"Our research tells us that learners succeed best when their wellbeing and safety is considered by education providers. And the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) asks that all tertiary institutions operate places of learning that are safe, inclusive and free from racism, discrimination and bullying. We are inviting people to help shape positive environments for all our tertiary learners," Andy Jackson, Tumuaki Tuarua | Deputy Secretary, Te Ara Kaimanawa, Ministry of Education says.

The consultation runs from 7 April until 21 May, with opportunities for ākonga, whānau, communities and tertiary education professionals to share their views in-person and online. The proposed code will replace the current codes for domestic and international learners.

"The education system in Aotearoa New Zealand is changing. Learners, whānau, communities, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi are being put at the centre. The proposed changes to domestic and international tertiary learners respond to these shifts," Andy Jackson says.

"There’s a need for an accessible, culturally responsive, effective, and equitable system of supports for learner wellbeing and safety. The proposals we are consulting on build on what’s already working well, address existing gaps and make improvements to better meet the needs of ākonga.

"The wellbeing and safety of tertiary and international learners is a shared responsibility between government, tertiary education providers, learners, whānau and the wider community. The proposed code will set clear and consistent expectations of tertiary and international education providers and how they partner with learners to provide services for their wellbeing and safety," Mr Jackson says.

A proposed dispute resolution scheme for domestic tertiary learners and providers to settle contractual or financial disputes that are unable to be resolved using provider or sector complaints processes is being developed in parallel with the new Code.

The new code and dispute resolution scheme will be implemented in 2022.

Learn more about the proposed changes and have your say on the Kōrero Mātauranga website:

Te oranga me te haumaru ākonga | Learner wellbeing and safety