Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to the website of UpQ Consulting Limited ("UpQ", "we", "us", "our").

These Terms & Conditions govern your use of the UpQ website, publications, resources, and related platforms.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

If you engage UpQ for professional services, those services will be governed by a separate written agreement, proposal, statement of work, or engagement letter that sets out the specific scope, deliverables, responsibilities, fees, and terms applicable to that engagement.

 

 2. About UpQ Consulting Limited

UpQ Consulting Limited is a New Zealand specialist advisory practice supporting education providers, organisations, and professionals across:

* learning systems;
* programme and assessment design;
* quality assurance;
* capability development;
* organisational improvement;
* education leadership and strategic advisory.

UpQ provides independent professional advice and support tailored to organisational context and agreed engagement requirements.

 

3. Website Information and Professional Content

The content provided through the UpQ website, EdQ Commons™, LinkedIn, publications, resources, presentations, and other social media handles or communication channels is provided for general information, professional discussion, and educational purposes.

This content may include:

* professional perspectives;
* sector commentary;
* research-informed discussion;
* frameworks and models;
* educational resources;
* analysis of emerging issues.

While UpQ takes reasonable care to ensure published information is accurate, relevant, and responsibly presented, information may change over time due to changes in legislation, policy, regulatory requirements, technology, research, or sector developments.

 

 4. No Substitute for Professional Advice

Information provided by UpQ does not constitute:

* legal advice;
* employment relations advice;
* financial advice;
* regulatory approval;
* certification or accreditation decisions;
* formal audit or assurance sign-off;
* a guarantee of organisational, regulatory, funding, or business outcomes.

Organisations should consider their own circumstances, obligations, risks, and professional requirements before making decisions based on information provided through UpQ platforms.

Where professional advice is required, organisations should engage directly with UpQ through an agreed consulting engagement.

 

 5. Advisory Services

UpQ provides professional advisory services through agreed scopes of work.

Before commencing an engagement, UpQ and the client will agree on relevant details, which may include:

* objectives;
* scope;
* deliverables;
* timelines;
* responsibilities;
* fees;
* confidentiality requirements;
* intellectual property arrangements.

Each engagement is developed based on the client's context, needs, and objectives.

UpQ does not provide generic solutions or guarantee specific outcomes, as outcomes depend on multiple organisational, operational, regulatory, and external factors.

 

6. Regulatory and Quality Assurance Disclaimer

UpQ provides advisory support relating to education quality, systems, capability, and continuous improvement.

UpQ does not:

* act as a regulatory authority;
* make regulatory decisions;
* provide accreditation approval;
* determine registration outcomes;
* replace the functions of statutory or regulatory bodies.

This includes, but is not limited to, bodies such as the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), and other relevant agencies.

Any discussion of regulatory frameworks, standards, quality requirements, or sector expectations represents professional interpretation and advisory support only.

​

7. Professional Commentary and EdQ Commons™

EdQ Commons™ is a knowledge and capability platform supporting professional learning, sector dialogue, and exploration of emerging issues affecting education systems.

Articles, perspectives, research notes, and commentary published through EdQ Commons™ represent professional analysis and informed discussion based on experience, research, and available information at the time of publication.

Content is intended to:

* encourage reflection;
* support professional learning;
* contribute to constructive sector conversations;
* explore opportunities for improvement.

Content is not intended to:

* identify or criticise individuals or organisations;
* make allegations about identifiable persons or entities;
* replace formal review, investigation, moderation, audit, or evaluation processes.

UpQ is committed to respectful, evidence-informed dialogue that recognises the expertise, contribution, and diversity of education professionals, organisations, communities, and knowledge holders.

​

 

8. Respectful Engagement and Knowledge Systems

UpQ operates within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and recognises the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, mātauranga Māori, Indigenous knowledge systems, and diverse ways of knowing.

UpQ is committed to approaches that value:

* respect;
* inclusion;
* integrity;
* meaningful relationships;
* cultural awareness;
* responsible engagement with knowledge and communities.

​

 

 9. Intellectual Property

All content, materials, frameworks, methodologies, resources, models, written works, publications, and professional tools created or published by UpQ remain the intellectual property of UpQ Consulting Limited unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Users may access and share UpQ content for personal and professional learning purposes, provided appropriate acknowledgement is given.

You must not:

* reproduce content commercially;
* modify or republish materials as your own;
* distribute resources for commercial purposes;
* use UpQ intellectual property without permission.

Client-specific intellectual property arrangements will be addressed within individual engagement agreements.

​

 

10. Website Use

You agree to use the UpQ website responsibly and lawfully.

You must not:

* misuse the website;
* attempt to gain unauthorised access;
* introduce harmful software or malicious content;
* use website content in a misleading manner;
* infringe intellectual property rights.

UpQ reserves the right to restrict access where website misuse occurs.

 11. External Links

The UpQ website may include links to external websites, professional platforms, organisations, or resources.

These links are provided for convenience and information purposes.

UpQ does not control, endorse, or accept responsibility for the content, accuracy, security, or privacy practices of external websites.

Users should review the terms and policies of external websites independently.

​

 

12. Confidentiality

Confidential information shared during a professional engagement will be managed in accordance with agreed contractual arrangements.

UpQ respects client confidentiality and will not disclose confidential information without appropriate consent or legal obligation.

 13. Privacy

UpQ collects and manages personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

Our Privacy Policy explains:

* what information we collect;
* why we collect it;
* how information is stored and used;
* your rights regarding your personal information.

​

 

14. Limitation of Liability

UpQ takes reasonable care in preparing information, resources, and professional advice.

However, users acknowledge that:

* information may not apply to every circumstance;
* professional judgement is required when applying information;
* organisational outcomes depend on multiple factors beyond UpQ's control.

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, UpQ Consulting Limited is not liable for loss, damage, or decisions arising from reliance on general website content or publications.

Where professional services are provided, liability will be governed by the applicable engagement agreement.

​

 

15. Changes to These Terms

UpQ may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in:

* business operations;
* professional practice;
* legal requirements;
* technology;
* website functionality.

Updated Terms will be published on this website.

​

 

16. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.

Any disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

​

 

17. Contact Us

If you have questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

UpQ Consulting Limited
Email: kiaora@upq.co.nz
Website: upq.co.nz

UpQ Consulting Limited
Design. Assure. Enable.