Te Hiranga Te Reo Rangatira – 2026 exam updates

About the 2026 updates

NZQA is introducing updates to the Te Hiranga Te Reo Rangatira digital examination for the 2026 end-of-year examinations.

These updates include the introduction of audio-recording functionality, enabling ākonga to record their spoken responses directly within the digital assessment platform.

The changes are designed to support a more streamlined assessment process, from ākonga completing their assessment through to their responses being available for marking.

Information and guidance about the updates, including what they mean for ākonga, kaiako, Principal's Nominees and Examination Centre Managers, will be provided ahead of the examinations.

Online webinars will also be held on 13 October and 15 October at 3.30 pm to outline the changes and explain what these will mean for the administration and management of the examination.

Using the audio-recording tool

An instructional video is available to help ākonga prepare for the 2026 Te Hiranga Te Reo Rangatira examination and understand what to expect when completing the digital assessment.

The video demonstrates how the new inbuilt audio-recording functionality in Assessment Master works, including how ākonga will access the recording tool and record their spoken responses during the examination.

Ākonga are encouraged to watch the video before the examination so they are familiar with the process and feel prepared to use the audio-recording functionality on the day.