The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) consulted on changes to the education fees charged to tertiary education organisations (TEOs) for the regulation of social work programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand. The consultation closed 22 October 2025.
The context for this consultation
Education fees had remained unchanged since 2019, during which time we have developed new Education Standards that come into effect in January 2026. These standards, alongside our new Prescription and Monitoring Framework, represent a significant modernisation of how we regulate social work education. Our Prescription and Monitoring Framework outlines how we will conduct our regulatory activities in education against the new Education Standards.
We asked for views on whether the proposed fees are reasonable and appropriate for the new prescription and monitoring methodology.
What we consulted on
The consultation document presented a proposal to change the structure from our current approach to one that aligns with our new regulatory framework. Key elements of the proposal included moving from a student-number-based support fee to a flat fee structure and introducing specific fees for different regulatory activities.
We developed this proposal based on detailed cost analysis and our commitment to regulatory efficiency. However, we recognise that any changes to fees have significant implications for the sector, and we committed to considering all feedback before the Board made its final decisions.
Full details of the proposed fees are available in the consultation document.
Education fees consultation document - September 2025
Consultation dates
The consultation period was 3 September to 17 October. This consultation period was extended from the original closing date of 22 September.
Question and answer sessions
We held an online hui, provided a short presentation about the fees proposal (view the recording – You Tube link), and held four drop-in sessions between 8 September and 1 October. As these were Q&A drop-in sessions, they were not recorded.
What happens now that the consultation has closed?
The feedback helped the Board make an informed decision on the proposed changes. The feedback was considered against the requirements of the Auditor General and Treasury and our Act.
In December 2025, the Board decided to defer introducing the new education fees. The gazetted education fees notice will remain in place until further consultation occurs in 2026.
What happens if the proposed fee changes do not proceed as outlined in the proposal?
The current education fees have remained the same since 2019 with no Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment. With the implementation of the new Prescription and Monitoring Framework in 2026, it is inevitable that there will be some change to current fees, but change will be deferred until after 2026.
Reviewing the fees in 2026 means that the SWRB will still be able to meet all its obligations under the Act and ensure timely response and reporting timeframes within a more precise, flexible and transparent framework.
Your feedback in 2026 will be vital, so we will welcome your involvement.
Future reviews
The education fees will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis as part of the wider review of SWRB fees.
As we implement the new framework, the SWRB focus will include evaluation of our own processes. We are committed to continuous improvement, so aim to regulate effectively while seeking efficiencies in all our education processes, especially panel processes, to keep costs as low as possible for TEOs.
Consultation documents and links
Education fees consultation document – September 2025
Education fees consultation FAQs 2025
Education fees scenarios - 2025
