New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute

What New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute does

New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute (NZCDI), trading under House of Montrose Limited, is a Hamilton-based specialist consultancy founded in 2006 by Susan F. Stevenson. It provides evidence-led curriculum design, programme qualification development across all NZQA Levels 1-9, assessment and moderation services, quality assurance systems, research, and evaluation support to New Zealand and international clients. NZCDI is a contracted Ministry of Education PLD Provider delivering professional learning and development across seven MoE priority areas (cultural capability, local curriculum design, assessment for learning, mātauranga Māori and te reo Māori, marau ā-kura, aromatawai, digital fluency), and has designed more than 360 programmes for schools, kura, polytechnics, universities, government departments and community organisations. The firm is also the originating research and academic home of the Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) — a six-dimension (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural/Ethnic, Emotional, Spiritual) framework developed through 16+ years of research — and the associated Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET), a digitised instrument built around 70 Determinants of Universal Wellbeing that differentiates influence of Home, Work and Study environments. NZCDI monetises through fee-for-service consulting, MoE PLD workshop delivery at NZ$100+GST per session, conference revenues (Prevention Imperative NZ, Australian Universal Wellbeing Symposium, Techweek events), and the recently launched The Source subscription platform offering four tiers from NZ$12/month (College) to NZ$1,000/year (Medium Business, 100-200 staff). The team of 15+ consultants is led by Susan F. Stevenson (Director), Graeme E. Stevenson (Finance Director), Professor Kay Fielden (Research Manager), Professor Nelleke Bak, and credentialed Māori cultural and wellbeing specialists. NZCDI operates as part of the House of Montrose Limited Group alongside FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (FWI), with the FREE Research and Educational Equity Trust (established 2012) providing the charitable foundation supporting scholarships, conferences and public-good research outputs.

Name

New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute

Legal name

House of Montrose Limited

Website

https://nzcdi.ac.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute (NZCDI) is a Hamilton-based consultancy that designs curricula, programmes, and quality assurance systems across all NZQA Levels 1-9 for the Ministry of Education, polytechnics, government, and community organisations, and is the originating research home of the Universal Wellbeing Model and UWET evaluation tool.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Curriculum Design and Education Consulting

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (541720), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAGAKAJ

Accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Content Services

Education/Educational Publishing & Learning Content/Instructional Design & Content Development Services

SECONDARYEDAAALAM

Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Professional Licensure & Continuing Professional Education (CE/CPE)

SECONDARYHLAJAMAJ

Monitoring, Evaluation, Performance Management & Quality Improvement

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Public Health, Government & Regulators/Public Health Policy & Administration

Keywords

• Curriculum design services
• Professional learning development
• Wellbeing assessment tools
• Education research consulting
• Quality assurance programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamilton

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Consulting Services: Fee-for-service consulting for curriculum design, research, evaluation, quality assurance, and organizational learning architecture. Clients are typically government agencies, educational organizations, and public sector entities.
2. Ministry of Education PLD Services: Contracted professional learning and development services delivered to schools and kura nationwide, supporting MoE priorities including cultural capability, local curriculum design, and assessment for learning.
3. The Source Membership Platform: Subscription-based membership tiers (College, Individual, Small Business, Medium Business) providing access to Universal Wellbeing knowledge, frameworks, tools, and expert-led recorded content.
4. Conference Events: Revenue from Prevention Imperative NZ Conference, Australian Universal Wellbeing Symposium, and Techweek events including registration fees.
5. Research Partnerships: Collaborative research with partners supporting longitudinal studies, evaluation research, and sector capability-building through grants and partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

NZCDI is an independent New Zealand institute that designs learning programmes, conducts research and evaluation, and provides quality assurance for educational organisations and public sector agencies. It offers curriculum and qualification design across NZQA Levels 1-9, Ministry of Education contracted Professional Learning and Development (PLD) services, and the proprietary Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) supported by The Source membership platform. Since 2006, NZCDI has designed 360+ programmes covering education, health, community, and public sector contexts.

