New Zealand Qualification Authority

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has been established by the Ministry of Education to coordinate an accessible and flexible qualification system that meets New Zealand and internationally recognised standards.

New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) manages the accreditation and approval of nationally recognised courses – e.g. Career Oriented Scuba Instructor Diploma Course - as part of Department of Employment tertiary education initiative (www.nzqa.govt.nz).

Private Training Establishment – This network of education service providers registered and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Ministry of Education to deliver numerous diving units, from recreational to leadership, from the National Qualification’s Framework.

Access for PADI divers to the qualifications framework is provided through the Private Training Establishment network which includes PADI members participating in the “Work and Income NZ” student services initiative – Student loans for educational and vocational training purposes (www.winz.govt.nz).

Student divers enrolling with a Private Training Establishment are able to access government assistance through the New Zealand student loan scheme. Eligible students are therefore able to fund their PADI training with a student loan borrowed from the government.

The diving industry programs delivered through PADI affiliated network of Private Training Establishments nationwide incorporate all components of the PADI diver training system. This provides additional employment opportunities and state-of-the-art education to new and aspiring dive professionals.

For further information on available programs, eligibility of government assistance or Private Training Establishment network members visit NZQA web site (www.nzqa.govt.nz)

Other relevant organisations:

New Zealand Underwater (NZU) – represents the recreational water sport industry and environment in NZ, individuals and organisations – e.g. Free diving. It monitors the industry safety standards and provides guidance and training for improvement of service provision and standards and quality – (htt://www.nzunderwater.org.nz).

Dive Industry Training Organisation (DITO) - represents the tertiary training requirements of the NZ dive industry – active representatives include: Science, recreation (New Zealand Underwater) and certifying agencies, military, services, media, commercial trainers, commercial diving, aquaculture, Accredited Dive Education Providers (ADEP), NZQA and Occupational Safety & Health (OSH). Contact Dan Forsman – Email: wforsman@xtra.co.nz.