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What You'll Learn
This one year diploma will introduce you to our pūrākau (stories) of significance from different iwi about the Aotearoa origin of te whare tapere and similar activity. This very hands-on qualification will set you up for further studies and is the first year to our degree programme.
If you’re an entertainer by heart, love the stage, want to delve into the origins of te whare tapere or rekindle your passion for te ao Māori, then this tohu will give you the edge from others competing in the same career space. Iwi, hapū and reo studies will contribute to your growth and understanding as you express yourself through Māori performing arts.
Heke Whare Tapere is the first year of the three year Poutuarongo Whare Tapere degree.
Course Structure
Whare Tapere is a one-year diploma and the first year of the three-year Poutuarongo Whare Tapere (Bachelor of Literary Performing Arts).
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
HAKA101 - Taku Whare Tapere I
This course will introduce students to Te Wānanga o Raukawa and the richness of kōrero tuku iho to create the foundations of personal expression within Te Whare Tapere.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
HAKA102 - Te Poi me te Haka I
Students will explore the performance domains of poi and haka. They will explore wairua elevating connections between themselves as performers and Te Whare Tapere, connections to the kapa, and connections to the audience.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
HAKA101
HAKA103 - Te Kaitito I
Students will study ways in which kaitito express themselves and their iwi affiliations through te reo o te waiata tawhito as a connection to Te Ao Tūroa. They will explore simple pathways of composition and performance to inform and inspire creativity in personal expression.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
HAKA102
HAKA104 - Te Whakangahau I
Students will explore aspects of Te Whare Tapere as a form of entertainment. They will examine the characteristics of the performer in the art of storytelling and kapa haka performance.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
HAKA103
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
Weekly Online Tutorials via Mūrau Complete weekly tutorials and activities in Te Reo Māori online — preparing for two five-day hui rumaki reo on campus each semester.
Hui Rumaki Reo (On-Campus Noho) Attend two five-day immersive noho on campus — intensive performance practice, composition, and wānanga alongside your cohort.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online — assignments become taonga and resources for your own whānau, marae, and iwi.
Self-Directed Study Independent creative and cultural research, 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 the academic area for more information.
Is This Course Right For You?
A modern day expression of te whare tapere is typically, but not exclusively, kapa haka and all the waiata/haka composed and performed about traditions. It also involves traditional games, storytelling, whakaari, taonga pūoro and costume adornment. These artistic forms are vessels for holding onto our identity, te reo and tikanga.
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 five-day long hui rumaki reo on campus at the end of each semester; but will further enhance your whare tapere journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the performing arts 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 performer 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.

"Ko te whare tapere he huarahi, he ara ki te ako, ki te mau i ngā taonga tuku iho me ngā kōrero tuku iho a ngā mātua tūpuna. He ara anō hoki ki te ako, ki te mau i te reo rangatira. Ka tū te tangata ki te whakaputa i ngā kare a roto e tū Māori ai i roto i tēnei ao, kia tū pakari, kia tū rangatira."

“Heke Whare Tapere was something that made me connect to my people even more through performing. I’m confident in speaking reo by waiata-a-ringa, or haka or mōteatea.”
Zoe Grant
Ngāti Hinehika-Tereinga
Ākonga Whare Tapere

"Learning the language through kapa haka is a really great way to retain the reo."
Holly McVeigh
Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga
Ākonga, Whare Tapere

"Whare Tapere is so much more than Kapa Haka, as Kapa Haka is so much more than competition."
Rhian Smith
Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Whare Tapere

"Ko te whare tapere he huarahi, he ara ki te ako, ki te mau i ngā taonga tuku iho me ngā kōrero tuku iho a ngā mātua tūpuna. He ara anō hoki ki te ako, ki te mau i te reo rangatira. Ka tū te tangata ki te whakaputa i ngā kare a roto e tū Māori ai i roto i tēnei ao, kia tū pakari, kia tū rangatira."
Wetini Herewini
Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa
Pūkenga Matua, Whare Tapere

“Heke Whare Tapere was something that made me connect to my people even more through performing. I’m confident in speaking reo by waiata-a-ringa, or haka or mōteatea.”
Zoe Grant
Ngāti Hinehika-Tereinga
Ākonga Whare Tapere

"Learning the language through kapa haka is a really great way to retain the reo."
Holly McVeigh
Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga
Ākonga, Whare Tapere

"Whare Tapere is so much more than Kapa Haka, as Kapa Haka is so much more than competition."
Rhian Smith
Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Whare Tapere
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$3,574.00 (approx.)
$3,574.00
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:
Whānau, Hapū and Iwi Health Promoters
Youth and Community Workers
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