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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.
You will be introduced to the skills and knowledge handed down through generations of tūpuna Maōri relating to Hineraukatauri, Mataora, Tūmatauenga and Rongomātāne. You will learn pūrākau, the origins, design and creation of tāonga pūoro, kōwhaiwhai, whakairo rākau as well as tikanga and workshop practises.
This very practical hands-on diploma is the first year of the degree, Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai (Whakairo) and combined with Iwi and Hapū Studies and Te Reo Māori will allow you to flourish as an artist within the growing contemporary indigenous art movement.
Whether your goal is to create taonga for your whānau, carve houses or learn traditional iwi designs, this is a great place to start. This qualification is open for men and wāhine as a safe place to learn keeping the traditions and mātauranga of our tūpuna alive.
Course Structure
Heke Toi Whakarākai is a one-year diploma and the first year of the three-year Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai (Bachelor of Design and Art — Carving).
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
TOKI101 - Hineraukatauri I
Students will be introduced to toi whakairo relating to Hineraukatauri and explore the creative process of toi whakairo, workshop practises and tikanga in a toi environment.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
TOKI102 - Mataora I
To explore the fundamental creative processes of toi whakairo associated with Mataora through to the production of a taonga toi whakairo that reflects the experiences of Mataora and Niwareka.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
TOKI101
TOKI103 - Rongomātāne I
This course provides the student with an introduction to the inherited and artistic traditions associated with Rongomātāne through to the production of a taonga toi whakairo.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
TOKI101 AND TOKI102
TOKI104 - Tūmatauenga I
An introduction to inherited toi whakairo forms and pūrākau associated with Tūmatauenga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
TOKI101 and TOKI102 or equivalent
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 Carving Hands-on whakairo rākau practice in a dedicated carving studio on campus — creating real taonga under the guidance of master carvers.
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 carving journey to the specific knowledge of your own marae and iwi.
Self-Directed Study Independent cultural research and design work, 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: renee.pewhairangi@twor.ac.nz
Is This Course Right For You?
Whakairo (Carving)
If you have ever stood in the middle of a meeting house and stared intently at the carvings contained within, are hands-on and love creating, then put your hands to the chisel and begin your creative career pursuing the arts of our tūpuna with this one year diploma in carving.
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.
"I really enjoyed Whakairo in college, and I wanted to learn more about the theory side of things, such as the Pūrakau and history behind whakairo, as well as create pieces of artwork for my whānau. I’m hoping to gain the skills and knowledge of whakairo, so I can delve deeper into my artistic journey."
Kapreez Kingi
Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Porou
Ākonga, Toi Whakairo
"They have a hands-on teaching style, learn as you go. I love how they intertwine the pūrākau and the tikanga of whakairo and knowledge that comes along with making a sculpture or a taonga. Yeah, it’s just really grounding. There’s always so much to learn".
Taimakau Pikia-Karehana
Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Porou
Ākonga, Toi Whakairo
"I really enjoyed Whakairo in college, and I wanted to learn more about the theory side of things, such as the Pūrakau and history behind whakairo, as well as create pieces of artwork for my whānau. I’m hoping to gain the skills and knowledge of whakairo, so I can delve deeper into my artistic journey."
Kapreez Kingi
Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Porou
Ākonga, Toi Whakairo
"They have a hands-on teaching style, learn as you go. I love how they intertwine the pūrākau and the tikanga of whakairo and knowledge that comes along with making a sculpture or a taonga. Yeah, it’s just really grounding. There’s always so much to learn".
Taimakau Pikia-Karehana
Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Porou
Ākonga, Toi Whakairo
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$5,531.67 (approx.)
$5,531.67
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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