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Wheako Ākonga

Heke Ahunga Tikanga

Diploma in Māori Laws and Philosophy

Become entrenched in tikanga Māori and open up your philosophical mind as you take a journey back to the origins of tikanga itself, how it related to us then and its relevance in today’s ever changing world.

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Heke Ahunga Tikanga

Diploma in Māori Laws and Philosophy

Become entrenched in tikanga Māori and open up your philosophical mind as you take a journey back to the origins of tikanga itself, how it related to us then and its relevance in today’s ever changing world.

What You'll Learn

The Heke (Diploma) begins with the concept of whakapapa which is regarded as the foundation of Māori law, and which leads to a consideration of the fundamental principles of tikanga Māori such as whanaungatanga, utu, tapu and noa.


Heke Ahunga Tikanga is the first year of the Poutuarongo Ahunga Tikanga degree.



Course Structure

Heke Ahunga Tikanga is a one-year diploma and also forms Year One of the Poutuarongo Ahunga Tikanga (Bachelor of Māori Laws and Philosophy).

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

Year one

Course of Study

PATA101 - Whakapapa and the Beginning of Law

Examine whakapapa and associated concepts as the basis for Māori Law.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

Nil

PATA102 - The Laws of Ranginui and Papatūānuku

To explain tikanga that derives from the relationship between Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

PAT101 or PATA101

PATA103 - The Laws of Tāne

Identify and discuss the Laws of Tāne, both historically and in the present.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

PAT102 or PATA102

PATA104 - The Laws of Tangaroa

Outlines tikanga and associated concepts as a basis to describe Māori relationships with water.

Credits:

15

Pre-requisite:

PAT103 or PATA103

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
Iwi and Hapū
Te Reo Māori

Year Three

Course of Study
Iwi and Hapū
Te Reo Māori
How You'll Learn

Blended Residential and Online Learning Attend residential seminars on campus at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, supplemented by weekly online tutorials via Mūrau.


Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online with weekly tutor support — assignments become taonga for your whānau, marae, and iwi.


Self-Directed Study Independent research and written assignments, supported by experienced pūkenga throughout.


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

Please contact the academic area for more information.

Is This Course Right For You?

This one year diploma will introduce you to the presence of tikanga Māori as a highly successful and self-contained system of law. You will explore whakapapa and the beginnings of Māori law, Ranginui, Papatūānuku, Tāne and Tangaroa. In addition, analyse the impact of of Pākehā values on Māori legal systems, and critique legal processes encountered in contemporary times.


This is an excellent tohu for people looking to engage in policy, research, people involved in iwi, hapū, marae affairs, or anyone interested in exploring the ways in which tikanga can inform our responses to issues we encounter.

Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies

Over the year, you will complete weekly tutorials and activities in Te Reo via our online learning space, Mūrau. These not only prepare you to attend two hui rumaki reo on campus at the end of each semester; but will further enhance your Ahunga Tikanga journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the legal space. Yes, it can be scary, but you will not be taking the journey alone nor do 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.


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

HAT

Credits

120

Duration

1 Year

NZQA Level

Level 5

Delivery

Blended learning via residential seminars, self-directed and online

Locations

Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki

Mode

Bilingual (Māori/English)

Next Intake

16 Feb - 25 Oct 2026

Tuition Fees
  • $3,273.50 (approx.)

Mō Mātou banner-small.jpg

"I get inspired by seeing that aah kua mārama look on the faces of our ākonga as they start to find language that matches and describes the experiences that they've had, when they start to understand the experiences of their parents, grandparents and tūpuna and when they make a connection that allows them to go, do, be or communicate in those whānau settings to improve the outcomes that they're looking for, for their whānau.

I think another thing that our ākonga gain on their journey is experience and confidence their thoughts in an organised way that allows them to do things that mean they can advocate strongly for positions that they want to hold and represent both tikanga and our interest and concerns in a whole range of forums."

Di Grennell

Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, Ngāi Tahu

Read More →
Mō Mātou banner-small.jpg

"The reason why I chose Ahunga Tikanga is because I was looking more philosophically at the western legal structure and te ao Māori. I want to challenge my thinking. And also challenge others in the world that I live in."

Angela Hayden

Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Graduate of Heke Ahunga Tikanga

Read More →
Mō Mātou banner-small.jpg

"I get inspired by seeing that aah kua mārama look on the faces of our ākonga as they start to find language that matches and describes the experiences that they've had, when they start to understand the experiences of their parents, grandparents and tūpuna and when they make a connection that allows them to go, do, be or communicate in those whānau settings to improve the outcomes that they're looking for, for their whānau.

I think another thing that our ākonga gain on their journey is experience and confidence their thoughts in an organised way that allows them to do things that mean they can advocate strongly for positions that they want to hold and represent both tikanga and our interest and concerns in a whole range of forums."

Di Grennell

Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, Ngāi Tahu

Read More →
Mō Mātou banner-small.jpg

"The reason why I chose Ahunga Tikanga is because I was looking more philosophically at the western legal structure and te ao Māori. I want to challenge my thinking. And also challenge others in the world that I live in."

Angela Hayden

Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Graduate of Heke Ahunga Tikanga

Read More →

Fees & Funding

Year

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Total

Tuition (Approx)

$3,273.50 (approx.)

$3,273.50

Fees are approximate and may be subject to change. Additional costs may apply for course materials and travel to noho.

Scholarships

Support is available through scholarships to make study more accessible. Find out more.

Additional Funding Options

You may be able to access student loans, allowances, or Fees Free to support your studies. Learn more.

Entry Requirements

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

Academic Requirements

Personal Requirements

  • A strong commitment to developing te reo Māori me ōna tikanga

  • Ability to attend residential noho at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki

Technology Requirements

  • Regular internet access

  • Email address

  • Computer, laptop, tablet, or suitable mobile device for online learning via Mūrau

Full Requirements

Where This Qualification Takes You

Completing this qualification can lead to a variety of career opportunities, including:

Independent researcher
Project researcher

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