What is the Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori PSM exam?

The Public Sector Māori (PSM) examination is a standardized Māori language proficiency test administered by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission). It evaluates a public servant's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills specifically in a professional public service environment.

How much does the PSM examination cost?

The examination is available free of charge ($0) for New Zealand public sector and local government employees. Registration is typically facilitated through the employee's agency HR or Māori capability development team.

What passing score is required for the PSM?

The exam does not have a traditional numerical passing score. Instead, performance is measured against a five-level proficiency framework, with results reported in grades (Pass, Credit, Distinction). Level 3 (Moderate Proficiency) is the common target benchmark for government roles requiring bilingual competency.

How should I prepare for the Public Sector Māori Exam?

Effective preparation focuses on three key areas: 1) Memorizing official government and public administration vocabulary in te reo Māori. 2) Mastering the grammar of formal written correspondence, including greetings, sign-offs, and passive voice. 3) Developing a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and correct protocols (tikanga) for meetings (hui) and welcoming ceremonies.

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Sample PSM Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PSM exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Section 14 of the Public Service Act 2020, what is the collective responsibility of the public service regarding the Māori Crown relationship?

A.To support the Crown in its relationships with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

B.To act as the sole legal arbiter of Treaty of Waitangi claims.

C.To replace traditional iwi authorities in local governance matters.

D.To transition all government departments into bilingual operations by 2030.

Explanation: Section 14 of the Public Service Act 2020 explicitly states that the role of the public service is to support the Crown in its relationships with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi. This is to improve Māori Crown relations and support Māori development.

2Which of the following Te Tiriti o Waitangi concepts is associated with the term 'Kāwanatanga' in Article 1?

A.Governorship or governance, which Māori granted to the British Crown.

B.Absolute sovereignty and self-determination over lands and resources.

C.The protection of cultural treasures, both tangible and intangible.

D.Equal citizenship rights for all people of New Zealand.

Explanation: In Article 1 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the term 'Kāwanatanga' represents governorship or governance, which Māori rangatira (chiefs) granted to the Crown. This is distinct from 'tino rangatiratanga' (sovereignty or chieftainship) which was retained by Māori in Article 2.

3What did Māori retain under Article 2 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

A.Tino rangatiratanga (full chieftainship and self-determination) over lands, villages, and taonga.

B.Kāwanatanga (governorship) over the entire country.

C.The right to vote in British parliamentary elections.

D.Direct authority over British settlers residing in New Zealand.

Explanation: Article 2 guarantees to Māori their 'tino rangatiratanga' (full chieftainship, control, and self-determination) over their lands, settlements, and all of their 'taonga' (treasures, both tangible and intangible).

4In the context of the Treaty principles, what does the principle of 'Partnership' (Pātuitanga) require of public service agencies?

A.Acting in good faith, with mutual respect, and engaging early with Māori partners.

B.Outsourcing all public services in regional areas to Māori providers.

C.Forming equal financial joint ventures for all commercial state assets.

D.Requiring Māori co-signatures on all standard ministerial letters.

Explanation: The principle of Partnership (Pātuitanga) emphasizes that the Crown and Māori must act towards each other in good faith, showing mutual respect, open communication, and working together on key decisions that affect Māori interests.

5Which government organization in New Zealand is responsible for lead policy advice on Māori Crown relations and building public sector capability?

A.Te Arawhiti (Office for Māori Crown Relations)

B.Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development)

C.Te Kawa Mataaho (Public Service Commission)

D.Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission)

Explanation: Te Arawhiti was established to facilitate and oversee the Māori Crown relationship, ensuring the public service is capable of partnering with Māori, and helping agencies meet their Treaty obligations.

6Under Article 3 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, what is guaranteed to Māori?

A.The same rights, privileges, and duties as British subjects.

B.Exemption from all local government taxes and duties.

C.A separate Māori parliament with veto power over Crown legislation.

D.Direct control over international trade and customs regulations.

Explanation: Article 3 of the Treaty guarantees Māori the same rights and privileges as British subjects. In modern terms, this translates to equity of outcomes and equal status under the law.

7What does the principle of 'Active Protection' (Whakahaumaru) imply for government departments?

A.The Crown must proactively protect Māori rights, interests, culture, and taonga.

B.Departments must assign physical security guards to all marae sites.

C.Government agencies must prevent any private purchase of Māori freehold land.

D.Māori cultural expressions must be patented and restricted from public view.

Explanation: The principle of Active Protection requires the Crown to take active steps to protect Māori rights, language (te reo Māori), culture, and treasured resources (taonga). It is a positive duty, meaning passive neutrality is insufficient.

8Under the Public Service Act 2020, who is explicitly responsible for ensuring a government department develops the capability to engage with Māori?

A.The Chief Executive (Tumuaki) of that department.

B.The Minister for Māori Development.

C.The Waitangi Tribunal Chairperson.

D.The Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Explanation: Under Section 14 of the Public Service Act 2020, Chief Executives of government departments are responsible for developing the capability of the department to engage with Māori, understand Māori perspectives, and support Māori Crown relationships.

9What is the primary significance of the case Lands (Shed 21) case (Te Runanga o Wharekauri Rekohu v Attorney-General 1993) or the 1987 'SOE case' (New Zealand Maori Council v Attorney-General) in public law?

A.It established that the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi override conflicting administrative transfers of land.

B.It declared the Treaty of Waitangi to be a nullity under international law.

C.It gave Māori the exclusive right to purchase all state-owned enterprises.

D.It abolished the Waitangi Tribunal's powers to investigate historical claims.

Explanation: The landmark 1987 SOE case (New Zealand Maori Council v Attorney-General) established that the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi apply to government actions, particularly preventing the transfer of land to State-Owned Enterprises if it would prejudice historical claims.

10The principle of 'Redress' in Māori Crown relations signifies which of the following?

A.The Crown must provide fair and effective resolution for historical and modern breaches of the Treaty.

B.The Crown must automatically return all Crown land to the nearest hapū without negotiation.

C.The public service must offer financial compensation directly to individuals who speak te reo Māori.

D.Māori are entitled to wear traditional dress at all formal government proceedings.

Explanation: The principle of Redress states that when the Crown has breached its obligations under the Treaty, it has a duty to provide a fair and effective process of negotiation and settlement to resolve those grievances.

About the PSM Practice Questions

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