Guidelines for assuring national consistency

How we assure the national consistency of graduate outcomes resulting from Mātauranga Māori qualifications or programmes quality assured through the Te Hono o Te Kahurangi (THoTK) methodology

We are currently reviewing and updating the Te Hono o Te Kahurangi (THoTK) evaluative quality assurance guidelines.

The existing guidelines (published in 2018) no longer reflect current quality assurance processes or the range of applications and products we now use.

As part of a wider review of Te Hono o Te Kahurangi, NZQA is strengthening how the framework supports quality assurance through mātauranga Māori, and ensuring that guidance, tools, and processes remain relevant, clear, and appropriate.

About the review

The review of Te Hono o Te Kahurangi is focused on understanding how the framework is operating in practice and how it continues to uphold Māori ways of understanding and assuring educational quality.

It will inform updated guidance, tools, and approaches that support high-quality, culturally grounded evaluation and positive outcomes for Māori learners.

The Te Hono o Te Kahurangi Aromātai

What this means for providers

The current guidelines have been removed while updates are underway. NZQA will continue to work with providers using established processes during this period.

Updated guidance and supporting resources will be published once the review is complete.

We expect to have revised Te Hono o Te Kahurangi guidance after 1 September 2026.

Until we publish new resources, NZQA has general guidance for quality assurance:

Approval, accreditation and registration

Further information

If you have questions about Te Hono o Te Kahurangi or the ongoing review:

Email the NZQA Māori quality assurance team

Get more information or give us feedback