This 2026 Dual Provider Partnership Agreement (DPPA) outlines the respective responsibilities between key stakeholders, Te Kura, dual provider organisations and dual provider schools.
This DPPA will need to be digitally accepted through Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) before proceeding with ākonga registrations for 2026.
Te Kura, as an education partner, provides an online learning platform for curriculum adaptation and curriculum capability. The dual provider, whether organisation or school, retains all legislative accountability for their dual-registered (dual-enrolled) ākonga.
The dual provider retains responsibility for the attendance and pastoral care of their dual-registered ākonga, and is obligated to provide educational support such as learning programmes and support for sustainable engagement within their Te Kura courses.
Te Kura will provide continuous reporting through kaiako feedback and feedforward on engagement and mahi submitted by ākonga in the online learning platform, My Te Kura.
Ākonga are required to meet expectations for sustainable engagement as set out by the Ministry of Education, every calendar month, for each Te Kura course they are registered in.
This could look like:
And/or:
The dual provider will appoint a Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) and/or Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors etc), who will be the provider’s liaison and will need sufficient time allocated within their workday to effectively carry out the tasks associated with the role. Te Kura will provide a Kairuruku Hononga (Relationship Coordinator) who will work with and support local dual providers. Te Kura has also ensured there are Kairuruku Hononga o Te Aka Taumatua who will support Ngā Kura a Iwi, Kura Kaupapa Māori, Wharekura and Iwi dual providers, to allow provisions for reorua and rūmaki settings.
All who work alongside and support dual-registered ākonga should be provided with access to this DPPA.
This includes, but is not limited to, the Tumuaki (Principal), Te Tautapa a te Tumuaki (Principal Nominee) ,Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) and Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc), kaiako and parents and/or guardians.
Please read the DPPA below in detail.
Last updated on 8 November 2025
Aotearoa New Zealand has a world-leading education system. A unique feature of this system is the opportunity for many ākonga (students) to learn at their community school while also engaging with Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) as dual-registered learners.
For more than 100 years, Te Kura has played a vital role in the education of New Zealanders, from our origins as the Correspondence School in 1922 to our place today as the country’s largest school. Over that time, we have continually evolved to meet the needs of ākonga, supporting generations of learners through changing times, new technologies, and shifting expectations of what education can be.
Our kaupapa is centred on helping ākonga to thrive by placing the ākonga at the centre. Whether through full-time enrolment or in partnership with other providers, we aim to create pathways where every learner can access education that fits their world. Te Kura works alongside schools, Teen Parent Units, alternative education providers, Regional Health Schools and Activity Centres to provide ākonga with curriculum options that are flexible, specialist, and responsive. This includes adapting programmes where needed to ensure learners are fully supported to engage and achieve.
We value the opportunity to work with hundreds of schools and providers across the motu. These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to ensuring ākonga experience success, enjoyment, and belonging in their learning. Together, we are equipping young people with the tools, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive – not only in education, but in life.
Thank you for choosing to work with us. This partnership agreement outlines how we would like to collaborate with you. If you have any questions or feedback about this agreement, please contact your regional Kairuruku Hononga (Relationship Coordinator).
Te Rina Leonard
Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive
The name given to the new dual provider system, Te Pou Tautoko Ākonga Paparua (Te Pou Tautoko, previously TES) reflects its multiple functions, which include recording and sharing information about dual ākonga and the kaimahi supporting them with their Te Kura learning. These functions include registering ākonga, viewing engagement requirements, results and recording contact staff kaimahi supporting ākonga.
Te Pou Tautoko Ākonga Paparua - The supporting pillar for dual ākonga. In the same way that Kaiako are the pou in schools who are central in providing stability and support for ākonga to allow them to build their mātauranga (knowledge), we intend that Te Pou will provide assistance to our Dual Providers to support dual ākonga.
Te Pou | Tautoko | Ākonga | Paparua |
|---|---|---|---|
The Pillar | Support | Student | Dual |
This Dual Provider Partnership Agreement (DPPA) for 2026 outlines how we, at Te Kura, can work most effectively with you, as a dual provider, to ensure your ākonga can engage quickly in the right programme and experience success with their Te Kura learning.