Product overview

NZCDI operates as a curriculum design, research, and quality assurance institute offering an integrated ecosystem of products and services focused on Universal Wellbeing. The core portfolio includes the Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM), Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET), and Wellbeing Enhancement Plans, supported by The Source membership platform. The Universal Wellbeing Charter provides a global prevention framework. NZCDI delivers Ministry of Education PLD services, teacher aide education programmes, and workshops (PLD Quickies). The organization also manages international scholarships and annual conferences (Prevention Imperative NZ and Australian UW Symposium). Services are provided in partnership with FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (FWI), with whom NZCDI shares the House of Montrose Limited governance structure. Since 2006, NZCDI has designed more than 360 learning programmes at NZQA Levels 1-9.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM): A research framework developed by FWI and NZCDI for explaining integrated wellbeing, guiding professional practice, and enhancing programme outcomes. Encompasses six dimensions: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural (and Ethnic), Emotional, and Spiritual (SPICES).
• Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET)
• Universal Wellbeing Charter
• The Source
• FREE Research and Educational Equity Trust

Products and services

• Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) A philosophically-informed, theory-driven research framework developed since 2006 that explains integrated wellbeing across six dimensions: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural (and Ethnic), Emotional, and Spiritual (SPICES). The model guides professional practice, improves the research-ability of wellbeing, and enhances programme outcomes.
• Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET) A digitised research-based evaluation instrument underpinned by the Universal Wellbeing Model that measures wellbeing across six-dimension scales and differentiates the influence of Home, Work, and Study environments while evaluating Universal Wellbeing risk levels. Used for individual, family, whānau, and team wellbeing checks.
• The Source A members-only Universal Wellbeing resource hub providing access to the complete Universal Wellbeing Model and Determinants architecture, prevention-first frameworks, professionally defensible tools and templates, expert-led recorded content, and ongoing research resources. Offered in Individual, Small Business (up to 100 staff), and Medium Business (100-200 staff) plans.
• Universal Wellbeing Charter A global framework for primordial prevention designed to address root causes of wellbeing challenges (suicide, violence, addiction, chronic illness, low educational achievement) through evidence-based, implementation science-informed approaches. Supported by an International Advisory Board.
• Ministry of Education PLD Services Ministry of Education contracted Professional Learning and Development services supporting schools, kāhui ako, and kura nationwide across seven priority areas: Cultural capability, Local curriculum design, Assessment for learning, Mātauranga Māori and te reo Māori, Marau ā-kura, Aromatawai, and Digital fluency.
• 2026 PLD Quickies Workshops Eight evidence-based professional development workshop sessions offered in 2026 covering: ABC of Behaviour Management, Staff Wellbeing & Evaluation, Identifying and Reporting Abuse and Neglect, Engaging Students to Advance Learning, Learning Progressions That Optimise Student Learning, Feedback and Feed Forward That Accelerates Learning, Whole of School Wellbeing Systems, and Ethnic & Cultural Inclusive Practice. Sessions run Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at $100 + GST per session.
• FREE Universal Wellbeing Model Webinars Free monthly webinars on the Universal Wellbeing Model, held on the 2nd Friday of each month at 3:00pm and 6:00pm NZT, providing overview and introduction to the framework.
• Teacher Aide Education Programmes Four certificate grades (A, B, C, D) for Teacher Aides plus certificate programmes in Universal Wellbeing, Whakato Te Reo, and Learning Facilitation. Supported by MoE-PLD Teacher Aide Education Information Booklet (2023-24).
• International Wellbeing Scholarships 2026 Fully funded scholarships by FREE Research and Educational Equity Trust supporting professionals to apply evidence-based Universal Wellbeing approaches. Coverage includes full tuition fees, live online learning, academic support, learning resources, and certification pathways. Open to professionals in education, health, social services, business, government, policy, and research.
• Prevention Imperative NZ Conference 2026 The 2nd Prevention Imperative: Universal Wellbeing Conference taking place 8-9 October 2026 at Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre, Auckland. Focuses on advancing evidence-based Universal Wellbeing prevention-first initiatives to improve New Zealand's national wellbeing metrics. Hosted by FREE Trust, sponsored by FWI and NZCDI.
• Australian Universal Wellbeing Symposium 2026 First-time international symposium bringing together leaders, researchers, and practitioners across education, health, business, government, and community sectors to address wellbeing challenges. Taking place 27-28 August 2026 at Novotel Brisbane Airport Hotel, Australia. Sponsored by FWI and NZCDI.
• Determinants of Universal Wellbeing Workbook A published research output documenting the 70 Determinants of Universal Wellbeing that underpin the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool. Available in multiple editions (2023, 2024, 2025).
• Curriculum Design and Programme Development Services Comprehensive curriculum and programme design services including: Organisational Learning & Development Architecture, Learning programme/qualification design & delivery, Assessment, moderation and evaluation, Quality Management & Assurance Systems, Consultations, Reviews & Audits, Professional Development programmes, Research, and Wellbeing/Pastoral Care Checks and programmes. Since 2006, NZCDI has designed more than 360 learning programmes at NZQA Levels 1-9.

