Qualifications
Formalised training opportunities for regulators.
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As of 1 May 2024, the Government Regulatory Practice Initiative has transferred to the new Ministry for Regulation. G-REG’s information will continue to be available on the MBIE website while the transition occurs. Any questions can be directed to hello@regulation.govt.nz.
NZQA Level 3 – 6 Qualification programmes
There are 4 regulatory practice qualifications in the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. These are managed by Te Pūkenga. Please refer to the Te Pūkenga website for more information and/or to register for any of the below qualifications.
Regulatory Practice(external link) – EarnLearn, Te Pūkenga
Below is a brief outline of each qualification, for full details please refer to the Te Pūkenga website.
Core Knowledge (NZQA Level 3)
For anyone who works in, or wants to work in, a regulatory organisation. This qualification covers a broad range of topics relevant to regulation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Operational Knowledge (NZQA Level 4)
For anyone who carries out operational regulatory work or supports those who do. This qualification is slightly more in depth than level 3 and includes modules on legal knowledge (powers, obligations, applying legislation, offences, evidence) and carrying out regulatory practice.
Operational Practice (NZQA Level 4)
The Operational Practice qualification builds on what was learnt in the Operational Knowledge qualification and takes the theory into the practical realm. Note you must have completed Operational Knowledge level 4 to be able to apply for this qualification.
Specialised Operational practice in Audit, Inspection, or Investigation (NZQA Level 5)
For anyone who carries out operational regulatory work such as front-line regulatory staff members. This qualification contains practical and theory elements.
Enquiries/Registrations
For any questions, or to register for level 3 – 5 qualifications, please contact Te Pūkenga.
NZQA Qualifications (Level 3-5) – Te Pūkenga:
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Management for Regulatory Practitioners
The Wellington School of Business and Government (WSBG) offers Postgraduate Certificate option designed for staff in regulatory practitioner roles.
Participation lifts personal abilities and ambition, imagination, and courage to improve Crown entity monitoring practice within organisations. It opens opportunities for additional study.
Students complete 4 courses to qualify for a Post Graduate Certificate. Most courses are available in person at the Victoria University of Wellington Pipitea Campus at Rutherford House, Lambton Quay or synchronously via Zoom.
Flexible study
The programme can be started in July 2024 or February 2025, and completed over one to 2 years. Each course requires up to 150 hours of study.
Study options
PGCert in Public Management
Master of Public Management – MPM(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
Enrol in tailored ‘streams’ in the following to qualify for a PGCert in Public Management
GOVT 502—Public Managers and the Policy Process(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
GOVT 511—Managing for Results(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
GOVT 536—Regulatory Policy(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
plus one elective
PGCert in Professional Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies – PGCertPS(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
Enrol in a coherent set of courses, drawing from the above tailored streams and other courses in the WSBG suited to your professional development needs to qualify for a PGCert in Professional Studies
GOVT 502—Public Managers and the Policy Process(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
Policymaking systems and structures, policy analysis processes including appropriate modes of citizen engagement, theories underpinning policy interventions and their design, implementation and evaluation.
GOVT 536—Regulatory Policy(external link) — Te Herenga Waka
Contemporary theory and practice in regulatory policy, the roles of government and others in designing policies to secure enhanced economic, social, environmental and cultural outcomes, and effective implementation of regulatory policy.
Study is supported by dedicated practitioner study groups.
A 15-point ‘work-based’ project (15 points) courses is currently in the approval stage. It will offer “an in-depth investigation of a workplace problem or opportunity, informed by appropriate theories in public policy or public management, leading to potentially actionable recommendations.”
Participants and criteria for eligibility
The PGCert options with tailored study streams are particularly designed for public officials in leadership and technical advisory roles. Applicants have particular promise and/or capability in their organisations, including potential to rise to more senior positions, and are usually nominated by their organisations.
Applicants must:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree (NZQA Level 7) in any discipline from a New Zealand (or overseas equivalent) university (‘Graduate entry’); OR
- Have substantial experience in the New Zealand public sector (central or local government) and/or sub-bachelor’s or professional qualifications (‘Special Entry’).
Cost
$2182.95 (GST incl) per course, plus a student levy, which varies for Wellington-based and distance students (see website).
Contact
Associate Professor Amanda Wolf, the Academic Programme Leader
amanda.wolf@vuw.ac.nz
Professional Programmes Recruitment Manager, Rosie Evans
ppo@vuw.ac.nz