Following the 2024 review of Health and Wellbeing qualifications, Toitū te Waiora has worked with the disability community to co-design new qualifications and skill standards in disability support. These have now been submitted to NZQA. Next steps include a handover to the incoming Industry Skills Boards, with a focus on developing Level 4 skill standards in key areas such as neurodivergence and assistive technology, aligned with the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030.
Disability Support Qualifications and Skill Standards
This project began after the 2024 review of Health and Wellbeing qualifications, which found the existing suite did not adequately reflect the needs of the disability support workforce. The review confirmed strong sector support for dedicated, staircased qualifications at Levels 3 and 4, and highlighted the importance of embedding rights-based and inclusive approaches.
In response, Toitū te Waiora worked alongside disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, providers, employers, educators, and peak bodies to co-design new disability support qualifications and skill standards. Through a national consultation process—regional workshops, webinars, surveys, our Disability Support Consultation Group (DSCG) and targeted outreach—we ensured that diverse voices and lived experiences shaped the outcome.
New qualifications
Level 3 skill standards
disabilities
As of September 2025, both qualifications and the Level 3 skill standards have been submitted to NZQA.
January – April 2025
Strategic regional and national consultation
April–July 2025
Qualification and skill standard development, alongside ongoing consultation
August – September 2025
Public consultation of draft qualifications and skill standards before final submission to NZQA
We would like to acknowledge the kaupapa and commitment of the Disability Support Consultation Group (DSCG). Over the course of this project, DSCG members contributed more than 24 hours of their time, knowledge, and lived experience to co-design these qualifications and skill standards. Their mahi has been central to ensuring the outcomes reflect the voices, priorities, and aspirations of the disability community.
Next steps
Toitū te Waiora will now ensure a robust handover to the incoming Industry Skills Boards (ISBs). A key focus will be maintaining the strong networks and relationships established through this process, so disabled people and the sector remain meaningfully involved in decision-making.
Our recommendations to the ISBs include prioritising the development of Level 4 skill standards, particularly in areas identified as priorities by the sector such as neurodivergence, assistive technology, and other gaps that affect equity, access, and safety.
This ongoing work will align with the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030, ensuring that the qualifications and skill standards contribute to building a non-disabling society.
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