Field: Health

Expiry of Natural Medicine New Zealand Qualification

Reviewed qualification

Ref	Version	Qualification Title	Credits
5062	1	New Zealand Diploma in Natural Medicine (Naturopathy and Nutrition) (Level 7)	240

Review information

Qualification Developer	Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council
Reason for the review	Concerns raised by the sector
Review date	October 2024
Outcome date	October 2024
Next review date	N/A

Summary of review and consultation process

The New Zealand Diploma in Natural Medicine (Naturopathy and Nutrition) (Level 7) [Ref: 5062] was listed as part of the expected process to transition ‘Local’ Level 7 Diplomas into New Zealand Diplomas. Toitū Te Waiora Community, Health, Education, and Social Services Workforce Development Council (TTW) was approached by industry stakeholders expressing concerns regarding the qualification and its ability to produce fit for purpose graduates. The listing of this qualification was considered a retrograde step for the development of Naturopathy as a profession, with associations indicating they would not be able to accept graduates for professional membership.

In response to the concerns raised, TTW conducted a consultation process involving relevant industry associations, stakeholders, and tertiary education organisations. The consultation revealed a consensus that the qualification was unlikely to meet the needs of the industry or produce graduates fit for professional practice. It was further determined that any necessary changes to the qualification to make it was fit for purpose would be substantial. Looking ahead, it was suggested that any future developments in this field should be aligned with the New Zealand Diploma in Holistic Health Advocacy (Level 5) [Ref: 4915] and the New Zealand Diploma in Holistic Nutrition (Level 6) [Ref: 3511].

As a result of the consultation, it was decided to discontinue the qualification, to remove it from the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

This decision is supported by TTW and the majority of the stakeholders involved.

Main changes resulting from the development/review process

New Zealand Diploma in Natural Medicine (Naturopathy and Nutrition) (Level 7) [Ref: 5062] has been discontinued.

Review outcome

Ref:	Version	Qualification Title	Outcome category	New qualification ID/version (as applicable)
5062	1	New Zealand Diploma in Natural Medicine (Naturopathy and Nutrition) (Level 7)	D	N/A

Qualification review outcome categories

Outcome	Result	Category
Minor changes to the qualification	Qualification version number and ID (Ref) remain the same. New review date is required.	A
Moderate changes to the qualification	New qualification version number. Ref/ID remains the same. New review date is required.	B
Significant changes to the qualification	New replacement qualification with a new Ref/ID The existing qualification will expire.	C
The qualification is no longer required by industry	The qualification will expire with no replacement.	D

Transition information

Ref:	Version	Qualification Title	Last date of entry*	Last date of assessment
5062	1	New Zealand Diploma in Natural Medicine (Naturopathy and Nutrition) (Level 7)	N/A	24/10/2024

*only required for outcome category C or D

Any additional information, including Qualification Developer contact details.

It is anticipated that no existing candidates will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements.  However, anyone who feels that they have been disadvantaged may appeal to Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council at the address below.  Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council 

PO Box 445

Wellington 6140.

Telephone: 04 909 0356

Email: qualifications@toitutewaiora.nz

Web: www.toitutewaiora.nz