Students will choose between a weaving or carving pathway. Iwi and hapū studies and te reo Māori are a key part of all Toi Whakarākai programmes. 

Whakairo (Carving)

If you have ever stood in the middle of a meeting house and stared intently at the carvings contained within, are hands-on and love creating, then put your hands to the chisel and begin your creative career pursuing the arts of our tūpuna with this one year diploma in carving.

You will be introduced to the skills and knowledge handed down through generations of tūpuna Maōri relating to Hineraukatauri, Mataora, Tūmatauenga and Rongomātāne. You will learn pūrākau, the origins, design and creation of tāonga pūoro, kōwhaiwhai, whakairo rākau as well as tikanga and workshop practises.

This very practical hands-on diploma is the first year of the degree, Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai (Whakairo) and combined with Iwi and Hapū Studies and Te Reo Māori will allow you to flourish as an artist within the growing contemporary indigenous art movement.

Whether your goal is to create taonga for your whānau, carve houses or learn traditional iwi designs, this is a great place to start.  This qualification is open for men and wāhine as a safe place to learn keeping the traditions and mātauranga of our tūpuna alive.

TE REO AND IWI AND HAPŪ STUDIES 

Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū studies make up 50 per cent of your diploma and will bring your creations to life as you keep your whānau stories alive through the arts.

Over the year, students will complete weekly tutorials and activities in Te Reo via our online space, Mūrau. These not only prepare you to attend two five-day long hui rumaki reo on campus at the end of each semester (or online); but will further enhance your carving or weaving journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the creative space. Yes, it can be scary, but you will not be taking the journey alone nor do you do not need to have any reo to begin! You will be guided every step of the way with tutor support.

You will also study two papers in Iwi and Hapū studies to compliment your learning, these are often the most rewarding part of study for the majority of our students as they gain a deep connection back to their roots. Your Iwi and Hapū papers will be online with excellent tutor support to help you through, week by week activities. The assignments that you complete will become a taonga and resource for your whānau, marae, iwi and will be treasured for years to come.  You are encouraged to complete your iwi and hapū studies through the eyes of a carver or weaver and use them to create meaningful taonga for future generations.

Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū studies begin in the first week of the academic year, so you can begin your studies before your first specialisation noho. You will also get the opportunity to meet your reo and iwi and hapū pūkenga during your first noho on campus.

Curriculum

Marautanga

Calendar

Maramataka

After Graduation

Ka puta te ihu

• Working artist
• Contributor to toi Māori for your marae
• Skills in research pertaining to toi Māori
• Contributor to the mātauranga Māori continuum 

why te wānanga o raukawa