Te Kura aims to empower ākonga and providers to access diverse learning opportunities. This DPPA highlights the strength of whanaungatanga between stakeholders, to enhance educational experiences and ensure ākonga are placed at the centre of our shared mahi.
We all want ākonga to enjoy learning and experience success.
At Te Kura, we:
The Ministry of Education’s enrolment and dual tuition policy details the circumstances under which you can enroll or register an ākonga with us.
As the main school, you retain all legislative accountabilities for your ākonga while they are dual registered with Te Kura i.e. pastoral care, attendance, funding.
The Dual Providers Āwhina/Support course in My Te Kura provides resources and guidance on how to navigate dual registrations. It includes application, registration and course information, managing schedules, NCEA assessments, reporting, marking and exams, ākonga engagement, information for Te Tautapa a te Tumuaki (Principal Nominee), help with Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) and more.
Our Student and Whānau Support Team is dedicated to providing assistance to ākonga, whānau, Te Kura Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc). Our team offers support with the Te Pou Tautoko (Previously TES), addresses registration eligibility inquiries, and facilitates access to My Te Kura, our online teaching and learning platform.
Contact: 0800 65 99 88 option 1 or hub@tekura.school.nz
There may be some additional items you wish to raise or add to this agreement that are particular to your ākonga and school or organisation. We invite you to discuss these with your regional Kairuruku Hononga (Relationship Coordinator) or Kairuruku Hononga o Te Aka Taumatua, who will be able to support you through your Te Kura journey.
To allow provisions for reorua and rūmaki ākonga, Kairuruku Hononga o Te Aka Taumatua provide dedicated support to Ngā Kura a Iwi, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori, Wharekura and Iwi dual providers.
Information on our website also provides a guide for dual providers, ākonga and whānau interested in dual registration:
| Te Kura will do the following. | We ask that you do the following. |
|---|---|
Provide a Kairuruku Hononga (Relationship Coordinator), or respective Kairuruku Hononga o Te Aka Taumatua, for each region to support Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) and Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc), assist with communications and any issues. Publish information on our website and in My Te Kura regarding:
Check dual registration to make sure ākonga are registered under the gateway that meets eligibility requirements and their individual needs. If ākonga are found to be registered via a gateway they are not eligible for, we will advise you of any changes and they will be moved to a new gateway if applicable or withdrawn from Te Kura. Contact you when we require additional information about an ākonga before registrations can be accepted. | Accept this DPPA (Service Level Agreement) digitally in Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) before beginning registrations for the year. Ensure each application complies with the Ministry of Education’s enrolment and dual tuition policy. Ensure all relevant information e.g. supporting documentation such as IEP or Reintegration Plans, is submitted at the same time as applications. Ensure all dual registered ākonga are attending their main school full time as per the MoE policy. Some learning may occur offsite where an ākonga is registered using the reintegration gateway where an agreement for learning/reintegration plan with Te Kura is required. This outlines how supervision will occur and how ākonga engagement will be measured. Ensure the parent or guardian of each ākonga has been made aware of the registration with Te Kura and a Letter for Parent/Guardian and Ākonga Consent to Study with Te Kura has been signed. Those not eligible for government-funded dual tuition e.g. private school ākonga, need to register for fee-paying dual tuition by downloading a form and emailing it to enrolment@tekura.school.nz Withdraw or cancel a dual tuition registration via Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES), as required. Provide eligibility information as requested to support current registrations e.g. emergency staff vacancy registrations are required to be reviewed each term. |
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following |
|---|---|
Ensure each ākonga has:
