The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance’s (ANZIIF) decision to step outside the New Zealand qualifications framework has left members unsure of the value of their certificates, a college principal says.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) accreditation is “essential” and an “expected function of a committed training provider”, according to Gené Bekker of IBANZ College.

As previously reported on insuranceNEWS.com.au, ANZIIF suspended provision of Level 4 and 5 national certificates on March 29, citing low uptake.

“It’s early on, but we will review options with the NZQA and the Skills Organisation for advisers who have qualifications through ANZIIF,” Ms Bekker said.

“Specifically, we hope to achieve approval for recognition of prior learning and current competencies, which could be evaluated in a one-on-one assessment with the adviser.”

ANZIIF’s commitment to the New Zealand market remains “unwavering”, according to a spokesman.

Commenting on the way withdrawal from NZQA accreditation was communicated, she said: “We did not feel the need to inform all New Zealand members and students of something that does not affect the large majority of them in any way.

“Instead, we chose to communicate with the students currently studying an NZQA Level 4 and 5 qualification and our database of New Zealand HR managers.

“We withdrew from offering the NZQA qualifications simply because they didn’t produce enough registrations – continuing to offer them was not a viable option.”