Welfare & Support

Student Welfare

NCBT’s support staff provide a range of services to international students including; airport pick-ups, accommodation support, pastoral care, cultural and personal support and translation services. NCBT’s support team encompasses academic, administrative, marketing, pastoral care and accommodation functions. NCBT takes its responsibility to look after its international students very seriously. The welfare staff and Student Support Coordinator provide advice and guidance to students and are available for consultation at any time during working hours. We can also refer students to outside professional counselling assistance when required.
We are available during working hours on campus to discuss and assist with life issues, accommodation, visas and academic queries. We can be contacted on our 24/7 number 02102000304 in case of any emergencies. We are here to help you.

In addition to support and guidance from the staff members, students will also be given a comprehensive list of external support and counselling agencies.

We also ensure the following:

Employment support
Induction programme at the beginning of courses
Qualified and enthusiastic teachers
Individual attention and guidance
Modern learning facilities
Small classes
Supportive and enjoyable learning environments

NCBT’s welfare staff - is directly responsible for Pastoral Care, Welfare and Student Support including conducting the Welfare Interviews.

Each student will be interviewed on a regular basis. NCBT provides ongoing support for student needs ensuring there is no physical, cultural, psychological, moral or emotional harm as a result of NCBT’s teaching programmes or related activities. Special needs and academic progress during the course of your work will be monitored by the Welfare Manager, and any outstanding issues will be addressed in the Welfare Interviews. If the issues are unable to be resolved by NCBT, students will be referred to a range of support services listed in the Pastoral Care and Welfare Procedure.
The Welfare Interview will also ensure you fully understand what is required from you during your course of study. If a student requires welfare assistance they will be interviewed to determine;

If the individual acknowledges the need.
What support is required in dealing with the need?

The relevant assistance is provided; this may consist of extra support by the Welfare Manager, the involvement of a numeric or literacy facilitator or referral to other specialist assistance.

Arrival Services

NCBT can arrange a pick-up service from Auckland Airport - Please indicate on the Application Form if you require the service.

This service includes:

A warm welcome and pick up at the Airport
Transportation to the student's accommodation
Please confirm TWO WEEKS before your arrival date.

Accommodation**

Home Stay
NCBT can assist in arranging a home stay / paying guest accommodation if required. This allows students to experience living with a New Zealand family in a home environment.

Rental Accommodation
This option includes houses, flats or apartments, and other self-contained units.

Please indicate on the Expression of Interest Form (EOI) if you require any of these services and confirm it at least two weeks prior to your arrival.

Hostel Accommodation
NCBT can assist in arranging a hostel accommodation if required.

Cost: Approx. NZ$150 - NZ$350 per week

** Please Note: NCBT can recommend and assist you with a range of accommodation options that may be on a single or sharing basis. NCBT has not audited these options. It is your responsibility to assess the suitability of the accommodation that you choose

Eligibility For Health Services

Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health and can be viewed on their website at www.moh.govt.nz

Accident Insurance

The accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz.

Medical And Travel Insurance

It is mandatory for all international students studying in New Zealand to have appropriate medical and travel insurance. The course fees are inclusive of the annual insurance premium. For more information please contact the Student Welfare Manager.

Student Complaints

If students are concerned about the conduct of NCBT they are encouraged to resolve their concerns using this Grievance Procedure. The complaint should be raised with any NCBT staff member.

ll disputes or grievances will be handled professionally and confidentially in order to achieve a satisfactory resolution. Students will be provided with details of external authorities they may approach if required. NCBT will resolve any grievances fairly and equitably within five (5) working days. Students may raise any matters of concern relating to training delivery and assessment, the quality of the teaching, student amenities, discrimination, harassment and any other issues relating to their stay in New Zealand.

Students shall be encouraged to contact:
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (PO Box 160, Wellington) or iStudent Complaints on 0800 00 66 75

NZQA and iStudent Complaint

If you have a complaint about NCBT or our authorised agent:

You must begin with ask NCBT to resolve the complaint and follow NCBT’s Complaint Policy

If your complaint is not resolved – contact NZQA

If your education provider has not resolved your complaint, and you still wish to have it resolved, then you can contact NZQA. NZQA is a government organisation. They can provide an independent assessment of your complaint and will either investigate your concerns or advise you what you can do next.
You can submit your complaint query on the NZQA website, or send an email to qadrisk@nzqa.govt.nz
If you need more information on the complaints process, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.

