Poutuarongo Whare Tapere

Bachelor of Māori Literary Performing Arts

Whare Tapere studies builds the expression and appreciation of Māori concepts, behaviour and values through Māori performance art forms. For anyone interested in drama, performing arts or tourism this tohu is a must.

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Kapa haka performers dressed in black performing a haka

Poutuarongo Whare Tapere

Bachelor of Māori Literary Performing Arts

Whare Tapere studies builds the expression and appreciation of Māori concepts, behaviour and values through Māori performance art forms. For anyone interested in drama, performing arts or tourism this tohu is a must.

Apply Now

Enquire

What You'll Learn

Iwi, hapū and te reo Māori studies are core components of this degree programme, jointly delivered and expressed through Whare Tapere composition and performance, including newly created compositions of haka and waiata in te reo. Te reo features prominently in the course delivery, alongside composition content and execution; additional hui rumaki reo support further language acquisition and use.

To enrol in this qualification you must first complete the Heke Whare Tapere which is a one year diploma and the first year towards this three year qualification.

Heke Whare Tapere builds a foundation of knowledge around traditional Māori performance and the application of techniques in a contemporary context. Continue to master your abilities in years two and three of the Poutuarongo Whare Tapere. Further define your connections to te ao Māori through pūrākau, song writing and performance.

The assessments for most of the degree programme will be whare tapere performances and oral presentations in te reo elevating these traditions as appropriate measures for the successful completion of the Whare Tapere degree. This tohu is perfect for anyone wanting to move into the performing arts sector, acting, cultural tourism, hospitality and of course anyone taking the stage at Te Matatini! Nau mai haramai!

Course Structure

Poutuarongo Whare Tapere is a three-year bachelor's degree. Year One is completed through the Heke Whare Tapere (Diploma in Literary Performing Arts). Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū studies are core components expressed through performance, including newly composed haka and waiata in te reo.

Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required.

Year one

Course of Study

HAKA101 - Taku Whare Tapere I

This course will introduce students to Te Wānanga o Raukawa and the richness of kōrero tuku iho to create the foundations of personal expression within Te Whare Tapere.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

Nil

HAKA102 - Te Poi me te Haka I

Students will explore the performance domains of poi and haka. They will explore wairua elevating connections between themselves as performers and Te Whare Tapere, connections to the kapa, and connections to the audience.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA101

HAKA103 - Te Kaitito I

Students will study ways in which kaitito express themselves and their iwi affiliations through te reo o te waiata tawhito as a connection to Te Ao Tūroa. They will explore simple pathways of composition and performance to inform and inspire creativity in personal expression.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA102

HAKA104 - Te Whakangahau I

Students will explore aspects of Te Whare Tapere as a form of entertainment. They will examine the characteristics of the performer in the art of storytelling and kapa haka performance.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA103

Iwi and Hapū

IWI101 - Private Study of One Marae

To conduct a private study of one marae in order to identify and strengthen connections to ‘the marae as our principal home’.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

Nil

IWI102 - Private Study of Iwi History

To study and describe the major historical features of a selected iwi to strengthen identity.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

Nil

Te Reo Māori

REO101 Hui Rumaki Reo 1

The overall aim of the year one reo programme encourages analysis of basic grammar through the online course; an introduction to written Māori; research through self-directed learning and oral practice in the Māori language through Hui Rumaki Reo with an emphasis on marae activities.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

Nil

REO102 Hui Rumaki Reo 2

The overall aim of the year one reo programme encourages analysis of basic grammar through the online course; an introduction to written Māori; research through self-directed learning and oral practice in the Māori language through Hui Rumaki Reo with an emphasis on marae activities.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

REO101 or equivalent experience

Year Two

Course of Study

HAKA201 - Te Waiata ā Ringa

Students will investigate the composition of waiata-ā-ringa as entertainment to wider audiences to convey kōrero tuku iho, stories and current affairs.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

PWT YEAR 1

HAKA202 - Te Ao Pūoro

Students will explore Māori musicality across a range of themes and genre with a focus on Te Ao Pūoro. They will examine their personal musical creativity using taonga pūoro to guide composition and performance inspired by Te Ao Tūroa

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA201

HAKA203 - Te Ao Kapa Haka

Students will examine the development of kapa haka within Te Whare Tapere and its alignment with kaupapa tuku iho. They will explore the role of kapa haka as social commentators of the time.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA202

HAKA204 - Te Poi me te Haka II

Students will examine kōrero tuku iho and tikanga associated with poi and haka. They will focus on composition and performance techniques and skills.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA203

Iwi and Hapū

IWI201 - Private Study of One Hapū

To examine the major features and characteristics of a selected hapū in order to deepen our understanding of hapū origins and group survival.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

IWI Y1 or equivalent

IWI202 - Selected Private Studies

Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance of a taonga to a selected hapū and/or iwi, and it’s role in strengthening, maintaining and enhancing relationships.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

IWI Y1 or equivalent

Te Reo Māori

REO201 Hui Rumaki Reo 1

The overall aim of the year two reo programme encourages further analysis of grammar through the online course; more developed techniques into researching the language through self-directed learning and oral practice in the Māori language through Hui Rumaki Reo with an emphasis on marae activities and an accumulation of ‘flying time’.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

REO1, MAIT1, REO101W, REO101M ētehi atu wheako rānei e rite ana ki ēnei.

