Change of ownership

As part of maintaining registration and course approval and accreditation, NZQA must be notified of any changes in ownership of a private training establishment (PTE).

Types of ownership change

There are different types of ownership change:

1. Sale of assets

A "sale of assets" is any change of ownership that occurs through the sale and purchase of a PTE's assets or operating activities. In such cases, the purchaser (if not already a registered PTE) must apply for new registration and accreditation.

2. Sale of shares

A "sale of shares" is any change of ownership in which the registered entity remains the same. In such cases, the purchaser must apply to have the PTE's current registration and accreditation confirmed under the new ownership.

3. Legal status of private training establishment

Registration of a PTE attaches to a body corporate (Education Act, 1989, s.235). If the body corporate is changed, NZQA regards the resulting entity as a new organisation. In such circumstances, the PTE must notify NZQA of the change. This is processed as an application for new registration, and for the accreditations required by the purchasing organisation.

Notify NZQA with ownership information

A representative of the organisation's governing body must notify NZQA of any proposed change of ownership. This notification must include:

• details of the change, including precise details as to when or how the changes will occur
• an attestation that the organisation has considered, and is managing, the impact of the changes on its primary stakeholders (i.e. learners)
• the sale and purchase agreement and a joint statement by the organisation and prospective purchaser.
• supporting evidence to prove that, despite the proposed change, the organisation or course continues to meet all registration, accreditation or approval requirements

To notify NZQA of the change, make an online application via TEO Self Services:

1. Log on to TEO Self Services using your ESAA user ID and password
2. Select TEO Applications > Create Application
3. Choose Change of Ownership application
4. Enter the details in the application wizard. Attach all supporting documentation to the application.

What happens next?

NZQA analyses the notification and assesses the appropriateness of the change. The various outcomes are processed simultaneously, to facilitate a smooth changeover of the registered entity. NZQA will as needed:

• cancel existing registration and accreditation
• set up new registration and accreditation
• confirm course changes, if applicable
• confirm site changes, if applicable.

Cost of change of ownership

NZQA charges $150 per hour (GST exclusive) for analysis of Change of Ownership notifications.

Further information

If you have any questions, contact the Service Support team.