2026 BUILDERS ACADEMY NZ ENROLMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS
Enrolment is with New Zealand Management Academies Ltd, referred to hereafter in this document as NZMA. The following trading brands operate under the registration of NZMA: The Culinary Collective (TCC); New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS); Land Based Training (LBT); and Builders Academy New Zealand (BANZ). On successful completion of this apprenticeship programme, NZMA will award the qualification. NZMA is a registered and accredited NZQA tertiary education provider. For the purposes of this document “Student” refers to the Apprentice.
1. ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLMENT
Eligibility for Enrolment as a Domestic Student
Domestic Student as defined by section 10 of the Education and Training Act.
To be enrolled as a domestic student, Student must be:
a New Zealand citizen, or
the holder of a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009 or,
person to be treated as if they are not an international student under Education (Domestic Student: Tertiary Education and Vocational Education and Training) Notice 2025.
Students must provide evidence of citizenship or New Zealand residency. To do so, students must produce one of the following:
Citizenship status using their National Learner Number (NSN) – applicable for NZ citizens only.
New Zealand certificate of citizenship.
New Zealand passport.
Birth certificate with place of birth stated as New Zealand, Cook Islands, Tokelau, or Niue.
Statement of Whakapapa, including date of birth, countersigned by a kaumatua.
Overseas passport with evidence of NZ residency visa.
Immigration NZ refugee certificate of identity.
Students must provide original documentation to BANZ or alternatively provide a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy, photograph or scanned copy of the original document, signed as being a true and accurate copy by an official of the issuing authority or a person authorised to certify a copy such as a Justice of the Peace (JP).
2. CREDIT RECOGNITION OF LEARNING
Skills and knowledge gained through past study and experience may be recognised as outcomes already achieved for credit towards an apprenticeship. Recognised credits may reduce programme duration and or fees, therefore applications for Credit Recognition of Learning should be made at enrolment. Refer to the NZMA website for further information on processing and fees.
Credit Transfer (CT): Credit awarded and credentialed by a tertiary provider may be recognised and transferred by NZMA where the previous study directly matches a unit standard. Where possible, BANZ will identify and apply Credit Transfer automatically. There is no application or assessment fee for Credit Transfer.
Credit Recognition (CR) : Previous formal study that is comparable in level and learning outcomes to a unit standard may be assessed for credit towards a programme of study. Credit Recognition applies to complete NZMA courses only. Partial credit is not awarded.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) : Existing skills and knowledge gained through work experience or other prior learning may be recognised for credit towards the intended programme of study, where evidence of prior learning is assessed and recognised by BANZ as meeting the learning outcomes of a complete unit standard. Time limitations for recognition of RPL are generally set at five years.
Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis where knowledge and skills remain current through evidence of other work or study.
3. FEES & COURSE COSTS
3.1 Programme Fees and Associated Costs
This is a fee-paying programme. The apprenticeship fee is an annual fee, payable for each year of the apprenticeship.
The published annual programme fee applies to one year of training and is payable each year for the duration of the apprenticeship.
Programme fees include all standard training and assessment services, including NZQA reporting fees, learning support, site visits, assessment materials and digital learning resources.
Printed versions of learning resources are optional and may be purchased for an additional fee.
Fees may apply for the assessment and processing of Credit Recognition (CR) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications. Where credit is awarded, programme duration and associated programme fees may be reduced.
Note: the period during which a student may withdraw from a programme with applicable fees refund is outlined under section “Fee Protection, Withdrawal & Refunds”.
3.2 Payment and Collection of Fees
Fees are invoiced prior to the commencement of each year of training and must be paid in full by the due date stated on the invoice.
Invoices will be issued to the party nominated on the enrolment form as responsible for payment, either the learner or their employer, and sent to their nominated email address.
Payment must be made to the account detailed on the invoice. Fees may be paid by direct debit, online banking, or through an approved NZMA payment plan.
Should payment of fees not be arranged or received within seven days of invoicing date, the party nominated on the enrolment form as responsible for payment will be liable for any legal or debt recovery and collection costs incurred for unpaid fees.
The party nominated on the enrolment form as responsible for payment must advise the Workplace Apprenticeship Educator where a delay to fee payment is anticipated. It is a condition of enrolment to pay all invoiced fees as they become due. NZMA will terminate a student’s enrolment where fees due have not been paid within two weeks of invoice date or agreed payment plan.
An approved grace or hold period, or withdrawal does not suspend a student's obligation to pay fees. Where a student is paying by direct debit or an agreed payment plan, scheduled payments will continue during the grace or hold period unless otherwise agreed by NZMA.
4. FEE PROTECTION, WITHDRAWAL & REFUNDS
The following applies for fees paid in accordance with legislative requirements under the Education and Training Act 2020 [Protection of student fees 355-359], and NZQA Student Fee Protection Rules 2026, where programmes are more than 3 months’ duration.
1.1 Domestic Student Withdrawal - Refund Entitlements
Where student is eligible for a refund (including course cessation/course closure), NZMA will endeavour to refund fees to the party that paid them
i.e. directly to the student, or to any other party nominated by the student.
