NZQA problems in hand, says minister

Problems with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) are being dealt with and students sitting exams this year should not be concerned, Education Minister Steve Maharey says.

NZQA's briefing to Mr Maharey said low morale and high staff attrition have left the NZQA in a vulnerable position.

The organisation has been through three independent reviews and one internal review in one year after unexpected variability in scholarship results and concerns about the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).

Mr Mallard said the briefing papers summarised previous problems and contained nothing new.

He said the NZQA was improving its performance and looking at ways to reduce attrition and other problems.

"One of my concerns as Minister is that NZQA is enabled to get on with making sure we have a good shot at providing a good exam season for 156,000 young New Zealanders who are out there doing exams right now," he told National Radio.

Acting chief executive Karen Sewell said the reviews of NZQA had highlighted governance, management and capability issues within the NZQA.

Its reputation had suffered, NCEA had been damaged and staff attrition was high -- staff turnover had been averaged 20 per cent for the past six years, with total staff of about 300.

"Significant work will be required to rebuild public confidence," Ms Sewell said.

Graham Young, president of the New Zealand Secondary School Principals Association, told National Radio there had already been big improvements at NZQA.

"The signs are really good for the start of the exam season. There have been significant shifts."

Mr Young said the organisation was more responsive and had better quality checks on marking.

"I certainly -- just the way the exams have started, the changes that have been put in place -- have got some pretty good confidence about this year."

Mr Maharey said he was close to appointing a new chairperson and that person would be involved in appointing a permanent chief executive.

- NZPA