There are 4 levels of 'Unit Standards' under the field Maori, subfield Te Mau Rākau, Te Parawhakawai, Te Rangatiratanga Mau Rākau.
Each level of 'Unit Standard', is equivalent to grading each year, obtaining a pou or level in Te Whare Tū Taua O Aotearoa. Example: Level 1 = Poutahi, Level 2 = Pourua, Level 3 = Poutoru, Level 4 = Pouwhā
To obtain NZQA Mau Rākau credits, you must 'Register' your Wharekura (Secondary School) as a 'Peka' (Branch) under Te Whare Tū Taua O Aotearoa.
Each individual 'Pia/Parent' must fill out a 'Registration & Health' form. By clicking on this LINK you will be taken to the 'Mauri Toa Registrations & Health' Forms.
An annual 'Registration Fee' of $20 per student must be paid per year OR prior to grading for administration purposes.
The 'Kaiako' will receive a Te Whare Tū Taua O Aotearoa 'Kaiako Paearu' booklet as a guideline and must follow all requirements and record attendance, quarterly reports throughout the training weeks leading up to the completion of the Unit Standards, OR national grading held once a year. Kaiako will also have to make sure that a 'Tipare' is provided before the national grading.
Rationale
The Mauri Toa programme was developed for students in schools to learn more about Māori Weaponry under the teachings and philosophies of Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa, the International School of Māori Weaponry in unification with accrediting student’s achievement within the NZQA framework.
The name Mauri Toa, derives from the life essence of a warrior. This can relate to the principals and values of a Warrior using Mau Rākau as the medium a traditional fighting art to re-discover, the inner warrior.
To be able to encourage resilience, an ability to cope. Leadership, an ability to lead and follow. Confidence, an ability to focus, engrossed in the Māori language. Introduced in 2013, this programme has built a wider relationships enabling Kahui Kaiako to provide a forum for teachers and Māori Weaponry exponents to have professional discussions around the art of Māori Weaponry and how this can be engaged within schools, around Aotearoa giving opportunities for students, second chance learners to excel in both worlds, Te Ao Māori, Te Ao hurihuri.