Muka Tangata staff at the August all-staff hui in Pōneke

    Qualifications and Standards update 

We understand that some concerns have been raised by providers engaging with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) regarding the funding for NZ Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3).  

We expect TEC to consider funding applications to deliver programmes against the certificate where applicants were able to demonstrate a response to industry need and/or employment outcomes for graduates. However, our investment advice to TEC is that the total enrolments in the certificate should decrease except provision which is targeting industry.

Analysis shows that a substantial portion of total horticulture training enrolments have been in programmes leading to this qualification, however most of this provision was not targeted at those who were in industry.

TEC consider a range of factors when making investment decisions including our advice. Our investment advice is at a qualification level and not about specific providers. 

If you have any queries about funding or applications regarding this certificate, please email qualifications@mukatangata.nz.

Improvements in verification rates: Agricultural vehicles 

Farm vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in agriculture. That’s why agricultural machinery and vehicle standards have been a moderation focus area for us since day one.

This focus has paid off, and we’re pleased to see that between 2023 and 2025, the verification rate for these standards has risen from 63% to 89% - this means that more assessments are now meeting the national standard.

With higher verification rates, the sector can trust that ākonga are not only skilled and job-ready, but are also playing a vital role in keeping themselves, their whānau, and their communities safe.

Read the full story on our website: Strengthening safety in agricultural vehicle training

Muka Tangata pānui

Professional development seminar

Join us for our last online seminar: Guide to assessment design - Thursday 16 October.

This seminar will focus on the key strategies and best practices for designing effective assessments that align with unit standards and skill standard learning outcomes. Participants will learn how to design clear, measurable, and fair assessments that accurately reflect both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies.

Register via our website: Professional development seminars.

Review of Muka Tangata Consent and Moderation Requirements

The Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) for the food and fibre sector have been reviewed and updated.

All new applications for consent to assess will be evaluated against the requirements of the new CMR.

Read more and view the new CMR on our website: Food and fibre CMR

Have your say on working with us

Your feedback helps us work with you better. Have your say through our surveys:

- 2025 Post-Assessment Moderation

- Hui Whakapūmau Onsite Moderation & Enhancement Visits

- 2025 Online Seminar Survey

Whakamaumahara – Reminders

• Our 2025 Moderation Calendar and National External Quality Assurance and Moderation Plan 2025 can be found on our website.
  
  
• All assessment resources need to be pre-moderated and approved by Muka Tangata prior to use. There is no cost for this service. Resources can be submitted to moderation@muktangata.nz
  
  
• Coversheet for Pre-Moderation requests.
  
  
• Coversheet for Post-Moderation requests.
  
  
• Consent to Assess application form.
  
  
• Requesting endorsement for programmes: Programme endorsement 
  
  
• Workforce Development Councils use our provider portal Aka Pārongo for post-assessment moderation material. 
  
  

• Unit standard interpretations are an interim measure until such time as the unit standard can be reviewed in full. Unit standard interpretations are updated regularly and published on our website: unit standard interpretations.