Field          Māori

 

Review of Governance of Māori Authorities unit standards

 

Subfield

Domain

ID

Whenua

Governance of Māori Authorities

16070, 18096, 21652, 21653, 21654, 21655, 21656, 21657, 21659, 21660, 26425, 29296

 

The Māori Qualifications Services has completed the review of the unit standards listed above.

 

Date new versions published                                                                                               November 2025

 

Planned review date                                                                                               December 2030

 

Summary

 

As part of the scheduled review cycle, Māori Qualifications Services (MQS), in collaboration with the Whakaruruhau and Wharehukahuka, reviewed the Māori Governance unit standards. While there were no current users, the review ensured the standards remain relevant, future-focused, and aligned with the aspirations of ākonga, whānau, hapū, iwi, and hapori.

Main changes

The following overarching improvements were made across multiple standards to enhance clarity, accuracy, and relevance:

·            Minor wording updates to outcomes and performance criteria for improved relevance, consistency, and clarity for both ākonga and pouako.

·            Correction of grammatical errors to ensure professional standard and readability.

·            Refinements to range statements to provide greater flexibility and applicability across learning contexts.

·            Updated guidance information, including verification of current legislation and enhancements to resource and support materials.

·            Adjustments to credit values, either increased or decreased, to more accurately reflect the time and effort required to meet standard expectations.

 

Key Standard-Specific Changes

Standard 21653

·            Outcomes 2 and 3 were removed and restructured into two new standalone standards.

·            The Whakaruruhau recommended separating the three modules of learning for better delivery and assessment.

 

Standard 21654

·            Performance Criterion was removed and incorporated into Standard 21656, as its learning intent aligned better there.

·            Outcome 3 was removed and a new standard was created to accommodate the content as a standalone learning component.

 

Standard 21656

·            Performance Criterion 1.3 was added, incorporating content from Standard 21654.

·            The title, purpose, and outcomes were amended to reflect this addition and to ensure coherence.

 

Standard 21660

·            Outcome 2 was amended to specifically include aspects of behaviours and communication.

·            The original Outcome 2 content was moved to Outcome 3, and the previous Outcome 3 content is now Outcome 4.

 

Standard 29296

·            Outcome 3 was removed and restructured into a new standalone standard.

·            The Whakaruruhau considered that the learning focus would be better offered and delivered as a separate standard

 

Standard 21657

·            Performance Criterion 1.2 was removed and restructured into a new standard for dedicated delivery.

·            Performance Criterion 2.2 was also removed, as it was found to be repetitive of earlier learning.

 

Standard 21659

·            Outcomes 3, 4, and 5 were removed and consolidated into a new standalone standard.

 

Standard 26425

·            An additional Performance Criterion was added to Outcome 2 to include Māori authority/entity roles, broadening the standard’s scope.

 

Category C unit standards will expire at the end of December 2026

 

The last date for assessment of superseded versions of Category B unit standards is December 2027

 

Impact on existing organisations with consent to assess

 

Current consent for

Consent extended to

Nature of consent

Classification or ID

Level

Nature of consent

Classification or ID

Level

Standard

21653

4

Standard

33498

4

Standard

33489

4

Standard

33490

4

Standard

21654

4

Standard

33499

4

Standard

33491

4

Standard

33492

4

Standard

21659

4

Standard

33500

4

Standard

33493

4

Standard

29296

4

Standard

33501

4

Standard

33488

4

 

Key to review category

A

Dates changed, but no other changes are made - the new version of the standard carries the same ID and a new version number

B

Changes made, but the overall outcome remains the same - the new version of the standard carries the same ID and a new version number

C

Major changes that necessitate the registration of a replacement standard with a new ID

D

Standard will expire and not be replaced

 

Maori > Whenua > Governance of Māori Authorities

ID

Title

Level

Credit

Review Category

16070

Explain the work of the Māori Land Court

3

2

B

18096

Demonstrate knowledge of Māori decision-making processes and evaluate its implementation in a Māori authority/entity

4

3

B

21652

Describe tikanga and its influence in the governance of a Māori authority/Māori entity

4

5

B

21653

 

33489

 

 

33498

 

 

33490

Describe the characteristics of Māori Land Trusts, Reservations, and Incorporations

Describe the purpose and requirements of a Māori Reservation and the implications of the Resource Management Act 1991

Describe the characteristics of Māori Trusts established by Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 through the Māori Land Court

Describe the purpose, establishment requirements, and key legislative responsibilities related to Māori Incorporations

4

 

4

 

 

4

 

 

4

7

 

3

 

 

2

 

 

2

C

 

NEW

 

 

NEW

 

 

NEW

21654

 

 

33491

 

 

33492

 

 

33499

Describe a holistic view of Māori governance roles, responsibilities and processes for a Māori authority/Māori entity

Describe a holistic view of Māori governance roles, responsibilities and processes for a Māori authority/Māori entity

Describe the emerging challenges and opportunities faced by a Māori authority/Māori entity

Describe the reports and returns required for a Māori authority/Māori entity

4

 

 

4

 

4

 

 

 

4

4

 

 

5

 

6

 

 

 

5

C

 

 

NEW

 

NEW

 

 

 

NEW

21655

Describe the function of, and procedures for an application to the Māori Land Court

4

4

B

21656

Describe the implications and requirements of constitutional documents and legal frameworks within a Māori authority/Māori entity

4

4

5

B

21657

Describe tikanga based governance and management practices and implementation in a Māori authority/Māori entity

4

7

B

21659

 

33493

 

33500

 

 

Describe compliance and due diligence requirements of a Māori authority/Māori entity

Describe compliance and due diligence requirements of a Māori authority/Māori entity Describe ideal financial practices, behaviours and use of financial reports in Māori authority/Māori entity

4

 

4

 

4

12

 

7

 

7

C

 

NEW

 

NEW

21660

Describe meeting procedures and practices, designated roles and remuneration for a Māori authority/Māori entity

4

5

B

26425

Demonstrate knowledge of strategic planning in a Māori authority/Māori entity

4

8

B

29296

 

 

33501

 

 

33488

Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for risk management to enhance outcomes within Māori authorities/Māori entities

Demonstrate knowledge of measuring and mitigating risk to enhance outcomes within Māori authorities/Māori entities

Describe strategies to nurture and protect the management of taonga and resources as a Māori authority/Māori entity.

4

 

 

4

 

 

4

4

 

 

4

 

 

2

C

 

 

NEW

 

 

NEW