NZQA returns fire over schooling critics

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority has hit back at allegations that it mishandled the export education industry.

Submitters on the Education (Export Education Levy) Amendment Bill yesterday said the authority was sloppy in accreditation, lax in audits and slow to act when trouble loomed.

Combined Registered English Language Schools chairwoman Maureen Hayes said the authority knew one school, Modern Age, was headed for collapse, yet failed to act decisively.

NZQA communications manager Bill Lennox said the Modern Age closure was due to commercial collapse and Ms Hayes was incorrect to suggest the authority had the power to put an accountant in to oversee the school.