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What You'll Learn
Students will choose between a weaving or carving pathway. Iwi and hapū studies and te reo Māori are a key part of all Toi Whakarākai programmes. This one year diploma introduces you to traditional concepts in techniques, design and practice. You will develop an understanding of traditional design – its components and the world it was born in.
The world of natural materials, their collection and preparation is explored through the medium of woven taonga. The techniques of tāniko, whatu and raranga are employed to create taonga tuku iho for future generations. Iwi, hapū and reo studies will enrich your learning and appreciation for taonga held by your whānau hapū and iwi.
This tohu is perfect if you are seeking to re-connect and stimulate your inherent creative self both in the visual and language arenas. This diploma is the first year of study toward the three year degree programme and will pave the way for you to begin your journey into becoming a confident weaver. If your aim is create high quality woven garments, kete and taonga for your whānau, hapū and iwi start here.
During this year towards a bachelor degree you will produce a range of taonga, learn karakia and tikanga associated with Te Whare Pora.
Course Structure
Heke Te Whare Pora is a one-year diploma and the first year of the three-year Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai (Bachelor of Design and Art — Weaving). Students complete weekly te reo tutorials via Mūrau and two five-day hui rumaki reo on campus each semester.
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
ARA101 - Maro
To introduce students to the significance of whatu and tāniko in Te Ao Māori and the student's role as kaitiaki in Te Whare Pora.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
ARA102 - Kahu Rākai
Students will explore the contribution of Te Whare Pora to whānau and hapū in capturing whānau pūkōrero through the creation of a whatu taonga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
ARA101 or equivalent
ARA103 - Kono/Kōnae
Students will explore the significance of raranga in te ao Māori and adaptations to changing environments. They will continue to deepen their understanding of their role as a kaitiaki in Te Whare Pora.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
ARA104 - Kete Whiri I
Students will explore and test the characteristics of raranga design and function pertaining to their iwi, including the behaviours of materials in rohe and associated construction techniques.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
ARA103
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
Studio-Based Practical Weaving Hands-on practice in a dedicated weaving studio on campus — creating taonga under the guidance of expert weavers in a kaupapa Māori environment.
Weekly Online Tutorials via Mūrau Complete weekly te reo tutorials and activities online, preparing for two five-day hui rumaki reo on campus each semester.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online with tutor support — connecting your weaving journey to the specific knowledge and taonga of your own marae and iwi.
Self-Directed Study Independent cultural research and creative practice, supported by experienced pūkenga throughout the year.
Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in online webinars and tutorials with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning.
Please contact your course administrator for more details:
Tracey Patete ext. 846
Hine Tahuparae ext. 735
Is This Course Right For You?
Heke Te Whare Pora
Experience the benefit of taonga, art and creativity in a uniquely kaupapa Māori environment and become a proponent for taonga toi within your whānau, hapū and iwi.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū studies make up 50 per cent of your diploma and will bring your creations to life as you keep your whānau stories alive through the arts.
Over the year, students 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 (or online); but will further enhance your carving or weaving journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the creative 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 carver or weaver 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.

“In Te Whare Pora at Te Wānanga o Raukawa ākonga get to learn
traditional whatu and raranga techniques. It opens them up to
creating taonga for their whānau, hapū and iwi.”
Ezra Bevan
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa
Pūkenga, Te Whare Pora

"I think that if you have a little niggle of curiosity to understand the different components of who we are as Māori and what makes us be Māori unapologetically, visually through our reo, through our kōrero, Te Wānanga o Raukawa is a really, really good place to come to start to understand."
Awatea Tewaiariki Kerehoma
Ngāruahine, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Hikairo
Graduate of Te Whare Pora

“In Te Whare Pora at Te Wānanga o Raukawa ākonga get to learn
traditional whatu and raranga techniques. It opens them up to
creating taonga for their whānau, hapū and iwi.”
Ezra Bevan
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa
Pūkenga, Te Whare Pora

"I think that if you have a little niggle of curiosity to understand the different components of who we are as Māori and what makes us be Māori unapologetically, visually through our reo, through our kōrero, Te Wānanga o Raukawa is a really, really good place to come to start to understand."
Awatea Tewaiariki Kerehoma
Ngāruahine, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Hikairo
Graduate of Te Whare Pora
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$4,033.00 (approx.)
$4,033.00
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
-
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:
Contributor to the mātauranga Māori continuum
Contributor to toi Māori for your marae
Skills in research pertaining to toi Māori
Working artist
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