The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is managing the central role in maintaining the high standards of New Zealand’s education system. It manages the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), administers the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) for secondary schools, and ensures quality assurance in tertiary education, excluding universities. NZQA also evaluates and recognizes international qualifications, supports Māori education, and facilitates lifelong learning. By ensuring that qualifications are credible and respected both nationally and internationally, NZQA enhances the employability of graduates and contributes significantly to New Zealand’s economy by attracting international students and fostering a skilled workforce.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) operates under the guidance of a board appointed by the Minister of Education.New board of members has been appointed recently and this board draws expertise from diverse fields including industry, community, and education.
Kevin Jenkins – Chair
Kevin Jenkins, the Chair, brings extensive experience from both public and private sectors. His expertise includes regulatory governance, accountability, and risk management. Kevin also serves as Chair of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, Chair of Iti Kōpara | Public Governance Aotearoa, Director of Harrison Grierson, and Director of WorkSafe. Additionally, he is part of the Risk and Assurance Committees for the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defence. His term began on 26 July 2024 and will end on 25 July 2027.
Bill Moran MNZM – Deputy Chair
Bill Moran has a significant background in government, private sector, and charitable organizations. He is currently the Deputy Chair of WorkSafe NZ, Director of Pioneer Energy, and a board member of Te Pūkenga. His previous roles include Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Treasury. In 2019, he was honored as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to state, sport, and youth. Bill’s board term also started on 26 July 2024 and will conclude on 25 July 2027.
Andrée Atkinson
Andrée Atkinson brings her vast experience in accountancy and business consultancy to the board. She chairs Youthtown, the North Shore Events Centre Trust Board, and various finance and risk committees. Andrée is an Independent Board Member of New Zealand Certified Builders and an independent Councillor on the Law Association. Her credentials include being a Fellow of CAANZ, member of the Institute of Directors, and part of the Disciplinary Tribunal of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Her term is from 26 July 2024 to 25 July 2027.
Jeremy Baker
Jeremy Baker, with a history of senior roles in industry, government, and education, is currently the Chief Executive of Muka Tangata – People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council. He has also been Chief Insight Officer at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Lincoln University, and Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation. His board term began on 1 October 2021 and ends on 30 September 2024.
Wiremu Doherty
Professor Wiremu Doherty is the Chief Executive of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and chairs NZQA’s Māori advisory group Ngā Kaitūhono. He holds a PhD on the roots of Mātauranga Māori and has extensive iwi governance experience. His board term commenced on 1 September 2023 and will expire on 31 August 2026.
Pania Gray
Pania Gray has held numerous governance roles, including as a board member for the New Zealand Film Commission and a member of the Victoria University of Wellington Council. Her extensive experience includes being Deputy Chair for the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand Universities. Pania’s term started on 1 October 2021 and will end on 30 September 2024.
Siosaia (Saia) Mataele
Saia Mataele, a Pacific leader with a background in economic development and digital transformation, is passionate about digital equity. He is a Director for the Employers and Manufacturers Association and a Future Director at the Public Trust. His board term started on 1 September 2023 and concludes on 31 August 2026.
Lyn Provost
Lyn Provost was the Controller and Auditor General for eight years and previously served as Deputy Commissioner of New Zealand Police. She currently chairs the Guardian of the Alexander Turnbull Library and is involved with several advisory groups. Lyn holds a BCA from Victoria University of Wellington and is a Chartered Accountant. Her term on the NZQA board began on 8 November 2018 and will finish on 7 November 2024.
Cheryl de la Rey
Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, is part of the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee. She has held significant roles in South Africa, including Chief Executive of the Council on Higher Education. Cheryl specializes in Social Psychology and has published work on gender and leadership in higher education. Her board term began on 2 July 2020 and expires on 16 August 2026.
Lili Tuioti
Lili Tuioti has a rich background in the education sector in New Zealand and the Pacific. She runs a consultancy business focused on Pacific teacher professional development and has advised the Government of Tokelau on education. Currently, she is the Mission Services Manager at the Salvation Army Newtown Centre and serves on the JR McKenzie Trust. Her board term started on 16 September 2019 and ends on 16 August 2026.
