Te Ara Hou ki te Ora qualifications

About these qualifications

The Health and Disabilities, Social Services and Whānau Ora qualifications (at levels 1 to 6, excluding university qualifications) have been reviewed as part of the nation-wide mandatory review of qualifications. See information about these reviews below.

Latest updates

Following a comprehensive review, it was identified that a Level 6 Whānau Ora qualification was necessary to establish a clear progression pathway from the current level 3, 4, and 5 qualifications. 

In response, the Whakaruruhau has developed the New Zealand Diploma in Whānau Ora (Level 6). This new qualification was submitted to NZQA Quality Assurance Māori for evaluation and approval in March 2025.

Consultation on Whānau Ora Qualifications at Levels 3  to 5

Consultation closed: 30 November 2024

NZQA Māori Qualifications Services (MQS) and the Whakaruruhau are currently reviewing feedback from the November 2024 consultation on the suite of Whānau Ora Qualifications at Levels 3 to 5:

• New Zealand Certificate in Whānau Ora (Level 3), Ref 2877, 60 credits
• New Zealand Certificate in Whānau Ora (Level 4), Ref 2878, 60 credits
• New Zealand Diploma in Whānau Ora (Level 5), Ref 2879, 120 credits.

Completed reviews

December 2023 - Review of Tiaki Kuia, Koroua and Te Pou Tautoko i te Ora New Zealand Qualifications

Read details of the review in the report:

Change report for the review of Tiaki Kuia, Koroua and Te Pou Tautoko i te Ora New Zealand Qualifications (external link)

November 2020 - Review of the Tiaki Kuia Koroua and Social Services New Zealand Qualifications

Read details of the review in the report:

Change report for the review of the Tiaki Kuia Koroua and Social Services New Zealand Qualifications (external link)

November 2020 - Review of the Kaupapa Māori Public Health, and Te Tūāpapa Hei Whai i te Ao Mārama qualifications

Read details of the review in the report:

Change report for the review of the Kaupapa Māori Public Health, and Te Tūāpapa Hei Whai i te Ao Mārama qualifications (external link)

November 2020 - Review of the Whānau Ora Qualifications

Read details of the review in the report:

Change report for the review of the Whānau Ora Qualifications (external link)

January 2016 - Review of Hauora qualifications

Read details of the review in the report:

Review of Hauora qualifications report (external link)

May 2011 - Review of Hauora qualifications

Read details of the review in the report:

Review of Hauora qualifications report (external link)