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Student Experience
Wheako Ākonga
What You'll Learn
This course is taught in te reo Māori.
This tohu will lay the foundations for you to be well equipped to teach others to see the world through Māori eyes. Begin your journey to becoming competent to teach a range of subjects using the language of our ancestors.
TeachNZ have scholarships that support this teaching qualification. See their website for more details
Course Structure
Heke Whakaakoranga is a one-year diploma delivered in te reo Māori and also forms Year One of the Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga (Bachelor of Teaching — Māori Medium).
Applicants under the age of 20 must have university entrance (UE) or the equivalent to UE.
Year one
Course of Study
PWA101 - Tautake Māori
Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of different types of anga tautake Māori within Māori immersion environments and increase their te reo Māori fluency.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PWA102 - Whakamahere Me Te Aromatawai
Students will understand the purpose of planning, assessment and evaluation and how they are used to inform best practice for a Māori immersion environment.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PWA103 - Whakahaere
Students will observe and identify a range of kura management systems and strategies to enhance the experience of teaching and learning in a Māori immersion environment.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PWA104 - Marautanga
Students will complete designated assessment tasks.
Assessment tasks include:
a. participating in discussions
b. contributing to group tasks
c. creating and using teaching resources
d. creating and implementing learning tasks
e. presenting information
All assessments will be assessed at noho.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PWA105 - Mahi Ako 1.1
Students will observe and participate in the daily operation of a Māori immersion environment, performing at a basic level, the roles of a teaching practitioner.
Credits:
30
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
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
Weekly Online Tutorials via Mūrau Complete weekly te reo tutorials and activities online — building language and teaching skills between noho.
Hui Rumaki Reo (On-Campus Noho) Attend two six-day hui rumaki reo on campus each semester — immersive, community-based learning in te reo Māori.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online with weekly tutor support — connecting your teaching journey to the knowledge of your own marae and iwi.
Self-Directed Study Independent research and teaching 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 the academic area for more information.
Is This Course Right For You?
This is the first year of an innovative three year teaching degree, Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga, which will prepare you to teach in Māori medium education environments. The Heke Whakaakoranga, Diploma of Teaching (Māori Medium) is awarded to those who successfully complete the first year of study.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Over 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 whakaakoranga journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds when working with our tamariki in a teaching and learning space. 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.
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.

"My team and I are dedicated to producing outstanding teachers who not only transfer knowledge but are committed to raising the potential of Māori learners at every level of education in Aotearoa."
Rangi Te Whiu Jury
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungunu

"Arohaina te kaupapa Arohaina te reo Māoru Arohaina ngā tamariki. Love teaching Love the Māori language Love our children."
Megan Chong
Ngāti Kahungunu,
Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki
Pūkenga Whakaakoranga

"My team and I are dedicated to producing outstanding teachers who not only transfer knowledge but are committed to raising the potential of Māori learners at every level of education in Aotearoa."
Rangi Te Whiu Jury
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungunu

"Arohaina te kaupapa Arohaina te reo Māoru Arohaina ngā tamariki. Love teaching Love the Māori language Love our children."
Megan Chong
Ngāti Kahungunu,
Te Aitanga-a-M āhaki
Pūkenga Whakaakoranga
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$3,288.50 (approx.)
$3,288.50
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
Applicants under the age of 20 must have university entrance (UE) or the equivalent to UE.
Academic Requirements
Personal Requirements
A strong commitment to developing te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
Willingness to incorporate te reo into your teaching practice
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:
Childcare support worker
Kaiāwhina or Kaitautoko in a learning environment
Teacher aide
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