Quantifiable outcome

• 360+ programmes designed at NZQA Levels 1-9 since 2006
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FREE Research and Educational Equity TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2012Charitable trust established in 2012 as the foundation supporting the research, education, and public-good activities of the Universal Wellbeing ecosystem. Focuses on ensuring prevention-focused wellbeing research and equitable educational opportunities are accessible to individuals and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
• FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (FWI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing strategic partnership where NZCDI provides research leadership and academic stewardship while FWI handles professional education and practitioner programme delivery. NZCDI is the originating research and academic home; FWI delivers applied professional programmes and workforce development arising from NZCDI research.
• House of Montrose Limited GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organisation providing evaluation and research stewardship and expertise for initiatives delivered in partnership with the FREE TRUST. NZCDI and FWI are part of the House of Montrose Limited Group.
• University of OtagominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership where Susan F. Stevenson worked as research fellow and where she completed M.Ed and other qualifications. NZCDI draws on University of Otago academic resources and expertise.
• Ako AotearoaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational centre for tertiary teaching excellence that has funded two Best Practice Research Grants for NZCDI wellbeing and pastoral care research projects, including Whare Tapa Rima.
• Universal Wellbeing Charter International Advisory Board (UWCIAB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational advisory board supporting the Universal Wellbeing Charter framework, with members from education, health, research, leadership, and community sectors across New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and globally.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cognition Education: New Zealand-based education consultancy offering curriculum design, professional learning, and school improvement services. Comparable as a direct competitor for MoE PLD contracts and curriculum design engagements.
• Evaluation Works: New Zealand-based independent evaluation consultancy serving government, NGO, and education sector clients. Comparable for evaluation methodology, quality assurance services, and government contract delivery.
• CORE Education: New Zealand-based educational PLD provider and research organisation delivering professional learning to teachers and schools. Directly comparable to NZCDI as a fellow NZ MoE-aligned PLD provider with research-led curriculum expertise.
• New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER): NZ's primary educational research organisation conducting social science research in education and publishing evidence-based resources. Comparable for research methodology, evaluation work, and educational publication output.

Emerging players

• Education Perfect: NZ-origin education technology platform serving schools with curriculum-aligned content and assessment tools. Comparable as a fellow NZ-founded education company scaling internationally, though with a more product/SaaS-led approach.
• The Education Hub: New Zealand-based educational research and resource organisation providing evidence-based teacher PLD and curriculum resources. Comparable for research-led PLD delivery to schools and curriculum design expertise.

Regional players

• Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER): Australia's leading educational research organisation operating across Australasia. Comparable as a regional peer for educational research, assessment design, and cross-Tasman PLD services where NZCDI is expanding.

Others

• Ako Aotearoa: New Zealand's National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, a partner and grant funder for NZCDI's wellbeing research projects. Comparable as an ecosystem participant funding and disseminating tertiary education research in NZ.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=ZEGrg0TTFWU
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-zealand-curriculum-design-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute