Who sets and checks school exams before students face them?

The identities of those who set and check the exams must remain confidential to protect the integrity of NCEA, says the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

The authority employs contractors - mainly teachers, ex-teachers and university academics - to set the exams. All must declare any conflicts of interest and sign a confidentiality agreement.

The chief examiner sets the exam in their specialist subject area. Then a moderator checks it is clear, understandable and reflects the curriculum.

Finally, a checker sits the exam to ensure the questions are answerable and of a suitable level.

The authority said that throughout the process the examiners were constantly double-checking and cross-referencing with each other.

"We trust the integrity and honesty of the teachers and we've not been let down," said NZQA group manager Kate Colbert.