Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa has outlined changes to New Zealand Qualifications Authority music technology standards after educators submitted feedback, according to a July update from MENZA.
Six of the seven standards were revised to align assessment requirements more closely with curriculum levels and provide clearer progression for learners. All seven standards will carry four credits, reflecting a wider range of real-world music applications across genres. MENZA said progression from Levels 1 through 3 was also strengthened, particularly for music notation.
The standards will retain their existing identification numbers but receive updated version numbers. They may be assessed after NZQA officially publishes the revisions.
The update also directs teachers to the 2026 National Moderator’s Report for Level 1 standards 91948 and 91949. That report includes guidance on student evidence and the submission of digital evidence for internally assessed standards. Updated Level 1 examples are also available through NZQA’s Assessor Practice Tool, which lets assessors practice making judgments and receive immediate feedback from a virtual moderation panel.
The MENZA update was written by Delysse Glynn, NZQA’s national assessment adviser for NCEA music.
For more information, visit menza.co.nz.