We are committed to the care of our students. You can expect a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment, with genuine support for your wellbeing throughout your studies. If something isn’t right, a clear complaints process is in place, aligned with NZQA requirements.
About Us
To begin your application process to study at Laidlaw simply create an account in our student portal and begin your application.
Laidlaw has a formal process in place to address any complaint a student may have, whether it be academic, of a general nature, or a financial complaint. Our processes are outlined in section 5.7 “Grievance Procedures” of Laidlaw’s General Regulations. Laidlaw aims to resolve any concerns or complaints in a fair, open manner with students able to have a support person with them at any stage of the process.
Kei a Te Wānanga Amorangi tētahi huarahi kōamuamu ōkawa kia whakatikaina ngā raru o ngā ākonga, ahakoa he mea ako, he mea pūtea, he mea whānui rānei.
Kua whakaatuhia ā mātou whakaritenga i te Wāhanga 5.7 “Grievance Procedures” o tā Te Wānanga Amorangi General Regulations
In the 2025 review period there were six complaints received: Grading – 4; failure of a practicum, and changes in classroom policy. Grading complaints were reviewed by the Head of School in consultation with lecturers concerned. All grades were upheld and reasons given to the relevant students. In one case, further training on a referencing style has been introduced during Orientation, and guidelines for markers expanded in the Academic Policies Manual. The Academic Dean reviewed the practicum documentation and upheld the decision. A Head of School met with students concerned about changes in classroom policy and explained the pedagogical reasoning behind the changes. No complaints were escalated beyond the level of Head of School or Academic Dean.
Laidlaw aims to resolve any concerns or complaints in a fair, open manner with students, who are able to have a support person with them at any stage of the process.
If you have a complaint relating to personal, pastoral or community matters, first seek resolution – talk to the person concerned, if you feel comfortable doing this
Concern not resolved
Concern resolved
Talk to the Student Dean (Auckland/Distance Learning) / Campus Coordinator (Christchurch)
Not resolved
Resolved
Take your concern to the National Principal, through the Principal’s Executive Assistant (kscrimgeour@laidlaw.ac.nz)
Not resolved
Resolved
The matter may then be referred to the Chair of the National Governing Council who may arrange mutually agreed moderation if necessary
Not resolved
Resolved
If all these procedures do not result in a satisfactory resolution, the matter
may be referred to Study Complaints | Ngā amuamu tauira,
https://www.studycomplaints.org.nz
For course related concerns, including teaching, grading and examinations, talk to the lecturer or tutor involved
Concern not resolved
Concern resolved
Talk to the Head of Programme
Not resolved
Resolved
Take the issue to the Academic Dean, Maja Whitaker (e. mwhitaker@laidlaw.ac.nz)
If all these procedures do not result in a satisfactory resolution,
the matter may be referred to Study Complaints | Ngā amuamu tauira,
https://www.studycomplaints.org.nz
For complaints related to fees or other financial matters
Concern not resolved
Concern resolved
If a student has a finance complaint, they should contact the Finance Operations and Systems Manager
Not resolved
Resolved
If this does not resolve the matter, the student should refer the matter to the Chief Financial Officer
Not resolved
Resolved
Take your concern to the National Principal, through the Principal’s Executive Assistant (kscrimgeour@laidlaw.ac.nz)
Not resolved
Resolved
If all these procedures do not result in a satisfactory resolution, the matter
may be referred to Student Complaints Ngā Amuamu Tauira.
See https://www.studycomplaints.org.nz
