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Whakatupu Mātauranga
Student Experience
Wheako Ākonga
What You'll Learn
You will develop a clear understanding of Māori creation theory and how it shapes the fundamental principles/kaupapa underpinning Māori law/tikanga. You will explore a range of creation narratives, examining how different versions impact on the theory and practice of tikanga.
You will also be encouraged to consider the extent to which contemporary understandings and expressions of tikanga remain consistent with the kaupapa and to think about the potential of tikanga to influence developments within whānau, hapū and iwi, and within Aotearoa.
You can expect to develop your critical analysis skills, honing your ability to formulate, articulate and support a well-reasoned position on crucial issues facing whānau, hapū and iwi now and in the future.
For anyone already involved in or wanting to participate in aspects of the legal environment or to support development of iwi and hapū this one-year graduate diploma will prepare your way and is the first year to the master’s qualification, Tāhuhu Ahunga Tikanga.
The combined knowledge you will gain from completing iwi, hapū and reo studies will add to your kete of knowledge. As a graduate you will be well equipped to contribute to whānau, hapū and iwi matters and are well prepared for further studies in the origins of tikanga, as law.
Course Structure
The Poutāhū Ahunga Tikanga is a one-year postgraduate diploma. It also forms Year One of the two-year Tāhuhu Ahunga Tikanga (Master of Māori Laws and Philosophy).
Minimum age of 17 years. A level of proficiency in te reo Māori required. Support from a hapū/iwi to conduct research. Must hold an undergraduate degree or have appropriate knowledge and experience to study at postgraduate level.
Year one
Course of Study
MANA401 - Te Orokohanga o Te Ao: Māori Theories of Existence
This course examines the role and purpose of creation theory. It encourages students to engage with a range of Māori creation accounts, and to develop an appreciation of their own hapū and iwi theories of existence.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Poutuarongo Ahunga Tikanga or its equivalent
MANA402 - He Mātāpono: Foundational Principles
This course analyses accounts of te orokohanga o te ao considered in TATA401. It encourages students to examine the implications of creation theory, and ngā mātāpono that emerge from the various accounts considered.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
TAT401 or TATA401
MANA403 - Te Ahunga Tikanga: The Creation of Law
This course examines tikanga as human-made, based upon ngā mātāpono that emerge from a particular account of te orokohanga o te ao. It encourages students to appreciate the distinctiveness of tikanga as an expression of a unique set of understandings about the world and about human existence.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
TAT402 or TATA402
MANA404 - Te Whakaparori i ngā Tikanga: The Distortion of Māori Law
This course encourages students to consider the impact of Western values on Māori creation theories, and the consequent effect on the development of ngā mātapono and the practice of tikanga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
TAT403 or TATA403
Iwi and Hapū
HAPŪ401 - Ko ngā Kaumātua: He Kura Te Tangata
To explore the depth of the contribution that kaumātua make to the statement ‘Our people are our wealth’.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
HAPŪ402 - Ko te Marae te Kāinga Matua
To examine active participation on the marae through a study of hapū tikanga, and the contribution those tikanga make to the statement, ‘The marae is our principal home’.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Te Reo Māori
REO401 Te Whakatupu I Te Reo I/Te Reo O Ngā Niupepa Māori
Kia whakatupu mātauranga te ākonga mā te ruku i te rerehua o te reo, tōna ngāwari, tōna hōhonu tōna ngahau, me te atamai o ō tātou tūpuna ki te tārai i ō rātou whakaaro i tāngia ai ki ngā nūpepa Māori tawhito o mua, o ngā tau 1840 ki ngā tau 1930.
Credits:
20
Pre-requisite:
REO3, tōna rite rānei
REO405 Te Tū Marae – Karanga Me Te Whaikōrero
He whakatupu i te mōhiotanga me te pitomata o te ākonga ki te tū marae, arā, ki te karanga me te whaikōrero.
Credits:
10
Pre-requisite:
Kia rua o te TREO401, te TREO402 me te TREO404
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 intensive on-campus noho in Ōtaki combining lectures, workshops, and wānanga-style learning.
Self-Directed Learning Independent research and written assignments supported by experienced pūkenga and leading scholars in tikanga and Māori law.
Online Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online via Mūrau with weekly tutor support and activities throughout the year.
Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in online webinars and tutorials with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning.
Please contact Te Whare Whakatupu Mātauranga for more information.
Is This Course Right For You?
This qualification is designed for those with an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience who want to develop a deep understanding of tikanga Māori as law - and apply that knowledge in advisory, research, or advocacy roles.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Over the year, you will complete papers towards your Te Reo component attending noho on campus (or online as a contingency). This will prepare you for written and oral assessments and add to your kete in the ahunga tikanga 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 require research, writing and critically analysis of two prescribed kaupapa and you will have excellent tutor support to help you through. The assignments that you complete will become a taonga and resource for your whānau, marae, iwi and will be treasured for years to come.
Online components 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.
"For graduates of the Ahunga Tikanga programme, I hope they will have the ability to engage in critical thinking and be able to ask the hard questions. It is important they think of Tikanga as the first law of Aotearoa and to debate and contest ideas from a basis built on principle and reason. It is all those techniques of critical analysis and thinking that I hope students will develop and more importantly be able to connect that with their own lives as Māori.”
Carwyn Jones
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa
Kaihautū, Te Whare Whakatupu Mātauranga
We are wanting to turn out critical thinkers. As a critical thinker or someone who thinks critically about Tikanga you will have a set of skills that you can literally take anywhere. Not only can you take it anywhere, but you should take it anywhere and everywhere and with that set of skills you can make a real difference.
Ani Mikaere
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou
"It's made me a more critical thinker so whether it's a story community story, government policy, I look at it like, how does this protect the mauri of our people the wellbeing of our people? Does it enhance our mana? And does it honour our relationships and our whakapapa with each other?"
Te Aramau Adam White
Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Ākonga, Ahunga Tikanga
"For graduates of the Ahunga Tikanga programme, I hope they will have the ability to engage in critical thinking and be able to ask the hard questions. It is important they think of Tikanga as the first law of Aotearoa and to debate and contest ideas from a basis built on principle and reason. It is all those techniques of critical analysis and thinking that I hope students will develop and more importantly be able to connect that with their own lives as Māori.”
Carwyn Jones
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa
Kaihautū, Te Whare Whakatupu Mātauranga
We are wanting to turn out critical thinkers. As a critical thinker or someone who thinks critically about Tikanga you will have a set of skills that you can literally take anywhere. Not only can you take it anywhere, but you should take it anywhere and everywhere and with that set of skills you can make a real difference.
Ani Mikaere
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou
"It's made me a more critical thinker so whether it's a story community story, government policy, I look at it like, how does this protect the mauri of our people the wellbeing of our people? Does it enhance our mana? And does it honour our relationships and our whakapapa with each other?"
Te Aramau Adam White
Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Ākonga, Ahunga Tikanga
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Total
Tuition (Approx)
$4,001.60 (approx.)
$4,001.60
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. A level of proficiency in te reo Māori required. Support from a hapū/iwi to conduct research. Must hold an undergraduate degree or have appropriate knowledge and experience to study at postgraduate level.
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:
Researcher and Presenter of Waitangi Tribunal Claims
Senior Advisor / Advocate for Indigenous Rights Issues
Senior Policy Advisor / Analyst
Senior Tikanga / Cultural Advisor
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