Welcome to the Assessor Newsletter

We’re pleased to announce that on 1 September, we integrated Copyleaks into our online learning platform, Aka Toi.

Copyleaks is a smart AI detection tool that helps spot content that might be AI generated or copied from somewhere else.

We introduced this tool to support our assessors, ensure the integrity of our programmes and improve oversight around academic integrity. We want assessors to be empowered to make decisions with confidence and Copyleaks should help to achieve this.

This embedded version of Copyleaks within Aka Toi automatically checks learner submissions for identical or closely matched content across a wide range of sources. It then provides a report to help assessors identify possible issues with originality.

You can use the tool as part of your assessment process in combination with your understanding of the learner whom you know best. It can help you to make informed decisions and build confidence in the results of your assessments. Learners are required to consent their agreement to the use of Copyleaks when submitting assessments, but are otherwise unaffected.

Information and support for assessors

Webinar – Check out the pre-recorded webinar containing key information about Copyleaks. Watch the video
Hono Mai meetings – You’re also welcome to bring any queries you have about Copyleaks to Hono Mai meetings on Wednesdays from 1 - 2pm. You can join the meeting link by logging into iportal. Just click on the ‘Hono Mai meeting for assessors’ menu option. Additionally, please don't hesitate to contact your Learning Engagement Advisor with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – We’ve prepared a list of FAQs which you can access and download here or from the Managing Academic Misconduct page on our website.
Refer to the email we recently sent to assessors here.

Thank you in advance for supporting these initiatives. We do greatly appreciate the crucial role you play in detecting and managing academic misconduct and are committed to supporting you in every way possible.

Great news for assessors!
Aka Toi’s email alerts to learners now include prompts encouraging them to log back in and view their feedback. This small but important update supports learner engagement and helps close the feedback loop.

We've had queries from assessors about whether learners revisit their feedback. This change is a positive step in that direction.

Some of the changes that ākonga and assessors will see are:

The wording in email notifications about the submission and marking of assessments has been simplified and will remain the same, regardless of the type of assessment task.
Ākonga won't need to scroll down the page to see the mark and feedback they've received for practical assessment tasks. This information will now appear at the top with the feedback comments obvious.

A friendly reminder for all assessors: submitting moderation samples early helps keep things running smoothly. Each assessor needs to submit three samples of their assessing for moderation each year; these can be sent in at any time.

If the samples meet the moderation requirements, assessor registration is automatically renewed. For your convenience, please use the Moderation Submission Form to submit your samples. It will make the process smoother for everyone involved. If not, additional support is available, and further samples can be submitted.

To avoid any disruptions, especially learner results being put on hold, please submit moderation samples well before your renewal date.

It’s a simple step that helps keep everything (and everyone) on track!

Now working as Village Coordinator at Bupa’s Erin Park Retirement Village in Auckland, Jesika has also completed her Careerforce assessor training and is now supporting learners through their qualifications, with the benefit of being part of the same workplace ecosystem. Her reliability, insight, and hands‑on experience make her a trusted mentor and role model.

Jesika’s journey, from caregiver to assessor, showcases the power of lifelong learning.

Her story is a shining example of how Careerforce pathways empower assessors to grow, lead, and pass on their knowledge.

Read Jesika's full story here!

Don’t miss your chance to participate in one of the remaining 2025 Assessor & Moderation Hubs—ideal for peer moderation, professional development, and connecting with fellow assessors. These sessions offer timely Careerforce updates, opportunities to share best practices, and support with tricky assessment scenarios.

Upcoming Hub Dates & Locations:

Christchurch – 7 October: Understanding Moderation & Moderation Reports
Auckland West – 14 October
Invercargill – 16 October: Managing AI academic misconduct & NZQA level descriptors
Tauranga – 17 October
Hawke’s Bay – 21 October: Problem‑solving scenarios—AI, observations, learner challenges
Christchurch – 3 November: Streamlining Assessor Practice
Online – 4 November
Auckland Central – 13 November

These sessions are your last opportunity this year to meet the annual moderation requirement and benefit from tailored professional development. A minimum of six attendees is needed for face‑to‑face hubs—so if you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the time!

To register, visit the Careerforce hub schedule page and sign up via the form.

In March, we introduced 'GoodToGo' online onboarding sessions. These one-hour sessions are designed to kickstart the trainees' learning journey.

At the session, learners get an introduction to Careerforce, learn about work-based learning, and how to get started. We’ll walk them through our online learning platform, Aka Toi, the iportal registration for our paper-based learners, and all the support available to them, from progress reports to wellbeing resources.

We have had great feedback from attendees to date, so please encourage your new learners to participate.

Don't miss out! We’re offering 50% off Whānau, Community and Social Services Apprenticeship (WCSS) enrolments, but only until 31 October 2025.
Enrolments are now priced at just $1,000 (incl. GST)*, a saving of $1,000.

More information about the Whānau, Community and Social Services Apprenticeship programme is available on the Careerforce website

*IMPORTANT: This applies to domestic learner enrolments. To be eligible for promotional enrolment pricing, training agreements must be received by Careerforce no later than 31 October 2025.

For more information about this offer, click here.