National external moderation

National external moderation assures the quality of assessment carried out by organisations that hold consent to assess. Hanga-Aro-Rau National External Moderation system is based on NZQA’s National External Moderation principles. Providers assessing Hanga-Aro-Rau unit standards are required to maintain their own Internal moderation systems and participate in Hanga-Aro-Rau national external moderation to maintain the consistency of assessment nationally. 

National external moderation includes: 

• Pre-assessment moderation – assessment materials are moderated before they are used for assessment. 
• Post-assessment moderation – Assessors’ decisions are moderated after the assessment has taken place. 
• On-site moderation – Moderators observe assessment as it occurs. 

NZQA monitors the quality and results of Hanga-Aro-Rau systems and procedures for managing national external moderation.

There is no charge for pre-assessment moderation, on-site moderation or post-assessment moderation conducted by Hanga-Aro-Rau.  

Pre-assessment moderation

Providers developing assessment material that Hanga-Aro-Rau is the standard-setting body for are generally required to submit material for pre-assessment moderation. Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) documents provide details of the pre-assessment moderation required for each sector. CMRs are available on the NZQA website.

To submit material for pre-assessment moderation, please complete a pre-assessment moderation cover sheet and email it with the required documentation and this coversheet to [email protected]. We aim to complete a pre-assessment moderation report within 20 working days. 

Post-assessment and onsite moderation

Providers assessing Hanga-Aro-Rau standards are required to submit samples of assessment material for moderation annually. Our approach to how quality assurance will be undertaken is available here.  

Providers required to submit moderation will be sent an email with instructions for submitting material for moderation Hanga-Aro-Rau provider portal. 

Moderation appeals

If you do not agree with a moderation decision, please call us on 04 909 0255 or email [email protected]  to arrange to discuss with a Quality Assurance Specialist.  Following that, if you wish to lodge a formal appeal, please complete a moderation appeal form and email it to [email protected].

Appeals relating to moderation decisions must be received within 15 working days of receiving the moderation outcome report.