Quality Assuring Mātauranga Māori Qualifications and Courses - Consultation Summary Report

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Mātauranga Māori Quality Assurance Model: Analysis of Feedback

Consultation

In March-May 2010, NZQA consulted with non-university tertiary education organisations (TEOs), government agencies, key Māori groups and organisations, and NZQA management and staff on a proposed model for quality assuring mātauranga Māori courses and qualifications.

The model proposes that any TEO would be able to “opt in" and follow the mātauranga Māori quality assurance model.  Key features include that the model would:

• be available for all TEOs – not just for wānanga or self identified Māori providers.  Similarly TEOs offering courses that have specifically Māori content, such as te reo, would not be compelled to seek approval through the mātauranga Māori process.
• strengthen the existing quality assurance framework by providing new processes for mātauranga Māori courses, qualifications and providers.

Overall, while a clear majority of comments and feedback supported the concept, a need for further work on the model was indicated.   In response, NZQA will undertake further policy design work and trial the model with selected TEOs in 2010/11.

Summary of Findings

A consultation document including details of the model was accompanied by a consultation questionnaire.  A total of ten responses via the questionnaire form were received and largely reflected:

• strong support for the notion of Early Engagement and a principles-based approach to implementation
• support for the concepts of Outcome and Process Indicators, Performance Criteria and that the model provided assurances in terms of the quality and value of mātauranga Māori
• the importance of aligning the model to key initiatives and activities such as the Targeted Review of Qualifications (TRoQ) and self-assessment and external evaluation and review (SA / EER)
• the need for further development of the Key Evaluation Questions (KEQs) and the “Māori Qual” mark. 

An analysis of written comments received via the questionnaire, 11 individual submissions, and notes recorded at the eight public hui and meetings with a number of key audiences was also undertaken.  In summary, comments emphasised the need for:

• a stronger focus on a quality assurance approach firmly anchored in the mores of Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview)
• further work on the model to ensure its successful implementation across the various development, approval and delivery contexts
• clearer alignment to key initiatives and activities such as TRoQ and SA /EER
• further sector engagement / dialogue on mātauranga Māori through:
  • continued participation in model development
  • trialling the model prior to implementation.

The full consultation summary report (PDF, 80KB) is now available.