The association of university staff and the NZQA

This article describes and analyses the role of the Association of University Staff (AUS) in the debate over the qualifications framework and the place of universities. Three key themes are identified as being fundamental to universities; the distinctiveness of universities, academic freedom and autonomy, and research. The reform process involving Skill New Zealand, Tertiary Lead Group (TLG), Tertiary Action Group (TAG), Industry Training Organisations (ITO's) and National Standards Bodies (NSB's) is then discussed with reference to the key themes.