Why we are here

Our purpose and responsibilities in the New Zealand Government and education system

NZQA's purpose is to support learners in New Zealand by:

  • making sure they have access to quality training and can learn their whole lives
  • keeping complete records of their educational achievements
  • letting them take their achievements with them anywhere in the world
  • setting them up for success through our resources and services.
“Ko te manu ka kai i te miro, nōna te ngahere.

Ko te manu ka kai i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.

The bird that partakes of the berry, theirs is the forest.

The bird that partakes of knowledge, theirs is the world.”
Te Kere Ngataierua, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi
Three New Zealanders discuss a paper while sitting at a table.

Our place in government and education

Find out how NZQA contributes to education and the work of the New Zealand Government

Our place
Image of a classroom with students in lab coats.

Our responsibilities and functions

Learn more about what we do and how we assist learners in Aotearoa New Zealand

What we do
A young Black man stands smiling in the European city setting.

Our international role

How we take New Zealand qualifications to a global audience and connect to other qualification frameworks

Learn more