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Student Experience
Wheako Ākonga
What You'll Learn
This one year full immersion programme will help to bring forth that seed which lies dormant. If you are seeking to become fluent in te reo Māori then this tohu will ensure you develop proficiency in acquiring the language.
Taught under tikanga Māori you will start your journey to becoming an exponent of the reo, along with iwi and hapū studies, opening you up to a range of future opportunities across all sectors and preparing you for further study in the degree programme.
Classes are held at the Ōtaki campus Monday to Thursday 9am - 3pm.
This one year level 5 diploma is also the first year of the three year Poutuarongo Reo Māori (Bachelor of Te Reo Māori).
Course Structure
Heke Reo Māori is an intensive, campus-based diploma with daily classes Monday to Thursday, 9am–3pm at the Ōtaki campus. This represents the first year of the three-year Poutuarongo Reo Māori (Bachelor of Te Reo Māori).
Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address, and a computer or laptop are required. Daily campus attendance at Ōtaki is required for this programme.
Year one
Course of Study
PREOA101 - Te Whata Nui O Te Kāinga I
This paper aims to support you to be able to know how to talk about domestic activities in a way that reflects Māori ways of thinking and doing things, as well as the tikanga that should accompany the language, such as that relating to whanaungatanga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PREOA102 - Te Whata Nui O Te Kāinga II
This paper expands on the learnings from PREOA101 Te Whata Nui o Te Kāinga I. Further advancing your vocab in talking about domestic activities in a way that reflects Māori ways of thinking and doing things, as well as the tikanga that should accompany the language, such as that relating to whanaungatanga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PREOA103 - He Ora Kei Te Kupu
This paper will support your learning to know and practise Māori ways of conducting oneself when meeting and greeting people (whether they are close friends, or relations) at gatherings. And at such gatherings, to begin to converse and talk about their daily affairs.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA101 and PREOA102
PREOA104 - Kia Rangatira Te Kai
This paper aims to teach you how to carry out practices relating to the procurement of food from the natural world and its preparation. To know how to acknowledge appropriately those who provide food.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PREOA105 - E Kore Au E Ngaro
A foundation whakatupu mātauranga paper that aims to develop a theory on the origins and evolution of te reo Māori, and a view on the role of language revival planning for the survival of Māori.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA101 and PREOA102
PREOA106 - Whakatupuria Te Tātainga Whakaaro
This paper aims to increase your knowledge of how current issues may be discussed in a Māori way. This will include looking at how a subject is introduced and advanced, the expression of opinion and dialogue on an issue, how questions are posed and responded to, and how to amuse or influence the audience or reader.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA101 and PREOA102
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
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
Daily Campus Classes Attend classes Monday to Thursday, 9am–3pm at the Ōtaki campus — a fully immersive, community-based learning environment.
Residential Seminars Participate in noho on campus combining te reo, tikanga, and wānanga-style learning alongside your cohort.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered with tutor support — connecting your language journey to the specific knowledge of your own marae and iwi.
Self-Directed Learning Independent study and language practice, supported by experienced pūkenga throughout the academic year.
Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in online webinars and tutorials with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning.
Please contact your course administrator (Irenibelle Bernard: irenibelle.bernard@twor-otaki.ac.nz) for details.
Is This Course Right For You?
Learn the foundations of the language and gain skills in mihimihi, karakia, waiata and kōrero. You will attend daily classes at the Ōtaki campus, as well as a number of residential seminars, or noho, throughout the year.
Te reo Maōri is what helps to define us as a people, setting us aside from any other culture on earth. As Māori it is our birthright, a gift from our ancestors and one that must be nurtured to evolve for future generations.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Over the year, you will complete weekly tutorials and activities for Iwi and Hapū studies via our online space, Mūrau. 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.
Iwi and Hapū studies begin in the first week of the academic year, as soon as you have access to Mūrau you can begin!

"The best part of being a pūkenga for Heke Poutuarongo Reo is the whanaungatanga aspect. Being able to sit amongst kaumātua, pakeke right down to our rangatahi is something that I really love."
Tiakina Te Whenua Manga
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo

"Ko tētehi o ngā painga o te pūkenga ki te tohu Poutuarongo Reo ko te kite i ngā hua o te whakapau werawera a ngā tauira ka mutu ana te tohu. One of the best parts of working as a pūkenga for Poutuarongo Reo is seeing the fruits of the efforts that the tauira have once they leave the tohu. Seeing them outside of the tohu in reo Māori capacities is awesome."
Raiha Te Naera Cook
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo

“After dreaming about it for nine years, I finally enrolled in the Heke Reo Māori programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It was a whānau goal, reclaiming te reo Māori for her whānau, marae, and hapū. This was a gift to myself, because I am worth it. I am absolutely loving the experience.”

“I have had a great experience being a student of te reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. So much so, that I recommend it to everyone, whānau and friends.”

“I’m the mother of eight and I’m trying to bring te reo Māori back into our whakapapa. Learning about Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and the work they did to bring the reo back into their bloodlines really sat with me. It made me think about the future and bringing it back for my children.”
Ratahi Tamatea
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine
Graduate Heke Reo Māori
Weaving Tutor

"The best part of being a pūkenga for Heke Poutuarongo Reo is the whanaungatanga aspect. Being able to sit amongst kaumātua, pakeke right down to our rangatahi is something that I really love."
Tiakina Te Whenua Manga
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo

"Ko tētehi o ngā painga o te pūkenga ki te tohu Poutuarongo Reo ko te kite i ngā hua o te whakapau werawera a ngā tauira ka mutu ana te tohu. One of the best parts of working as a pūkenga for Poutuarongo Reo is seeing the fruits of the efforts that the tauira have once they leave the tohu. Seeing them outside of the tohu in reo Māori capacities is awesome."
Raiha Te Naera Cook
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo

“After dreaming about it for nine years, I finally enrolled in the Heke Reo Māori programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It was a whānau goal, reclaiming te reo Māori for her whānau, marae, and hapū. This was a gift to myself, because I am worth it. I am absolutely loving the experience.”
Rachel Te Rau E Wha Petero
Ko Waikato te iwi
Graduate of Heke Reo Māori
Founder and CEO of Rise Global and Iwi Indigenous Women in Industry
Author

“I have had a great experience being a student of te reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. So much so, that I recommend it to everyone, whānau and friends.”
Tamara Solomon
Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa
Ākonga Poutuarongo Reo Māori
Part-time Kaikōkiri for Te Puna Reo o Ngāti Toa

“I’m the mother of eight and I’m trying to bring te reo Māori back into our whakapapa. Learning about Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and the work they did to bring the reo back into their bloodlines really sat with me. It made me think about the future and bringing it back for my children.”
Ratahi Tamatea
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine
Graduate Heke Reo Māori
Weaving Tutor
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$3,592.83 (approx.)
$3,592.83
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 are required. Daily campus attendance at Ōtaki is required for this programme.
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:
Contribute to reo revitalisation
Contribute to your marae paepae
Further study with the Poutuarongo Reo Māori (Bachelor of Te Reo Māori)
Kōhanga Reo kaiāwhina
Support the implementation of kaupapa Māori programmes
Teacher aide
Utilise research and presentation skills
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