All learners enrolled with Open Polytechnic are governed by relevant legislation, the academic regulatory frameworks, programme documents, policies and procedures as published on the website, and within courses.
Learner rights and conduct
The regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures outline the rights and responsibilities of learners, and cover enrolment, assessment, concerns, complaints, appeals and graduation. The regulatory framework documents are published below with further information, processes and forms published on other website pages.
Te Kawa Maiorooro, the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute and related policies and procedures apply up to 31 December 2025.
From 1 January 2026, the Academic Regulatory Framework (‘Te Kawa’) comes into effect, combining and replacing both Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute as the governing academic framework for all learners at Open Polytechnic.
We aim to provide a safe, inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environment and do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour.
Allegations of unacceptable behaviour or misconduct are dealt with confidentially, fairly, and in a culturally appropriate manner. We have procedures for dealing with dishonest or improper practice and behaviour of learners, and guidelines to ensure protection of your rights.
Where dishonest or improper practice is suspected, the matter is referred to the Academic Registrar, who follows the procedures and applies any penalties in accordance with the regulatory framework. The principles of natural justice are followed when any disciplinary action is taken.
Breach of learner conduct covers a range of wrongful or inappropriate behaviour including:
- academic misconduct such as plagiarism, cheating, etc.
- breaching the published regulations or policies
- harassment or other inappropriate behaviour directed towards your fellow learners or Polytechnic staff
- providing false information to the Polytechnic.
Our regulations policies and procedures ensure you will be treated fairly if a complaint is made regarding 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 Statutes
Academic Regulatory Framework effective up to 31/12/2025
Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute provide the academic statutory framework for our learners. They set out the regulatory requirements for staff and learners. You can read the NZIST Policy documents, and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute using the link below
Te Kawa Maiorooro, NZIST educational regulatory framework (opens in a new window)
Open Polytechnic Academic Statute (PDF, opens in a new window)
Academic Regulatory Framework effective from 1/1/2026
Academic Regulatory Framework (Te Kawa) combines and replaces both Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute as the governing academic framework for all learners from 1 January 2026.
Academic Regulatory Framework (Te Kawa) (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 get in touch.
Assessment regulations
For detailed information about the regulations relating to assessment, refer to our website, the relevant Regulatory Framework document(s), 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). The Code applies to domestic and international learners.
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.