Field Engineering and Technology

Review of Field Hydrology New Zealand qualification

Reviewed qualification

Ref	Version	Qualification Title	Credits
2344	2	New Zealand Diploma in Field Hydrology	135

Review information

Qualification Developer	Muka Tangata People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council
Reason for the review	Scheduled review
Review date	February 2025
Outcome date	September 2025
Next review date	September 2030

Summary of review and consultation process

The review was carried out in February 2025 to assess whether the qualification continued to meet the needs of the hydrology workforce and to ensure alignment with current industry standards. This review was essential for confirming the qualification’s ongoing relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for employment and progression within the hydrology sector.

A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was formed which consisted of industry personnel, NZ Hydrological Society representative, assessors, recently qualified learners, and employers of graduates to provide industry input into the qualification review through series of weekly meetings over a period of seven months.

Based on the feedback received from industry, updates were made to the qualification, and development of six new skill standards was completed collaboratively with the TAG group and Project Team.

The revised qualification was sent out to the wider industry for consultation in June 2025. Minor changes were received, considered by the TAG and incorporated where relevant.

Main changes resulting from the review process

· Credit Value –total qualification credit decreased from 140 to 135, to remove duplication from the equivalent unit standards.

· Strategic Purpose Statement – updated to strengthen recognition of skills, formal pathways for training, and highlight broader benefits to communities, economy, and infrastructure planning.

· Graduate Profile:

o credit value updated for GPOs 1, 2 and 3;

o GPO1 and 3 updated to align better with skill standards.

o conditions updated to explicitly link each graduate profile outcome to relevant skill standards and associated credits.

· Employment, Cultural, and Community Pathways expanded to:

o include iwi, Crown research agencies, and private sector organisations.

o acknowledge contributions to community wellbeing and Hydro geoscience.

o embed expectations around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural values, diversity, and iwi aspirations.

o provide additional career progression pathways.

o reference external source for further career information (Hydrology NZ website).

· Qualification Specifications – expanded with more detailed evidence requirements for assuring consistency.

· Transition Information – updated with clear last dates for entry and assessment for earlier versions, ensuring no trainee disadvantage.

Review outcome

Ref:	Version	Qualification Title	Outcome category	New qualification ID/version (as applicable)
2344	2	New Zealand Diploma in Field Hydrology	B-New version of qualification	2344-3

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
2344	2	New Zealand Diploma in Field Hydrology	N/A	31 December 2028

*only required for outcome category C or D

Any additional information, including Qualification Developer contact details.

It is intended that no existing learners will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements. Any person who considers they have been disadvantaged may contact:

Muka Tangata – People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council.

PO Box 445

Wellington

Email: qualifications@mukatangata.nz

Web: www.mukatangata.nz

Phone: (04) 909 0288