| Provide a Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) and, where necessary, Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc) , appropriate supervision, with adequate allocation of school time, to help ākonga manage their Te Kura course work in a suitable learning environment. Your school or organisation is responsible for attendance and pastoral care (including international ākonga). Ensure your Te Kura Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) and, where necessary, Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc) has sufficient school time allocated to effectively carry out the tasks expected. Make parents/caregivers aware of dual tuition arrangements prior to ākonga registration with Te Kura and obtain a signed Letter for Parent/Guardian and Ākonga Consent to Study with Te Kura. Develop a learning programme with ākonga and provide active supervision while ākonga are working on Te Kura courses to ensure they stay engaged and are progressing to meet their learning goals. Supervise ākonga completing NCEA assessment tasks as required. Provide ākonga with a suitable learning environment, adequate time allocation, and necessary equipment, including access to a computer with an active internet connection and any specific course materials required for their module work. Ensure they have regular, sufficient access to the hardware and software needed for their Te Kura courses. For further details, please refer to What you’ll need. Ensure ākonga behave appropriately in an online environment and comply with Te Kura cyber safety/digital citizenship policies. Support ākonga to access Te Kura resources including logging on to My Te Kura, locating the course material, starting their online courses, submitting work through the dropbox and meeting deadlines. At least one item of assessable mahi will need to be dropboxed each calendar month, for each registered course. Support access to Te Kura kaiako by various means, including email, phone, video conferencing for both ākonga and your Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) and Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc). See Te Kura policies for privacy, complaints policy and procedures information. Use Te Kura access points including My Te Kura Ākonga Progress and Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) to monitor ākonga work return and NCEA results, ensuring that these login details are only used by authorised staff as information for multiple ākonga can be viewed. Communicate with each ākonga and their whānau, parents/caregivers and all involved in their learning, about ākonga progress, reporting, learning programmes, outcomes etc. For all items sent to Te Kura by post, it is essential that the ākonga name and ID number are clearly recorded i.e. have a barcode ID label applied or the ākonga ID number written on each item. Learning Support ĀkongaProvide Te Kura kaiako with any updated learning needs during the academic year, including the current skill levels, strengths and interests of each ākonga. Ensure your ākonga have adequate support to complete learning tasks. |
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
Provide data for each ākonga on:
| Maintain records for each ākonga on:
Please let us know if feedback or feedforward is not helpful, or if the work is too easy or too hard. Generate any reports to whānau required by your school or organisation using My Te Kura and Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES). |
We ask that you do the following things as the dual provider:
Through strategic use of AI, Te Kura aims to foster a culture of academic honesty and accountability to support ākonga in developing essential skills for learning.
It is critical that dual providers ensure ākonga understand the importance of effective, appropriate and ethical use of AI tools like Microsoft Co-pilot or Open AI’s ChatGPT.
It is important to note that Te Kura kaiako may need support from dual providers and require follow up conversations with ākonga to authenticate assessment submissions.
When using AI, do not provide any personal information, this includes your full name, birthday, any ID numbers etc. An easy way around this is just swap out your name and details for fake details i.e. write me a CV, my name is Jane Doe, I live at 123 Kowhai Street.
Before using AI, have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. This will help with effectively prompting the AI tool to get material related to your questions.
While AI can provide quick answers, it is essential to verify the accuracy of the information it provides. Cross-check facts from reliable sources to ensure accuracy. Asking your kaiako is a good start.
When using AI to generate text, do not copy word for word. Instead, view it as a starting point, as a reference or inspiration, and then express those ideas in your own words. Plagiarism is unethical and defeats the purpose of the assignment.
AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, which may contain biases. Be aware of this and critically evaluate the information provided. Most AI content has an American bias.
Just like with any other external source, remember to cite the reference in your sources. For AI-generated content, this means copying the text you used into the reference section or making a note in a question that you used AI to help you.