(a) Withdrawal within the refund period
All fees paid will be refunded minus a deduction of 10% of the fees paid or $500.00 (whichever is the lesser amount) where withdrawal occurs within the refund period.
The Refund Period starts when the annual programme fee is paid and ends 8 calendar days after, and including, the start date of the applicable annual training period.
(b) Withdrawal outside the refund period
Where a student wishes to withdraw their enrolment, they are to notify NZMA in writing of their intention to withdraw.
Refund period expires on or after 9 calendar days of the applicable annual training period.
There is no refund entitlement where withdrawal occurs after the refund period has expired.
Consideration of refund outside of the refund period may be given where there are exceptional circumstances.
There will be no refund where a student has been: withdrawn for breach of regulations as outlined in the published Apprentice Journey Guide; or failed to provide accurate details in the enrolment application; or their employment contract terminated; or excluding course cessation and/or closure events
- wants to transfer to another provider.
1.2 Change of Enrolment Status
A student's enrolment status may change where their employment or training circumstances change.
(a) Employment Ending
Where a student's employment ends, including through resignation, dismissal or redundancy, the student or employer must notify NZMA.
Appropriate next steps may include a Grace or On Hold period, a change of employer, or withdrawal from the apprenticeship.
(b) Grace
Where a student is no longer employed, their enrolment may be placed in Grace for up to six weeks while they seek a new employer. At the end of the Grace period, the student may transfer to a new employer, be placed On Hold, or be withdrawn.
(c) On Hold
A student's enrolment may be placed On Hold where they are not actively training but intend to resume training at a later date.
(d) Change of Employer
Where a student changes employer, the existing enrolment and training agreement will be withdrawn, and the student will be required to re-enrol under a new training agreement with the new employer.
1.3 Student Fee Protection
Programmes with total funds payable of $1,000 (GST inclusive) or less are exempt from NZQA's student fee protection trust requirements. As the annual fees for this programme fall within that threshold, paid fees are not held by an independent trustee.
1.4 Course Postponement, Cessation and Closure - Refund Entitlements
NZMA reserves the right to postpone or cancel courses due to insufficient demand, unavailability of suitable training staff or facilities or similar disruption. Students enrolled on the postponed or cancelled course, will be advised and offered alternative commencement dates or a full refund.
In the event NZMA ceases to offer a course or closes, affected students may choose between continuing study with an alternative provider (where available) or receiving a Pro Rata Refund of paid fees, for the balance of the course based on the number of full weeks remaining for the paid period.
Pro Rata Refund: NZMA will pay the amount of a Pro Rata Refund, within 5 working days from the date of the notification of the withdrawal for course closure or cessation, except where NZQA permits a longer period.
Transfer to Alternative Provider: where student chooses to continue training with another provider, NZMA will support students with the transfer and ensure all relevant and reasonable costs relating to students associated with the cessation of the course are met.
5. PERSONAL INFORMATION & DATA PRIVACY
The Privacy Act 2020 has the stated aim of protecting the privacy of individuals. It also governs the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of personal information. NZMA is required to collect, hold, handle, use and disclose personal information in accordance with the twelve information privacy principles in the Act.
1.1 Collection, storage, use and disclosure of personal information – Enrolment & Academic Records
Students have the right to access to personal information about them (subject to exceptions in the Privacy Act 2020). Where a student disagrees with any such information, they may ask to have it corrected.
NZMA collects and stores information from Enrolment and Academic records to:
Manage the business of NZMA (including internal reporting, support and administrative processes, engagement with parties to the training agreement, and selection of scholarship and prize winners).
Comply with the requirements of the Education and Training Act 2020 and other legislation relating to maintenance of records (other includes legislation governing the maintenance of official records and for accountability for public funding).
Supply information to government agencies and other organisations as identified and stated in these terms and conditions.
Information disclosed by a student in relation to a personal need, impairment, disability, neurodiverse, health or condition, is securely stored within the student management system with restricted access permissions. Learning and support staff will be notified of students who identify themselves as having a disability, impairment and or neurodiversity. NZMA staff with user access permissions may review this information where their role further supports student wellbeing and learning to better plan for and support student needs.
NZMA staff will follow the principles of the Privacy Act, treating personal information as private. NZMA will not use or disclose a student’s personal information other than for the purpose it was collected except where we are obligated for legal, or safety reasons as follows.
Disclosure is necessary to avoid endangering someone’s health or safety and /or to protect students at risk where a serious health, safety, or wellbeing issue has been identified. In the event NZMA has reasonable grounds for believing that disclosure of information is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to the student’s life or health, NZMA will contact the emergency contact person nominated by the student in the enrolment form and or as updated by the student, and where required, external services. Domestic learners under 18 years: NZMA must contact the student’s next of kin and / or guardian if there is concern regarding the student’s wellbeing or safety. NZMA must share information related to the student’s enrolment status with the parent/guardian co-signing the enrolment form.
