About education organisations

School

There are primary, intermediate and secondary schools in New Zealand. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority deals largely with schools at the secondary level (years 11-13).

Polytechnic/institute of technology

Delivers technical, vocational and professional education. They also promote research, particularly applied and technological research, that aids development.

Private training establishment

A private organisation providing education/training (i.e. they are not state-owned). Many companies and government training establishments register their staff training operations as training establishments.

Government training establishment

A state-owned organisation providing education or training (for example, NZ Police Training Services, New Zealand Army).

Māori provider

Over 100 registered providers identify themselves as Māori providers. These educational institutions deliver Māori subjects, conduct their courses in a Māori environment, or focus specifically on the needs of Māori learners.

Wananga

A teaching and research institution that maintains, advances and disseminates knowledge, develops intellectual independence, and assists the application of knowledge regarding āhuatanga Māori (Māori tradition) according to tikanga Māori (Māori custom).

University

Is characterised by a wide diversity of teaching and research, especially at a higher level, that maintains, advances, disseminates, and assists the application of knowledge and develops intellectual independence.

Industry Training Organisation

A body recognised under the Industry Training Act 1992 as having responsibility for setting standards and arranging the delivery of industry training for the sector it represents. Commonly known as an ITO.

Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) are not education providers, but can become accredited to register assessors within specified fields of the Framework.

Standard-setting bodies

A collective term that covers industry training organisations and advisory groups. These organisations are recognised by NZQA as nationally representative of experts in a particular field, for the purposes of establishing standards for national qualifications.