Learner rights and conduct

All learners at Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga  are governed by Te Kawa Maiorooro, Te Pūkenga educational regulatory framework and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute.

Learner rights and conduct

Te Kawa Maiorooro covers regulations that affect learners, like enrolment, assessment, complaints and graduation.  Te Kawa Maiorooro has not yet replaced all of the policies and procedures of each of the former ITPs/ITOs that are part of Te Pūkenga, so for learners enrolled with Open Polytechnic, where something is not covered by Te Kawa Maiorooro, the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute and related policies and procedures still apply. The regulations that apply for Open Polytechnic learners are published on our website.

We have procedures for dealing with dishonest or improper practice by learners, and guidelines to ensure protection of your rights.

Where dishonest or improper practice is suspected, it is referred to the Academic Registrar who follows the procedures outlined in the Statute. Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the principles of natural justice.  The penalties which may be imposed are also outlined in the Statute.

Breach of learner conduct covers a range of wrongful or inappropriate behaviour including:

  • academic misconduct such as plagiarism, cheating, etc.
  • breaching Te Kawa Maiorooro , the Polytechnic’s Academic Statute, Programme Regulations or policies
  • harassment or other inappropriate behaviour directed towards your fellow learners or Polytechnic staff
  • providing false information to the Polytechnic.

Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Academic Statute also ensures you will be treated fairly if you raise concerns or a complaint is made. For example, you will be able to respond to the complaint before any decision is reached, and if the Academic Registrar finds the complaint is substantiated, you will have a right of review and appeal.

Regulations and Statutes

Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Academic Statute

Te Kawa Maiorooro  and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute provides the academic statutory framework for our learners. They set out the regulatory requirements for staff and learners in the institution. You can link to the documents below.

Programme Regulations

All programmes offered by Open Polytechnic are governed by Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Open Polytechnic Academic Statute. 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. The Programme Regulations need to be met to achieve the qualification.

 Programmes that are unified across the Te Pūkenga Network have a common set of Programme Regulations and are specified with “Te Pūkenga” as part of the name on our webpage.

If you need more information please get in touch.

Assessment regulations

For detailed information about the academic regulations relating to assessment, refer to our website, Te Kawa Maiorooro and the Academic Statute. The course pass requirements 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 | Te Pūkenga has agreed to observe and be bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.

You can download a copy below;

You can find out more about the Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice here:

Immigration

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 | Te Pūkenga 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.

Ministry of Health website

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.

Other information about learner rights and conduct