New Zealand’s Careers Quality Framework, Te Anga Kounga Aramahi o Aotearoa
Updated 03 Nov 2025
The Careers Quality Framework supports those working in careers to reflect on and deliver quality careers education, information, advice and guidance for all New Zealanders.
Quality support underpins better decisionsHei tūāpapa te tautoko pai mō ngā whakataunga pai ake,
The Careers Quality Framework was developed to support New Zealand’s careers system to deliver high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance.
It is a key deliverable under the National Careers System Strategy and a foundational step in growing the quality and access of careers support across New Zealand.
The framework gives guidance on how we can build quality into our careers work – from developing resources through to engaging with clients.
BackgroundHe whakamārama,
Dr Lynette Reid, a New Zealand scholar and careers professional, worked with the careers sector to develop the framework with its 5 criteria. These give the foundations to quality support and practice.
Her report, Quality Framework for Career Education, Information, Advice and Guidance, shows how she approached the research, the key findings, and how the framework and criteria were developed.
The 5 criteriaNgā paearu e 5,
The framework consists of 5 criteria to help the careers workforce think more clearly about quality. It can also help with reflecting on how to better support others.
Quality criteria | What this means |
Committed and trusted leadership | How are we leading, supporting and investing in careers? What values and career practices support our leadership? |
Meaningful and diverse knowledge-based practice | How can we build and apply careers expertise and knowledge? How can we better share our knowledge and practice to support people, whānau and communities? |
Thriving and secure identities | How are we supporting our clients to determine their own understanding of success? |
Self-determined success and wellbeing | How are we connecting with and empowering people to build their confidence, skills and knowledge? How can we support and improve resilience and wellbeing through career support? |
Sustainable past, present and future | What are we doing that acknowledges people’s career journey? How can we support people, whānau and communities to develop resilience to navigate career choices and opportunities? |
Quality framework diagram
How to apply the 5 criteriaNgā aratohu mō te whakahāngai i ngā paerewa e 5,
To support the Careers Quality Framework we’re developing resources for applying the criteria in everyday careers work. They will be available soon.
Whether you’re new to working in the careers space, building your skills, or leading others, these resources will provide practical ideas and case studies to support your practice.