The quality assurance process in the university sector uses evidence to check goals are achieved and policies and practices are reviewed continuously as part of an overall quality enhancement regime. The New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (operating as Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara) is the statutory body primarily responsible for the sector's quality assurance matters. 

Quality assurance is overseen by Universities New Zealand’s Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) and the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand Universities (AQA), established as an independent body by the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee in 1993.

CUAP is charged with setting up and applying qualification and regulation approval, accreditation and programme moderation procedures across universities. 

AQA supports universities in achieving standards of excellence in teaching and research through regular institutional audits and promoting quality enhancement practices across the sector. 

CUAP Handbook (updated 2023)