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
Provide ākonga with opportunities to gain NCEA internally assessed standards, offered by Te Kura, where ākonga are working at an appropriate curriculum level. Provide regular and timely assessment and feedback on work submitted to Te Kura, including results of NCEA standards assessment and information on further assessment opportunities where appropriate. Enable opportunities for ākonga to appeal an assessment result and to follow the documented Te Kura appeals process. Maintain records of internally assessed standards for each ākonga. Provide reminders to check standards results available in Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES). Provide a reconciliation sheet of NCEA standards that will be sent to the Te Tautapa a te Tumuaki (Principal Nominee). | Discuss with each ākonga the appropriate internally assessed standards for their learning programme and goals. Encourage ākonga to contact their course kaiako about selecting appropriate internally assessed standards. Enter all internal assessment results received via Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) onto your student management system using Te Kura provider code 498 and consistent course codes for course endorsement. Check the accuracy and ensure the security of results and include them in your NZQA file submissions. Ensure that ākonga know of their right to appeal an assessment result and the process to follow. Ensure that assessment tasks that specify supervision are supervised by an appropriate adult. Ensure that ākonga working online know the name of their supervisor so they can enter this when submitting their assessment work to the My Te Kura dropbox. Ensure ākonga understand the importance of the authenticity of their own work submitted for assessment. Ensure processes are in place to mitigate inappropriate use of AI in assessments in accordance with NZQA and Te Kura’s ākonga guidelines. Cooperate fully with Te Kura in the investigation of any authentication queries. Ensure that ākonga understand Te Kura annual deadlines for submission of work, with regards to NCEA assessment opportunities. Ensure that ākonga understand NZQA rules around resubmission and reassessment for internal assessments. |
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
Provide opportunities for ākonga to prepare for assessment in NCEA externally assessed standards and scholarship awards where ākonga are working at an appropriate curriculum level. Provide a complete standards list on the Te Tautapa a te Tumuaki (Principal Nominee) page on the Te Kura website. This lists external standards available for each Te Kura course. Provide practice (derived grade) examinations and any relevant resources to Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinators) and Kaiwhakarite (Support Coordinators, Supervisors, Kaimahi etc. Provide timely feedback on formative assessments and practice examinations submitted to My Te Kura. Maintain records of preparation for externally assessed standards for each ākonga. Te Kura will not include any dual-registered ākonga in file submissions to NZQA unless the enrolling school is a primary, Years 7–10 school or has a signed MoU/subcontract with Te Kura. | Use Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) or access the Learning Programmes on the Te Kura website to identify the externally assessed standards Te Kura offers, as well as course codes and titles that are available within each Te Kura course. Ensure ākonga contact their course kaiako about selecting appropriate externally assessed standards. The Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) for Literacy and Numeracy | Te Reo Matatini me te Pāngarau, are the responsibility of the provider. Enter ākonga for all appropriate externally assessed standards in your student management system using Te Kura provider code 498 and consistent course codes for course endorsement. This includes externally assessed standards for portfolio submissions for Visual Arts, Design and Visual Communication, Technology, and NZ Scholarships for Music and Physical Education etc. Ensure that practice examinations are held under appropriate exam conditions, and that they are supervised by an appropriate adult. Ensure that Te Kura deadlines for submission of practice examinations are met. Ensure ākonga understand that authentication of their own work submitted for assessment is a serious matter. Ensure processes are in place to mitigate inappropriate use of AI in external assessments in accordance with NZQA and Te Kura’s ākonga guidelines. |
To be successful when studying with Te Kura, ākonga need to show sustainable engagement by returning work regularly and keeping in contact with their kaiako about their programme. The Ministry of Education requires registering dual providers to ensure that each ākonga returns assessable work and/or has at least one learning conversation with their Te Kura kaiako each calendar month to share and discuss other evidence of progress in learning.
Te Kura operates a Non-Returners process as part of these requirements and specifies that each ākonga shows sustainable engagement for each course, every calendar month.
If an ākonga is removed through the Te Kura Non-Returners process, there is a 30 day window for the Kairuruku Hononga (Relationship Coordinator) or Kairuruku Hononga o Te Aka Taumatua to request reinstatement. If this request is declined, the ākonga is unable to register in that course for the remainder of the calendar year.
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
In the Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) Non-Returners screen, provide work return dates and monthly lists of ākonga with Non- Returner status. Send an email notification when no work has been submitted by an ākonga and/or there has not been at least one learning conversation with their Te Kura kaiako in the previous month. This email will refer the Pou Whakarite (Lead Coordinator) to Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) for details and will advise that the ākonga will be automatically withdrawn from that course if they do not return work and/or do not have at least one learning conversation with their Te Kura kaiako within the current month. | Ensure ākonga keep up with their Te Kura course work and submit work for assessment via My Te Kura dropbox (or by post, courier or email for paper-delivered courses) at least once a month for each course they are registered in. Check the Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) Non-Returners screen each month to view the names of ākonga who have not submitted work and/or have not had at least one learning conversation with their Te Kura kaiako for one month or more. Contact the relevant Te Kura kaiako if work has been submitted but is not showing as being recorded. Contact Te Kura urgently if an ākonga does not have sufficient work in a course, so this can be addressed. Withdraw ākonga from a course or cancel a dual tuition registration via Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) if the ākonga is no longer continuing with a course or their dual registration. Contact the Kairuruku Hononga (Relationship Coordinator) or Kairuruku Hononga o Te Aka Taumatua if there are exceptional circumstances that might explain the non-returner status. |
Please refer to other information on services provided to dual-registered ākonga.
