The moderation function of Ringa Hora is a quality assurance activity that benefits industry, providers and ultimately ākonga. It ensures ākonga have met the required standard when they are awarded a unit or skill standard, qualification, or credential. Working alongside providers, our external quality assurance activities confirm that assessment materials developed by providers are fit-for-purpose and that assessment decisions are fair, valid, and consistent with the national standard, irrespective of the mode and place of learning.
Ringa Hora is committed to working with and supporting all providers and employers to achieve the best outcomes for their akōnga and carries out ongoing quality assurance activities to support the continuous improvement of assessment practices.
Ringa Hora currently has the responsibility for maintaining and quality assuring approximately 1,700 standards across the 10 industries of the Service sector. Given the on-going review work being completed by the Ringa Hora Qualifications team, the number is reflective of a snapshot in time.
Ringa Hora uses a risk-based approach to determine its moderation focus – the frequency a provider is moderated, and the standards called for moderation. Data from NZQA indicates that the sectors with the highest use during 2024 continue to be Security (Certificate of Approval unit standards) and Hospitality (Licence Controller Qualification unit standards).
While desk-based post moderation has its place, Ringa Hora piloted on-site visits during early 2023 and moved to increase that approach during 2024. In doing this we have moved away from high volumes of desk-based post moderation and shifted our focus to be relationship focused.
Ringa Hora will continue to support our providers with our quality assurance activities during 2025. Information about our 2025 moderation plan can be found here.
More information about the industries Ringa Hora serves can be found in our Workforce Development Plan and Industry Action plans.
