All learners/ākonga enrolled with Open Polytechnic are subject to Te Kawa Academic Regulatory Framework ('Te Kawa'), programme, regulation and our policies and procedures as published on our website, and within course materials.
Learner rights and conduct
Te Kawa covers enrolment, the rights and responsibilities of learners, assessment, concerns, formal complaints, appeals and graduation. Te Kawa is published below and there is further information on other website pages.
From 1 January 2026, Te Kawa replaced both the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology’s Te Kawa Maiorooro and the former Open Polytechnic Academic Statute as the governing academic framework for all learners.
We aim to provide a safe, inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environment and do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour.
Complaints about unacceptable behaviour or misconduct are dealt with confidentially, fairly, and in a culturally appropriate manner. Referrals and investigations are dealt with by the Academic Registrar.
Unacceptable behaviour or misconduct includes:
• academic misconduct such as plagiarism and cheating
• sharing Open Polytechnic material or assignments unless specifically permitted to do so
• breaching Te Kawa or our other regulations and policies
• bullying, intimidation, discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour directed towards your fellow learners or Polytechnic staff
• providing false information.
Our regulations, policies and procedures ensure you will be treated fairly if someone makes a complaint about your behaviour or academic conduct. For example, you will be offered an opportunity to respond to the complaint before any decision is reached, support is available to help you respond, and if the complaint is upheld, you have the right of appeal.
Regulations and Fameworks
Te Kawa | Academic Regulatory Framework
Te Kawa is the governing academic framework for all learners and sets out the regulatory requirements for staff and learners at the Polytechnic.
Te Kawa | Academic Regulatory Framework (PDF, opens in a new window)
If you need more information, please contact us
Programme Regulations
All programmes offered by Open Polytechnic are also governed by the relevant Programme Regulations. The details of the structure of the programme and specific requirements for entry and completion are based on the NZQA approved Programme Regulations as summarised on the web page for each programme. To be awarded a qualification, all programme requirements must be completed within the specified time frame.
If you need more information please Contact us
Assessment regulations
For detailed information about the regulations relating to assessment, refer to our website, the relevant sections of Te Kawa, and the information published within your online course. Course pass requirements and resubmission opportunities (if any) for each course are provided with your course materials.
Pastoral Care
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
Open Polytechnic has agreed to observe and be bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (The Code).
You can download a copy below:
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021(PDF)
You can find out more about The Code here:
Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice 2021 information page
Immigration
Our programme webpages show the entry requirements, outlining the entry criteria for ‘international students and domestic students living overseas’. Open Polytechnic does not enrol learners living in New Zealand who are on a student visa. International learners in New Zealand on a work visa can enrol in some courses.
International learners go to the Immigration New Zealand website for full details of:
• immigration requirements
• advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying
• reporting requirements.
Eligibility for health services
Most international learners are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you get medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment.
Part 6 Clause 44 of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 requires Open Polytechnic to ensure international learners have appropriate insurance in place to cover medical care.
When you enrol to study with us, you need to provide evidence of your insurance cover. However, if your work visa covers a period of more than two years, this is not required.
Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health.
Accident insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors to New Zealand. But you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.