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
Communicate with you if we have any concerns about the pastoral care of ākonga. Agree that the circumstances under which tuition provided to an international ākonga under this DPPA may be terminated are described under the Ko te Rēhitatanga | Pre-registration and Registration and Kāore i whakahoki mahi ma | Non-Engaged Ākonga (Non-Returners) sections in this DPPA. Te Kura cannot take responsibility for the pastoral care of dual-registered international ākonga. | Ensure you are a signatory to the Code of Pastoral Care of International Students (the code). As a signatory to the code, take responsibility for the pastoral care of any international ākonga who are subsequently registered with Te Kura. Arrange accommodation for ākonga who require it. Agree that the circumstances under which tuition is provided to an international ākonga may be terminated as described under the Ko te Rēhitatanga | Pre-registration and Registration section in this DPPA. Be responsible for international ākonga conditions of acceptance including enrolment with your school, a current visa, a variation of conditions (if required), appropriate medical insurance, complaints procedure referencing the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA) established by the code, language proficiency testing, and collecting and recording ākonga medical and travel insurance. Be responsible for maintenance of learner records, including passport and visa information as per code requirements. Accept this DPPA digitally in Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) before submitting feepaying applications. Communicate to Te Kura any change in the circumstances of an international ākonga, including advising Te Kura of their current email address (see Ko te Rēhitatanga | Preregistration and Registration section in this DPPA). |
Please refer to other information on services provided to dual-registered ākonga.
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
Provide a fee-paying dual tuition application form for private school ākonga who need to access fee-paying dual tuition. Agree that the circumstances under which tuition provided to fee-paying ākonga under this DPPA may be terminated. These are described under the Ko te Rēhitatanga | Pre-registration and Registration section in this DPPA. Note: We at Te Kura provide a continuous model of reporting. Please refer to the Ko te whakahokinga mahi/Keeping Records section in this DPPA. | Accept this DPPA digitally in Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) before submitting any feepaying applications. Download a form and email to enrolment@tekura.school.nz Ensure each ākonga application complies with the Ministry of Education’s enrolment and dual tuition policy. Ensure you support your ākonga as per the He Rāngai Tautoko Ākonga | Supporting Ākonga Learning section in this DPPA. Agree that the circumstances under which tuition provided to fee-paying ākonga under this DPPA may be terminated. These are described under the Ko te Rēhitatanga | Pre-registration and Registration section in this DPPA. Communicate to Te Kura any change in the circumstances of a fee-paying ākonga, including advising Te Kura of their current email address (see Ko te Rēhitatanga | Preregistration and Registration section in this DPPA). |
Please refer to other information on services provided to dual-registered ākonga.
| Te Kura will do the following: | We ask that you do the following: |
|---|---|
Provide a fee-paying dual tuition application form for domestic school ākonga who need to access fee-paying dual tuition. Agree that the circumstances under which tuition provided to fee-paying ākonga under this DPPA may be terminated. These are described under the Ko te Rēhitatanga | Preregistration and Registration section in this DPPA. Note: Te Kura has moved to a new continuous model of reporting. Please refer to the Ko te whakahokinga mahi | Keeping Records section in this DPPA. | Accept this DPPA digitally in Te Pou Tautoko (previously TES) before submitting any feepaying applications. Download a form and email to enrolment@tekura.school.nz Ensure each ākonga application complies with the Ministry of Education’s enrolment and dual tuition policy. Ensure you support your ākonga as per the He Rāngai Tautoko Ākonga | Supporting Ākonga Learning section in this DPPA. Agree that the circumstances under which tuition provided to a fee-paying ākonga under this DPPA may be terminated. These are described under the Ko te Rēhitatanga | Pre-registration and Registration section in this DPPA. Will communicate to Te Kura any change in the circumstances of a fee-paying ākonga, including advising Te Kura of their current email address (see Ko te Rēhitatanga | Pre-Registration and Registration section in this DPPA). |
Click here to download the Letter for Parent/Guardian and ākonga (student) consent to study with Te Kura.
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