For more information about making a complaint about a provider's compliance with the Code of Practice can be found at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/make-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-about-a-provider/

If it is a financial dispute – you can contact iStudent Complaints

iStudent Complaints is the appointed operator of the International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS), which was set up to resolve financial and contractual disputes.
iStudent Complaints is available to help you resolve financial or contractual disputes with your education provider. There is no cost to you for this service.
iStudent Complaints is an independent service with experience in helping people to resolve disputes. You can contact iStudent Complaints on 0800 00 66 75.
Link to the complaint form: http://www.istudent.org.nz/making-a-complaint/complaint-form

The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016

Newton College of Business and Technology is a signatory to Education ( Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 published by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and has agreed to abide and be bound by the Code.

Introduction to the Code of Practice 2016

When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that those students are well informed, safe, and properly cared for. New Zealand educational providers have an important responsibility for international students welfare.

This document provides an overview of the “The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016” and provides a procedure that students can follow if they have concerns about their treatment by a New Zealand educational provider or agent of a provider. The Code of Practice 2016 is administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Summary to Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

The code sets standards for education providers to ensure that as an international student, you can expect:

the quality of teaching and learning you receive will meet high educational standards
the marketing and promotion information you receive before you enrol is clear, complete and accurate so you can make a well-informed decision about whether an education provider is a right choice for you
education providers’ agents give you reliable information and act with integrity and professionalism
you will receive enough information and support to help you with your enrolment, including understanding the legal obligations you have, and that you will receive all the proper documentation
you are welcomed and have enough information, guidance and support to help you settle into your new life in New Zealand
your study environment is safe, and that you have a safe place to live

NZQA handles all complaints about alleged non-compliance of the code. A copy of the code may be obtained from NCBT or from the New Zealand legislation website: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0057/latest/DLM6748147.html

The Code of Practice 2016 is also available in other languages and can be accessed on:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/education-code-of-practice/code-of-practice-resources-languages/

Code of Practice 2016 FAQ’s

What is the Code?
The Code is a document, which provides a framework for service delivery by education- al providers and their agents to international students. The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care that are expected of educational providers with respect to international students. The Code applies to pastoral care and provision of information only, and not to academic standards.

Who does the Code apply to?
The Code applies to all education providers in New Zealand with students enrolled on international student visas. The Code is mandatory to these providers and must be signed by them.

What is an “international student”?
An “international student” is a foreign student studying in New Zealand on a student visa from the Immigration New Zealand.

How can I get a copy of the Code?
You can request for a copy of the Code from NCBT. The Code is also available online from http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0057/latest/DLM6748147.html

How do I know if an educational provider has signed the Code?
NZQA will maintain a register of all signatories to the Code. This list will be available from http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/education-code-of-practice/signatories-to-the-code-of-practice/
If the educational provider that you are seeking to enrol with is not a signatory to the Code, you will not be granted
a visa from the Immigration New Zealand and you will not be able to study at that institution.

What do I do if something goes wrong?
If you have concerns about your treatment by your educational provider or by an agent of the provider, the first thing you must do is contact the welfare staff or any other person who has been identified to you as someone that you can approach about complaints at your institution. The Code requires all institutions to have fair and equitable internal grievance procedures for students and you need to go through these internal processes before you can take the complaint any further.

Please visit www.nzqa.govt.nz for more information on the Code of Practice 2016.

Important Dates to Remember 2018

NCBT Intake Dates:

30th January 2018
5th March 2018
16th April 2018
5th June 2018
23rd July 2018
27th August 2018
24th September 2018
8th October 2018
12th November 2018
29th January 2019

NCBT’s Scheduled holiday dates:

Vacation Dates for 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021:

Year 2018 – 2019:

Summer Holiday 15th December 2018 – 03rd February 2019

Year 2019 – 2020:

Easter Break 19th April 2019 – 28th April 2019
Mid-Winter Break 06th July 2019 – 21st July 2019
Summer Holiday 21st December 2019 – 02nd February 2020

Year 2020 – 2021:

Easter Break 10th April 2020 – 19th April 2020
Mid-Winter Break 04th July 2020 – 19th July 2020
Summer Holiday 19th December 2020 – 01st February 2021

Graduation dates

25th May 2018 and 30th November 2018

Public Holidays

Link to Public holidays in NZ: http://publicholidays.co.nz/

**The above dates are subject to change.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is correct at the time of publication. Please note that some of the programmes are subject to final approval and the number of enrolment applications.