Iwi and Hapū Studies are a distinctive feature of all studies at Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa. This is reflected in the requirement that approximately a third of any programme will focus on a student’s hapū or iwi.

Iwi and Hapū Studies facilitate learning about the individual, their identity and whakapapa. It provides a forum for students to study their own whānau, hapū and Iwi. Through assignment work it will help to connect the student with the whole, that is: iwi, hapū, and the whānau.

In studying an iwi and/or hapū the student will touch on a range of aspects such as, their marae, history, waiata, hapū, artists, taonga and much more. All the above are seen as essential aspects that will enhance both the student and their hapū.

In year one of Iwi and Hapū Studies, which is the Heke [Diploma] year, students will learn about their marae, iwi history, two kaumātua and the experiences of a hapū in the creation of a decorated wharenui on one of the marae within the Confederation.

In year two students will study their hapū, the use of a marae, an artist and will have the opportunity to describe the history of an event or institution, to write a biography of a well-known tupuna, or review a book of relevance to their hapū or iwi.

Topics covered in year three, the Poutuarongo [Bachelor] year, include; quantifying and qualifying the status of te reo Māori in a hapū, measuring the performance and considering the survival of a hapū or iwi, studying taonga (treasures), as well as analysing and performing waiata mōteatea.

There is an opportunity for students to progress further to the Poutahu [Postgraduate Diploma] and Tahuhu [Masters] level. This progress is over two years.
At the Poutahu level, students extend their research and provide analysis on the future of their marae, the creation and development of social capital within a hapū and the role of art and Artists in their maintenance.

At the Tāhuhu level students are given the opportunity to extend their understanding of those essential elements of being Tangata whenua. They will review the performance of specific variables necessary for the maintenance of oranga including the marae and language. They will also research the creation and maintenance of relationships through the use of taonga