NZQA acting chief executive appointed

A woman with more than 30 years experience in the education sector has been appointed acting chief executive of the troubled New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Karen Sewell is taking on the role for a short-term period and is taking four months leave from her position at the Education Review Office for the job.

Previous NZQA head Karen Van Rooyen resigned a month ago after two damning reports into the organisation's handling of the 2004 school National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) scholarship exams.

Reviews by the Government and the State Services Commission found failings against NCEA policies after fewer scholarships were than expected were awarded and results varied widely between subjects.

Acting NZQA board chairwoman Catherine Gibson said she was delighted to have Ms Sewell on board.

"Her main role will be to oversee NCEA and scholarship exams this year, as well as setting the foundations for quality assurance requirements for the future."

Ms Gibson said the board would look to appoint a permanent chief executive when the outcome of the education sector review is known.

Ms Sewell has been a secondary school teacher and principal, president of the Auckland Secondary Schools Principals' Association, and chairwoman of the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association Principals' Council.

- NZPA