National Certificate in Maori (Te Waharoa) (Level 2) with optional strands in Reo Maori, Maori Performing Arts, Whakairo, Nga Mahi a Te Whare Pora, Reo Maori Media, Te Whakamahi Whenua, and Marae Catering

The National Certificate in Maori (Te Waharoa) (Level 2) [Ref: 0878] is the first of two generic qualifications within Field Maori designed to provide a Matauranga Maori focus for learners, and to recognise the general achievement of learners of all ages. From a Maori perspective, this qualification pathway represents the beginning of the learner''s educational journey from the ''gateway'' towards the whare tipuna of the marae. This qualification is intended to be accessible to the Secondary and Tertiary sectors.

Te Waharoa is designed to motivate learners to achieve their potential and help them market their achievements, to assist institutions to guide students and monitor achievement, and to provide an opportunity for learners to continue with further study and achievement in either Field Maori or other areas. Te Waharoa is further intended to offer a pathway into mainstream achievement as credits gained from the award of this qualification can also be used to count towards a wide range of other qualifications on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

Te Waharoa has been structured to include optional strands that provide explicit pathways to specialised qualifications at higher levels in Field Maori:
. The Reo Maori Optional Strand may lead into the National Certificate in Reo Maori (Level 4) [Ref: 0426].
. The Maori Performing Arts Optional Strand may lead into the National Certificate in Maori Performing Arts (Performance)(Level 4) [Ref: 0701].
. The Whakairo Optional Strand may lead into the National Certificate in Whakairo (Te Ara Tauira) (Level 3) [Ref: 1590] and the National Certificate in Whakairo (Tuturu) (Level 4) [Ref: 0521].
. The Nga Mahi a Te Whare Pora Optional Strand may contribute credits towards the award of the National Certificate in Nga Mahi a te Whare Pora (Pae Tuatahi) (Level 2) [Ref: 0705].
. The Marae Catering Optional Strand may contribute credits towards the award of the National Certificate in Marae Catering (Level 2) [Ref: 1165].

The general requirements of this Level 2 qualification have been deliberately left non-prescriptive to enable providers with different expertise, training opportunities, and in different locations to offer a package that is relevant and meaningful for the students in their area. Standards from this qualification may also be used for credit towards the National Certificate in Maori (Te Ngutu Awa) (Level 4) [Ref: 1006], and the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Ngātiwai is unified by its descent from one of the oldest lineages in Taitokerau, Ngāti Manaia. Unlike surrounding iwi, direct descent from Manaia has given Ngātiwai status on Northland's east coast since the beginning of human occupation. The occupation of Manaia established iwi status in the northern part of the Ngātiwai rohe.  Principally through the son of Manaia, Tahuhunuiorangi, manawhenua and manamoana of Ngātiwai on the coast from Whangarei to Whangaparaoa was established. 

At times this extended to Tamaki. After the time of Te Rangihokaia, himself a descendent of Manaia, a number of key marriages cemented the relationship between Ngātiwai and the Kawerau hapū of Ngāti Rehua and Ngāti Manuhiri. This ongoing relationship with Tainui is another unique feature of Ngātiwai amoung iwi in Taitokerau. Today, Ngātiwai claims manawhenua and manamoana from Rākaumangamanga to Mahurangi, across to Aotea, and returning to Rākaumangamanga by way of the many islands and waters of Te Moana-nui-a-Toi.