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Mō Mātou
Whakatupu Mātauranga
Student Experience
Wheako Ākonga
What You'll Learn
This action-packed tohu is grounded in tikanga Māori wellness frameworks and enriched by iwi, hapū, and te reo Māori studies. It aims to support and uplift the health and wellbeing of Māori whānau. Heke Kawa Oranga also serves as a practical entry point into careers in sport, health promotion, exercise instruction and programming, and forms the first year of the Poutuarongo Kawa Oranga degree.
Course Structure
Heke Kawa Oranga is a one-year diploma and forms Year One of the Poutuarongo Kawa Oranga degree. Throughout the year, you complete weekly tutorials via Mūrau and attend four three-day specialist and two six-day hui rumaki reo noho on campus.
Minimum age of 17 years for enrolment. While being physically fit is an advantage for this qualification it is not a requirement, however, please be aware that there will be physical activities at each noho. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required.
Year one
Course of Study
PKOA101 - He Mātai Oranga I - Māori Health and Wellbeing
To introduce fundamental aspects and principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā and the notions that underpin the Kawa Oranga in relation to Māori health and wellbeing.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKOA102 - Te Taiao I - Maori Environmental Engagement
To introduce students to activities and events that connect whānau to the natural environment and promote positive outcomes in physical wellbeing and Māori environmental awareness.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKOA103 - Kaupapa Māori Exercise Prescription I
To learn and apply the fundamental principles of exercise prescription underpinned by Māori models and perspectives of health and wellbeing.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKOA104 - Te Whare o Rongo I - Recovery and Nutrition
To introduce students to aspects of Te Whare o Rongo.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
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
Residential Seminars (Noho) Attend on-campus noho at Te Wānanga o Raukawa combining physical activity, theory, and wānanga-style learning which will include hands-on participation in sports, exercise, taonga tākaro, and outdoor activities.
Weekly Online Mūrau Activities Complete weekly activites and lessons in Mūrau our online learning platform to prepare you for each of your noho and assignments.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered fully online with weekly tutorials to support you in your research. These assignments will become taonga for your whānau and community.
Please contact your course administrator (kawa.oranga@twor-otaki.ac.nz) for more details
Is This Course Right For You?
Heke Kawa Oranga introduces students to the core principles of exercise, nutrition, sport, fitness, and health promotion. The programme blends practical physical activities with theoretical learning to build a strong foundation of knowledge. Activities such as exercise prescription, taonga takaro, and sports are complemented by studies in nutrition, health promotion, outdoor safety and management, and injury prevention.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Throughout 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 six-day long hui rumaki reo on campus at the end of each semester; but will further enhance your Kawa Oranga journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the wellbeing 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 our students due to the reconnection with whakapapa that takes place. 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.
"I'm hoping that I'm able to use my studies and what I have learned in a coaching concept in Waka Ama. Sharing my knowledge and mātauranga that I’ve learnt with others."
Hinekahukura Brooking
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Rongowhakaata
Ākonga, Kawa Oranga
"I am deeply passionate about the health and wellbeing sector and love supporting others to realise their full potential. It fills me with pride to see our graduates progress from ākonga to pūkenga in their chosen fields, creating meaningful change for whānau, hapū, and iwi throughout Aotearoa."
Seth Brons
Te Āti Awa
Pūkenga Matua, Kawa Oranga
"My favourite part about this tohu is learning that it's much more than just sports. To me, it's about using Te Whare Tapa Whā, ngā mātāpono, and kōrero tuku iho in my hauora journey and my day to day life".
Charlize Seng-Maru
Ngāti Tūkorehe, Ngāpuhi
Graduate of Heke Kawa Oranga
Pouora, Ngā Purapura
"I'm hoping that I'm able to use my studies and what I have learned in a coaching concept in Waka Ama. Sharing my knowledge and mātauranga that I’ve learnt with others."
Hinekahukura Brooking
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Rongowhakaata
Ākonga, Kawa Oranga
"I am deeply passionate about the health and wellbeing sector and love supporting others to realise their full potential. It fills me with pride to see our graduates progress from ākonga to pūkenga in their chosen fields, creating meaningful change for whānau, hapū, and iwi throughout Aotearoa."
Seth Brons
Te Āti Awa
Pūkenga Matua, Kawa Oranga
"The most rewarding part of every year is watching students build their knowledge, gain confidence in their abilities, and realise what they're capable of."
Riria Ropata
Ngāti Raukawa, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Pūkenga, Kawa Oranga
"My favourite part about this tohu is learning that it's much more than just sports. To me, it's about using Te Whare Tapa Whā, ngā mātāpono, and kōrero tuku iho in my hauora journey and my day to day life".
Charlize Seng-Maru
Ngāti Tūkorehe, Ngāpuhi
Graduate of Heke Kawa Oranga
Pouora, Ngā Purapura
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$3,917.50 (approx.)
$3,917.50
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 for enrolment. While being physically fit is an advantage for this qualification it is not a requirement, however, please be aware that there will be physical activities at each noho. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic 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
-
For complete entry requirement details, see Appendix One of the Academic Regulations.
Where This Qualification Takes You
Completing this qualification can lead to a variety of career opportunities, including:
Qualified Personal Trainer
Whānau, Hapū and Iwi Health Promoters
Youth and Community Workers
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