REO202 Hui Rumaki Reo 2

The overall aim of the year two reo programme encourages further analysis of grammar through the online course; more developed techniques into researching the language through self-directed learning and oral practice in the Māori language through Hui Rumaki Reo with an emphasis on marae activities and an accumulation of ‘flying time’.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

REO201 or equivalent experience.

Year Three

Course of Study

HAKA301 - Te Mātanga Whare Tapere

Students will examine the life and works of renowned contributors to Te Whare Tapere to inform and inspire their personal Whare Tapere practice.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

PWT YEAR 2

HAKA302 - Te Whakangahau II

Students will explore a diverse range of skills and abilities in Te Whare Tapere through the collective creation and performance of enjoyable and interesting forms of whakangahau.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA301

HAKA303 - Te Kaitito II

Students will investigate a variety of wairua elevating sources to inspire the creation of original kapa haka items.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA302

HAKA304 - Taku Whare Tapere II

Students will examine the journey they have made through Te Whare Tapere studies. Potential pathways are explored as kaitito, performers, practitioners and kaitiaki of Ngā mahi a Te Whare Tapere.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

HAKA302

Iwi and Hapū

IWI301 - Oral Literature Studies

To advance the students understanding of the intergenerational transmission of kōrero tuku iho in pre 1900’s Māori oral literature.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

IWI Y2 or it’s equivalent

IWI302 - Hapū and Iwi Performance

To be able to assess the performance of a hapū or iwi and formulate strategies to enhance the prosperity of hapū or iwi

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

IWI Y2 or it’s equivalent

Te Reo Māori

REO301 Hui Rumaki Reo 1

The overall aim of the year three reo programme encourages deeper analysis of grammar through online learning activities; developed research techniques into acquiring the language through self-directed learning, oral practice in the language in a range of formal and informal situations with care and attention given to a higher degree of accuracy and quality in the language through Hui Rumaki Reo activities and accumulating more ‘flying time’ encourages creative thought with a continued emphasis on marae activities.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

REO2 or MAIT2, REO201W, REO201M, REO201, REO202

REO302 Hui Rumaki Reo 2

The overall aim of the year three reo programme encourages deeper analysis of grammar through online learning activities; developed research techniques into acquiring the language through self-directed learning, oral practice in the language in a range of formal and informal situations with care and attention given to a higher degree of accuracy and quality in the language through Hui Rumaki Reo activities and accumulating more ‘flying time’ encourages creative thought with a continued emphasis on marae activities.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

REO301

How You'll Learn

Residential Seminars (Noho) Attend on-campus noho at Te Wānanga o Raukawa — intensive performance-based learning combining lecture, rehearsal, and wānanga.

Weekly Online Tutorials via Mūrau Complete weekly te reo tutorials online, plus two five-day hui rumaki reo on campus each semester.

Performance and Composition Practice Create and perform original works in te reo Māori — assessed through performances, oral presentations, and composition portfolios.

Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers per year delivered online with weekly tutor support — enriching your performance practice with deep cultural knowledge.

Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in online webinars and tutorials with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning.

View Course Schedule

Enquire

Please contact the academic area for more information.

Is This Course Right For You?

As a graduate of this degree programme you will be an exponent of kaupapa Māori composition and performance, and a valued repository of te reo and mātauranga Māori. Learn to articulate the knowledge of the whare tapere and be conversant with the origins of Māori performing arts pertaining to your iwi, and other iwi. You will apply analytical observation of tikanga within Māori performing arts, including stage management, choreography and decorative arts within performance.

Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies

Over the year, you 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; but will further enhance your whare tapere journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the performing arts 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 performer 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.

Course Code

PWT

Credits

360

Duration

3 Years

NZQA Level

Level 7

Delivery

Residential seminars, self-directed learning, and online delivery

Locations

Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki

Mode

Bilingual (Māori/English)

Next Intake

8th Feb - 17th Oct 2027

Tuition Fees

Year 1: See Heke Whare Tapere fees
Year 2: $4,024.18 (approx.)
Year 3: $3,894.83 (approx.)
Years 2 & 3 Total: $7,919.01

Apply Now

"Ko te whare tapere he huarahi, he ara ki te ako, ki te mau i ngā taonga tuku iho me ngā kōrero tuku iho a ngā mātua tūpuna. He ara anō hoki ki te ako, ki te mau i te reo rangatira. Ka tū te tangata ki te whakaputa i ngā kare a roto e tū Māori ai i roto i tēnei ao, kia tū pakari, kia tū rangatira."

Wetini Herewini

Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa
Pūkenga Matua, Whare Tapere

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“Heke Whare Tapere was something that made me connect to my people even more through performing. I’m confident in speaking reo by waiata-a-ringa, or haka or mōteatea.”

Zoe Grant

Ngāti Hinehika-Tereinga
Ākonga Whare Tapere

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"Learning the language through kapa haka is a really great way to retain the reo."

Holly McVeigh

Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga
Ākonga, Whare Tapere

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"Whare Tapere is so much more than Kapa Haka, as Kapa Haka is so much more than competition."

Rhian Smith

Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Whare Tapere

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"Ko te whare tapere he huarahi, he ara ki te ako, ki te mau i ngā taonga tuku iho me ngā kōrero tuku iho a ngā mātua tūpuna. He ara anō hoki ki te ako, ki te mau i te reo rangatira. Ka tū te tangata ki te whakaputa i ngā kare a roto e tū Māori ai i roto i tēnei ao, kia tū pakari, kia tū rangatira."