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Student Experience
Wheako Ākonga
What You'll Learn
This one year diploma will introduce you to a uniquely Māori perspective on whānau wellness. If your passion is people and helping others, then this tohu will ignite your passion and set you up on a pathway to a career in the social, health or community services sector.
Kaupapa tuku iho (inherited values) will provide you with the foundations for the promotion of Māori wellbeing. You will gain the entry level skills and knowledge required to begin working to improve the social wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi.
This diploma is the first year of the Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau degree.
Course Structure
Heke Toiora Whānau is a one-year diploma and the first year of the Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau (Bachelor of Social Work).
Applicants must be 20 years of age (unless otherwise agreed) and have completed a Level 4 Certificate or have at least 2 years experience in a community or support related role.
Year one
Course of Study
PORA101 - Whakatupuranga Rua Mano
The aim of this course is to describe the ART Confederation and evaluate the success of "Whakatupuranga Rua Mano" as an experiment in tribal development.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PORA102 - Te Whānau
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the different dynamics in relation to whānau.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA101 or equivalent
PORA103 - Ngā Matatini Māori Tuatahi
The aim of this course is to study the different experiences of their whānau that have led to their present circumstances and in order to then develop strategies for future well-being.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA102 or equivalent
PORA104 - Tikanga Tuku Iho
The aim of this course is to understand and apply key selected concepts of Te Āo Māori toward rōpū tuku iho maintenance.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA103 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
Residential Seminars (Noho) Attend on-campus noho at Te Wānanga o Raukawa (Ōtaki) for wānanga-style community learning with your cohort.
Online Learning via Mūrau Complete weekly tutorials and activities in Te Reo Māori through the online platform Mūrau.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online with weekly tutor support — connecting your social work learning to the knowledge of your own iwi and hapū.
Self-Directed Study Independent research and written assignments, 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 (Amokura Carkeek ext 712) for details.
Is This Course Right For You?
This qualification is for those with a passion for people — who want to work in social, health, or community services and are committed to improving the wellbeing of whānau from a kaupapa Māori perspective.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Iwi, hapū and te reo Māori are an integral part of your Toiora Whānau studies.
Over the year, you will complete online Te Reo modules. These not only prepare you to attend two hui rumaki reo on campus but will further enhance your Toiora Whānau journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds when supporting whānau in the social services sector. Yes, it can be scary, but you will not be taking the journey alone nor do you 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 studies, as students 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 online in the first week of the academic year, so you will start working your way through the modules, prior to coming to campus for your first Toiora Whānau noho. Once on campus for your first noho, you will get the opportunity to meet your reo and iwi and hapū pūkenga, alongside the Toiora Whānau team.
"My degree has given me the tools to understand policies, procedures, and the deeper meaning behind whānau ora. I am proud of how far I've come and how much I've grown. I bring what I have learnt into my everyday life, in my home, with whānau, and in my work. I live and breathe Te Whare Tapa Whā. Te Wānanga o Raukawa nurtured me like a seed, kia poipoia te kākano.”
"My commitment is to help future practitioners grow their confidence, cultural competence, and ability to walk alongside whānau in ways that uphold dignity, empower self‑determination, and contribute to long‑term wellbeing of our whanau, hapu, iwi and wider communities."
Te Riria Ruta Amiria Te Rangiahunga Paki
Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kauwhata Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Apa-hāpai-taketake
Pūkenga, Toiora Whānau
"This mahi of Toi Ora Whānau is essentially healing. Whether it be a hinengaro, a wairua, a tinana nei, it’s me following the path of my whakapapa and what’s in my toto and what my tūpuna did".
Kayde Titapu Warahi
Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Kaihautū o Rangtahi Ora
"This tohu is a first step towards my aspirations as a practitioner. I hope to one day open up my own organisation. One that is mā Māori, mō Māori, mō te katoa. Whānau focused, whānau centered. That ultimately leads to whānau liberation."
Mike Kemp
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāi Hinerangi, Ngāi Hako
"My degree has given me the tools to understand policies, procedures, and the deeper meaning behind whānau ora. I am proud of how far I've come and how much I've grown. I bring what I have learnt into my everyday life, in my home, with whānau, and in my work. I live and breathe Te Whare Tapa Whā. Te Wānanga o Raukawa nurtured me like a seed, kia poipoia te kākano.”
Kiriona Mahia Hapeta
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Maiotaki
Graduate of Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
"My commitment is to help future practitioners grow their confidence, cultural competence, and ability to walk alongside whānau in ways that uphold dignity, empower self‑determination, and contribute to long‑term wellbeing of our whanau, hapu, iwi and wider communities."
Te Riria Ruta Amiria Te Rangiahunga Paki
Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kauwhata Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Apa-hāpai-taketake
Pūkenga, Toiora Whānau
"This mahi of Toi Ora Whānau is essentially healing. Whether it be a hinengaro, a wairua, a tinana nei, it’s me following the path of my whakapapa and what’s in my toto and what my tūpuna did".
Kayde Titapu Warahi
Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Kaihautū o Rangtahi Ora
"This tohu is a first step towards my aspirations as a practitioner. I hope to one day open up my own organisation. One that is mā Māori, mō Māori, mō te katoa. Whānau focused, whānau centered. That ultimately leads to whānau liberation."
Mike Kemp
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāi Hinerangi, Ngāi Hako
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$3,237.63 (approx.)
$3,237.63
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
Applicants must be 20 years of age (unless otherwise agreed) and have completed a Level 4 Certificate or have at least 2 years experience in a community or support related role.
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:
Community worker
Support worker
Whānau, hapū and iwi advocacy and support roles
Youth mentor
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