David Lythe

David Lythe - a career in education

David Lythe, General Manager Office of the Chief Executive, has played an integral role in the education reforms that have changed the face of New Zealand's education and qualification system in recent years. His career in the education sector has spanned the secondary schools and polytechnic system, as well as 11 years with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). He retired on 8 June.

"Committed to working towards seamless lifelong learning to international standards for all New Zealanders", is how David has described his career at the Qualifications Authority.

David joined, what would become the Qualifications Authority, in a policy role in 1990. He had been seconded from Carrington Polytechnic (now UNITEC) to the Department of Education in 1986 to be part of an education policy group that recommended the establishment of a national qualifications body.

He remembers it as an exciting era full of lively debate. At the time there was a lack of qualifications available for people not intending to go to university and growing unemployment. As a result, between 1986 and 1990 the Government agreed to revamp the tertiary sector and create an educational continuum from senior secondary school onwards.

David says he is proud of the philosophical basis of the current national qualifications system that saw the establishment of NZQA between 1990 and 1995. This included the development of the quality assurance system for course approval, accreditation and registration as well as the basis of the National Qualifications Framework, the development of the unit standard, credits, the National Certificate and National Diploma system and the recognition of competencies learnt elsewhere.

By 1998 the Government appeared to be rethinking its direction and the growth and development of the Authority slowed. However, 18 months ago the Labour Government breathed a new lease of life into NZQA.

David's own belief in lifelong learning is firmly rooted in his experience of running adult and community education programmes at Glenfield College in the 70s. "I saw the power of second chance opportunities."

He moved on to Carrington Polytechnic where there were large programmes for young unemployed in West Auckland but "it was all a bit ad hoc - there were no real certificates. So when the debate took off about the need for national skill standards and national qualifications, it was sensible to join in."

In more recent years David's role has developed into running the office of the CEO. He has been very much at the centre of linkages between the Authority and other government agencies and key national stakeholders.

He's a regular visitor to the Beehive. "We relate to six ministers. I see Maharey formally every two weeks but there are endless other linkages."

David Lythe has had an instrumental role in the frequent overseas delegations that NZQA hosts. He has either facilitated or spoken to delegations on behalf of the chief executive. Pictured above are officials from the Namibia Qualifications Authority (and Judith Carter representing the NZQA Board). The three officials spent three weeks training in quality assurance processes at NZQA. More recently NZQA has hosted a delegation from Mauritius and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia (pictured below).	�
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He has represented the Authority in Trans-Tasman activities throughout his time at the Authority and represented New Zealand in a number of APEC fora and been involved with the OECD, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the European Union.

David sees the implementation of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) as another step in the knitting of the senior secondary school system with tertiary education and training. He also looks forward to national qualifications being revised and improved, particularly to reflect core skills.

"The Qualifications Authority can be proud of their achievement in creating a system that is learner friendly but reflects international standards. Many countries are facing the same sorts of issues - clearly to have a strong economy and a healthy nation, you have to have a well functioning education system. I believe what has been established by the Authority is a good basis for staff to take forward and I will watch it with interest."

While David is looking forward to retirement and spending more time on his orchard of subtropical fruits in Auckland, he is not yet ready to farewell the education scene completely. He plans to be available for some short-term tasks using his extensive knowledge and experience. In August and September he will be working with the Office of Rajabhat Institutes in Thailand.

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David Lythe, Frank Wood (Chairperson of the NZQA Board) and Minister of Tertiary Education, Steve Maharey at the Beehive to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia

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