Assessing Coursework and Examinations Submitted in Te Reo Māori Procedures

All members of the University.

To support the understanding and application of the Te Reo Māori Policy and Principles.

These procedures detail the commitment of the University to recognising and promoting te reo Māori as an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand through its use in assessment activities of the University.

1. The University endorses the right of its students with an appropriate level of language fluency to use te reo Māori in assessment both for coursework and examinations.

2. The University will ensure that competent staff members are available to assess work submitted either fully or partially in te reo Māori.

Note - Ideally such staff members are competent in both te reo Māori and the subject matter of the course.

3. For courses taught in te reo Māori coursework and examinations will be assessed in te reo Māori.

4. A student may not use te reo Māori for coursework or examinations where

• a course is taught fully or partly in a language other than English or Māori and the course requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in that language, or
• knowledge and understanding in the English language is central to the objectives of all or part of the course

5. Where courses are not taught in te reo Māori, students who intend to present all or part of an examination or course work in te reo Māori are required to give notice in writing to the course director (or appropriate person) in the relevant faculty or academic unit.

Note - This allows the course director or the appropriate person time to make suitable arrangements for marking and/or external assessment, including translation where appropriate.

6. This notice should be given within the first two weeks of the semester or the first two weeks of the quarter in which the course is being taught.

• If notice is given after the first two weeks of the teaching period, assessment tasks presented in te reo Māori will still be marked; however, processing may be delayed.
  

7. The University will endeavour to make the results of an examination or coursework presented in te reo Māori available to the candidate within the ordinary time-frame.

Note - Students should be aware that owing to the assessment process delays in returning coursework may occur.

8. In the unlikely event that a suitable staff member is not available to assess the work in te reo Māori a suitable academic from another university or wānanga will be sought. If no suitable academic is identified from another university or wānanga, a licensed translator is to be recommended by Te Kāhui Mātanga Reo (the Māori Language Advisory Committee) in consultation with the Office of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori).

9. A licensed translator may assist a reo Māori assessor.

10. The student’s use of language must not be significantly altered in the process of translation.

11. If the coursework and/or examination script are to be externally assessed, the external institution undertaking the assessment is to indicate whether an assessor is available to assess the work in te reo Māori.

Note - If not, a licensed translator can assist in the marking process - see item 9.

12. It may be necessary for students to provide a glossary of technical terms to assist the reo Māori assessor. If so, they must prepare this in advance, in consultation with their reo Māori assessor.

13. Te reo Māori can be used in an oral and/or group assessment. A reo Māori assessor may be required if all key participants do not have the appropriate fluency in te reo Māori.

Note - Presentation of the PhD in te reo Māori is governed by the PhD Statute.

14. Te Kāhui Mātanga Reo, a subcommittee of the Rūnanga, is to advise on the appropriate usage of te reo Māori within the University to ensure that a consistent approach is adopted by faculties and service divisions in the use of te reo Māori.

15. Although Te Kāhui Mātanga Reo does not have a direct role in teaching and research programmes it may identify issues and opportunities for consideration and will advise on assessment and translation services as above.

16. Te Kāhui Mātanga Reo reports to the Rūnanga and includes staff members, representative of faculties and service divisions across all campuses, who are able to advise on the use of te reo Māori.

17. Any final clarification required on the use of te reo Māori will be provided by the Office of the PVC Māori.

The following definitions apply to this document:

• Course director is responsible for the overall design and management of the course to ensure that course design, assessment and delivery support learning outcomes and are aligned to the relevant programme graduate profile.
• Licensed translator refers to a translator that is licensed to perform high-level translation skills by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.
• Member means any staff member, student, contractor or visitor to the University.
• Staff member refers to an individual employed by the University on a full or part time basis.
• Te Reo Māori means Māori language.
• Te Reo Māori Assessor refers to an individual who assesses work in te reo Māori.
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the reo Māori version of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Te Kāhui Mātanga Reo, a Māori Language Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Rūnanga and will advise on the appropriate usage of te reo Māori within the University.
• University means Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries.

Include the following:

• Education Act 1989
• Education (Tertiary Reform) Amendment Act 2002
• Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016 | Māori Language Act 2016
• Statute and Guidelines for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
• Te Reo Māori Policy and Principles

Owner: Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori
Content manager: Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori
Approved by: Council
Date approved: 16 October 2023
Review date: 16 October 2028