STUDENT EXPERIENCE & WELLBEING
NZQA: New Code of Practice for Pastoral Care in New Zealand
Pastoral Care for domestic tertiary students Q&A What does the Code mean? Who will be held accountable? The Code means there will be a consistent approach to the welfare, safety and wellbeing and pastoral care of domestic tertiary students. An interim Code will be in place for 2020 setting out a general duty of pastoral care that tertiary education providers have for domestic tertiary students, and specific requirements for providers that offer student accommodation In relation to student accommodation, tertiary education providers are required to support the safety and wellbeing of students and improve the consistency of standards in student accommodation. The general duty of pastoral care under the Code sets out requirements for providers to assist students to experience a safe, inclusive learning environment and to access the advice and assistance they need to maintain their own wellbeing. All tertiary education providers are expected to comply with the Code and will be accountable for discharging their responsibilities under the Code.
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Last year, a local student was found deceased in student accommodation. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have released the following information following the inquest.
Why do we need this Code? There are a number of drivers behind the need for the Code of Practice. The tragedy at Sonoda Village student accommodation in Christchurch exposed the limits of the old system of selfregulation for pastoral care of students. It was based on a voluntary code and failed to maintain adequate standards at tertiary providers around the country. The Government has moved quickly to change the Education Act so there would be better protections in place for students from 2020. The community has also made it clear through the nationwide Education Conversation, Kōrero Mātauranga, that it wants greater alignment between learning and wellbeing. New Zealanders want education to be about more than just learning things. The Code shows we are listening. NZQA have a mandatory Code of Practice for supporting the pastoral care of international
students, but for domestic tertiary students we have had only a voluntary code in place which has been applied inconsistently around the country. Providers and domestic students alike have a right to be given greater clarity around their respective responsibilities and entitlements. Was the Code consulted on? An interim Code of Practice will apply from 1 January 2020. Officials have tested the content of this Code with experts from the tertiary sector, and with learners. Providers realise there is variation in how students are supported currently and that since we have a mandatory Code for international students, but not for domestic learners, there is a gap in the system. During 2020 the NZ Government will consult on the development of a more comprehensive and permanent Code which will take effect from 2021. The Government will engage with learners, families and sector groups as part of this consultation.
