Māori Qualifications Services

Māori Qualifications Services (MQS) is a unit within the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

NZQA is the government agency that coordinates national qualifications in New Zealand.

Among its tasks, NZQA administers the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), on which unit and achievement standards, national certificates and national diplomas are registered.

Within NZQA, MQS is responsible for unit standards and national qualifications registered in the Field Māori area of the NQF that fall outside of the scope of Industry Training Organisations.

MQS is tasked with the development, maintenance and promotion of unit standards, national certificates and national qualifications, and the provision of support materials that recognise the unique learning styles of Māori and meet their needs.

More specifically, the role of MQS is to

develop new qualifications for inclusion within Field Māori
review and maintain standards and qualifications registered in Field Māori
develop support material for tutors and teachers
promote the uptake of Field Māori unit standards and qualifications.

Field Māori qualifications are subject to the same registration processes as other NQF qualifications.

What is Field Māori?

Field Māori is one of 17 fields, or subject areas, registered on the NQF. Field Māori caters specifically for Māori pedagogy (teaching methods), knowledge and skills. Field Māori covers a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting growing demand by industry, Māori communities, and educators for formal recognition of Māori skills and knowledge.

The graphic (below) depicts Field Māori. The disciplines, or sub fields, within Field Māori are represented by pou (pillars) in the wharenui (meeting house) where knowledge is nurtured. The four cornerstones are Reo Māori (the Māori language), Tikanga (Māori traditions and customs), Ngā mahi a te whare pora (traditional weaving), and Whakairo (traditional carving).

(click the image to see a full-size version - 386 Kb)

You can find out more about what Field Māori offers. To find out where, and by who, these disciplines are taught, go to www.kiwiquals.govt.nz/index.do .

Who sets the standards?

MQS develops unit standards and qualifications within Field Māori in conjunction with advisory groups, known as Whakaruruhau, which are made up of skilled experts, industry representatives, practitioners, teachers and tutors.

What resources are available?

MQS provides a range of assessment resources available to help teachers and tutors assess their students against unit standards registered in the Field Māori section of the NQF. You can view or order these on-line.

For more information contact NZQA on 04 463 3000 or email Māori Qualifications Services