If you are developing a programme that leads to a qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), the Education and Training Act requires you to get the programme approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Prior to submitting your finalised programme to NZQA, a WDC’s endorsement is required for qualifications under our coverage.
If you are interested in delivering a programme, you also need to be accredited as a provider of that programme. More information on programme approval and accreditation is available on NZQA’s website here ›
We are committed to supporting you, as providers, to develop and gain approval for high quality programmes. Please kōrero with us while you are developing your programme so we can tohu (advise) you of any new rules, regulations, specifications or conditions since the qualification was listed.
Ohu Ahumahi, the collective of the six WDCs, have identified shared principles that will help providers to develop programmes. Learn about what these principles are, and what Muka Tangata is doing to support them.
The Muka Tangata tīma is committed to providing guidance for providers to develop and gain approval for high quality programmes. Learn about the WDC endorsement considerations and how they help ensure that programmes meet industry and learner needs.
Te ao Māori consideration was developed, as with the other considerations, to support equity for diverse learners. Learn about the consideration and its criteria, and how Muka Tangata is working to support providers to meet them.
As part of the NZQA programme approval process, you need to supply a letter of endorsement from the relevant WDC. Learn about how to request our endorsement for new and existing programmes.
Please allow 20 working days for us to process your request for programme support.
To ensure timely processing of pre-moderation, consent to assess, micro-credential support and programme endorsement applications before the disestablishment of Muka Tangata, we encourage providers to submit all relevant assessment materials and applications by Friday 3 October 2025.
We will continue to process applications after this date, but we cannot guarantee they will be completed before Muka Tangata finishes operations on 19 December 2025. Any in-progress submissions will be handed over to the newly established Industry Skills Board for completion.
We encourage you to contact us at the earliest opportunity if you have any questions about this, or want to discuss any proposed submissions.
For additional information or advice
Frequently Asked Questions ›
Contact us ›
To ensure timely processing of pre-moderation, consent to assess, microcredential support and programme endorsement applications before the disestablishment of Muka Tangata, we encourage providers to submit all relevant assessment materials and applications by October 3, 2025.
We will continue to process applications after this date, but we cannot guarantee they will be completed before Muka Tangata finishes operations on 19 December 2025. Any in-flight submissions will be handed over to the newly established Industry Skills Board for completion.
