaction survey

    The Co-operative Bank achieved the highest overall satisfaction score (77%) delivering consistent, above-average experiences across the board, particularly around digital banking, savings interest rates, and advice

    ANZ scored the lowest customer satisfaction rating (57%), with particularly low scores for interest on savings, fees, responsible lending, advice and overall value for money

    Consumer says the 20-point gap between the survey’s top and bottom performers highlights just how much customer experience can differ between banks. The full survey results (paywalled) and methodology are available on Consumer’s website: Best and worst banks in 2025. https://consumernz.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fhdtre-ijjdkdttjk-j/

    Notes

    Our data is from a nationally representative survey of 1,920 New Zealanders, aged 18 years and older, conducted online in February 2025

    Ratings cover satisfaction across 17 key service areas. Satisfaction ratings show the proportion of respondents who scored their provider 8, 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied).

    Market share is based on the latest figures from the Banking Ombudsman Scheme Dashboard.

    Annual profit before tax figures are from each bank’s latest financial disclosures.

  • Public service work from home policies dispute heading to Employment Relations Authority

    Source: PSA

    Confidential mediation today failed to resolve the difference between the PSA and the government on public service work from home policies, and the issue is now heading to the Employment Relations Authority.
    Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, said they were dismayed to have not settled the matter quickly for public sector workers.
    “While we’re still open to settling this matter outside of the Authority, the government is digging in its heels on its arbitrary wish to force public servants, who have performed to a high standard for years now while working from home, back into the office.
    “Not having working from home as the default disadvantages women, who make up 62 per cent of the public service and who disproportionately hold whanau care responsibilities.
    “Working from home is good for women, good for people with chronic health conditions, and good for people with disabilities. It’s good for everyone including employers and even the government too.”
    In 2018, the PSA entered in into an agreement – the Gender Pay Principles, following legal action in the Employment Court to establish principles governing work performed by women in accordance with the Equal Pay Act 1972.
    The follow up agreement, Flexible Work by Default, gave effect to these principles and was signed by the PSA, CTU, the State Services Commission (as it then was) and the Ministry for Women in 2020.
    “The fact of the matter is, the government entered into the Gender Pay Principles and the Flexible Work by Default agreements.
    “You can’t just rip up these agreements when thousands of people rely on them to maintain their personal and whanau wellbeing.
    “But then – we didn’t see much care for women when the government also ripped up the Pay Equity Bill last week.”
    Previous media statements:

  • Statement from Police Commissioner Richard Chambers

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:

    I appreciate the resignation of Jevon McSkimming raises questions, but the criminal investigation cannot be compromised by commenting on the circumstances of it at this point.

    However, I can say that I have always made it very clear that trust and confidence in Police is a top priority for me as Commissioner.

    I have also made clear that I expect leadership to be accountable. The public and my Police colleagues can rest assured that very much remains the case.

    I take very seriously anything that puts trust and confidence and the reputation of Police at risk and will act to address it.

    I have high expectations of all police staff and will address it if those standards are not met, irrespective of rank or role.

    This is not just about my own views and expectations. It is the standard the public and the Police deserve.

    ENDS

  • Transport – Everyone can help make our roads safer

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    The theme of this week’s Road Safety Week is Be a Road Safety Hero and Transporting New Zealand has some tips for getting your superhero cape on.
    CEO Dom Kalasih says everybody can help make the roads safer, from truckies in the big rigs, to motorists and cyclists.
    In particular, he says some key things make the roads much safer for everyone.
    “The roads are truckie’s workplaces, and they want them to be as safe as they can be for everyone,” he says.
    “A bit of patience and courtesy go a huge way to making sure everyone has a good trip.”
    Four top safety tips around trucks are;
    Leave the gap.
    Don’t pull in front of a truck just because there’s a space. Truck drivers like a decent space in front because they take about twice the distance to stop than a car does.
    Make yourself seen.
    Trucks have blindspots. If you can’t see their wing mirrors, they can’t see you. And if it’s wet, put on your car lights so you stand out behind the spray that gets kicked up.. Cyclists can help by wearing some fluro. There are a few riders who think dressing in black like a ninja at night is a good idea. It’s really not.
    It’s SH1, not F1
    Trucks legally can only do 90 km/h. If you want to pass, give yourself plenty of space if you’re using a passing lane. You might have 40 metres to pass so make sure there is plenty of space for you and anybody else who plans on getting through by the time the passing lane ends.
    Tired? Pull over
    Feeling sleepy? Find a safe place to pull over and have a micro-rest. The AA says a 15-20 minute power nap provides the brain with the best pick-me-up. Some water and a banana are always handy for keeping energised.
    More information on Road Safety Week is here