Compulsory code of practice for pastoral care of domestic students…

The Government has introduced legislation to provide for a compulsory Code of Practice for the care of domestic students in education facilities.  Previously the compulsory Code of Practice related only to international students. Domestic students were covered by a voluntary code. The legislation has been referred to a Select Committee to be reported back to Parliament on 3 December this year.  The bill provides that the Minister of Education may bring in an interim code which will remain in place until 1 January 2021. The interim code will be based on the current voluntary code until discussions are had with those in the sector to design the new code.

The proposed legislation also provides that the Minister of Education may amend the code of practice for international students.

The introduction of the legislation follows the sad case of the student being found dead after many weeks in their room at a tertiary provider hostel.

The legislation provides for penalties of up to $100,000 for breaches of the code.




Alan Knowsley
Education Lawyer
Wellington