Disclosure of information is necessary to uphold or enforce the law: to agencies such as New Zealand Police, Ministry of Justice, Department of Corrections, WorkSafe, Ministry of Social Development, and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
1.2 Supply of information to government agencies and other organisations
Excluding the identified external agencies and organisations within these terms and conditions, any request for information about a student from a third party (individual or organisation) must be in writing, clearly stating what information is required and why, and under what authority it is being sought. NZMA will only release the requested personal information after gaining the student’s written consent to the identified third party.
Information collected through Enrolment and Academic records may be supplied to other educational organisations for the purpose of verifying academic records.
Government Agencies
In handling data supplied by student in the enrolment form, government agencies are required to comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act 2020.
Data collected for enrolment and academic records may be supplied to the below government agencies for their operational purposes.
Government agencies may additionally use data collected from NZMA for cross agency data integration, to develop policy advice for government, and to conduct statistical analysis and research.
the Ministry of Education and Department of Internal Affairs (National Student Index (NSI) data matching with the New Zealand birth register to verify enrolment information).
the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
the Tertiary Education Commission (administer the tertiary education system, including allocating funding)
the Ministry of Social Development
Inland Revenue
Statistics New Zealand
Agencies which support particular students through scholarships, payment of fees or other awards (for student recipients of such awards).
DECLARATION
Terms & Conditions apply to every student enrolled with NZMA. Read them carefully before you accept them.
In ticking the declaration, completing and submitting the Enrolment Application Form, you (the Student) confirm you have read, understood, and accepted these enrolment Terms & Conditions, and that you:
Fees – undertake to pay all fees as they become due, and to meet any late fees and collection charges associated with debt recovery.
Rules –agree to comply with the published Apprentice Journey Guide rules and policies of NZMA regarding engagement, academic integrity and progress, conduct and use of information systems.
Media – consent to NZMA using photographs and/or video images taken of you for the purpose of marketing and media during and after your enrolment where required for business purposes such as publication, promotion, news or events.
Identity & Personal Information - declare that to the best of your knowledge, all the information supplied on, and with, the enrolment form is true and complete, you consent to the disclosure of personal information as described in enrolment Terms & Conditions. Where you have supplied a National Student number on this enrolment form, and your National Student Index status is verified, you confirm you are the legitimate owner of this identity.
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AGREEMENT – ALL PARTIES
The Employer agrees to:
Ensure the apprentice has an Employment Agreement that will be in force for no shorter duration than the length of this Training Agreement.
Ensure that no other relevant Government funding or subsidies are received concerning this programme that could be seen as "double dipping."
Facilitate and actively encourage the apprentice's participation in all training and assessment activities required. This includes releasing the apprentice for agreed off-site training activities as identified in the Site Visit Report.
During practical training, ensure the apprentice is taught by a carpenter who can deliver training in the accepted practices that meet building regulations and Codes of Practice requirements.
Provide or link the apprentice to the learning support necessary to help the apprentice complete the programme.
Provide staff who can act in the capacity of workplace verifiers.
Review progress regularly with the Builders Academy Workplace Apprenticeship Educator and the apprentice.
Provide health and safety induction training and site-specific safety briefings for the Builders Academy Workplace Apprenticeship Educator.
Advise Builders Academy New Zealand if:
The apprentice signs with any other training organisation during the programme.
The apprentice's employment ceases.
The apprentice's immigration status changes.
The business is sold.
Builders Academy New Zealand agrees to:
Builders Academy intends to visit approximately every 6 to 7 weeks, subject to apprentice and employer agreement and availability, that best suits the learning environment (workplace). Appointments cancelled at short notice will be accommodated to the best of Builders Academy's ability but may lead to a disrupted visit cycle.
Ensure that the apprentice meets all necessary entry criteria under this Training Agreement.
Negotiate with the employer concerning the modes of training delivery and the responsibilities for each training element for individual apprentices and collate this in a Site Visit Report.
Facilitate and actively manage the apprentice's participation in all training and assessment activities required.
Undertake all assessment activities, liaise with the employer's nominated workplace verifiers, and collate all supplementary evidence required to support assessment decisions.
Advise and support the employer by providing the learning support necessary to help the apprentice complete the programme.
Review progress regularly in conjunction with the employer and the apprentice.
Report assessment results.
Assist the employer and the apprentice on matters relating to this Training Agreement and the programme.
The Apprentice agrees to:
Take all reasonable steps to acquire the knowledge and skills identified in the Site Visit Report within the programme's timeframe.
Support assessment by maintaining an Apprentice Work Record detailing activity undertaken each working day and link this with any supplementary evidence, such as photos taken to prove capability.
Actively participate in all training and assessment activities required, including agreed off-site training activities or after hour night classes as identified in the Site Visit Report.
Follow the direction of the Builders Academy Workplace Apprenticeship Educator in all matters relating to training and assessment.
Be open to using learning support as deemed necessary to help with programme completion.
Review progress regularly with the Builders Academy Workplace Apprenticeship Educator and the employer.
Advise Builders Academy New Zealand if:
The apprentice signs with any other training organisation during the programme not arranged by Builders Academy New Zealand.
Their employment ceases.
Their immigration status changes.
Their contact details change.
