Diversity, inclusion and equity

Our plan to make the workplace fairer and more inclusive

NZQA is committed to providing its people with an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is celebrated.

Learn more about our equity statement and Kia Toipoto action plan.

“NZQA is committed to equitable outcomes for Māori as tangata whenua. We are also committed to equitable outcomes for Pacific learners, disabled learners and learners from socio-economically disadvantaged circumstances.

​​​​​​​These commitments apply across NZQA’s work, and underpin our deliberate equity focus on learners who face the greatest barriers to educational success through the compounding effects of disadvantage.

These equity commitments are a component of how we fulfil our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and reflect the priorities described in NZQAs strategic action plans Te Kōkiritanga and Takiala Pasifika, and NZQA’s Disability Action Plan.”
NZQA

Kia Toipoto Plan 2023-2024

Kia Toipoto, the Public Service pay gaps action plan 2023-2024, has 3 goals, which are to:

  • make substantial progress towards closing gender, Māori, Pacific, and ethnic pay gaps
  • accelerate progress for wāhine Māori, Pacific women, and women from ethnic communities
  • create fairer workplaces for all, including disabled people and members of rainbow communities.

Kia Toipoto builds on the successful Public Service Gender Pay Gap Action Plan 2018–2022, but goes wider than gender and extends to Crown entities.

Kia Toipoto comes from the saying "Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa l let us be united, not wide apart.” The name speaks to closing gaps and creating unity and fairness for all people.

Kia Toipoto — Public Service Pay Gaps Action Plan 2023–24 (external link)

Our action plan

Through a series of focus groups with our staff and unions, we identified focus areas for NZQA’s Kia Toipoto Plan.

NZQA’s inaugural Kia Toipoto plan covers from December 2022 to June 2023.

From July 2023 NZQA will create annual Kia Toipoto Plans.

Download NZQA's Kia Toipoto Plan 2023-2024 [PDF, 691 KB]