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Student Experience
Wheako Ākonga
What You'll Learn
Develop your skills as a Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao practitioner; investigate eco-efficient living and building systems, grow thriving maara kai, and design strategic plans and environmental monitoring projects in your rohe. Assess the health of water bodies and whenua, analyse wastewater systems, and navigate local and regional councils, kawanatanga policies, and legislation.
Learn how to incorporate values drawn from kaupapa tuku iho into iwi environmental management, conservation, environmental science, planning and policy.
To enrol in this qualification, you must first complete the Heke Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao (Diploma in Environmental Management), which makes up year one of this three-year degree.
Course Structure
The Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao is a three-year bachelor's degree. Year One is completed through the Heke Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao (Diploma in Environmental Management). Years Two and Three build progressively deeper expertise in environmental assessment, restoration, and policy.
Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required.
Year one
Course of Study
PKPA101 - Te Oranga a Tāne
To develop an understanding of ngahere life forms.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKPA102 - Kohinga Mahara
Introduce students to oral history research techniques and develop the knowledge needed to record interviews using oral history techniques and methods.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKPA103 - Ngā Take Taiao
Through a field trip students will be introduced to a biologically diverse environment where it is possible to better appreciate the challenges facing conservation management of biodiversity in Aotearoa. To develop practical skills required for the management of these biological systems and to understand the urgency required for necessary protection measures.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKPA104 - Wai M āori ā Rōpū Tuku Iho
To gain an understanding of the production, application and implementation of rōpū tuku iho catchment-scale management plans and how they can assist in the long term survival and prosperity of a rōpū tuku iho by sustaining healthy freshwater ecosystems.
Credits:
15
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
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
PKPA201 - Arotakenga Wai Māori
To introduce tauira to monitoring practices and management techniques used on river resources in Aotearoa.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PKPA104 or equivalent
PKPA202 - Whakaora Wai
To introduce tauira to pollution problems and examine associated changes of the natural environment. To understand wastewater management techniques and technologies applied in the treatment of wastewater.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PKPA201 or equivalent
PKPA203 - Pathways to Eco-Efficiency
To apply a SWOT assessment to evaluate the potential use of eco-efficient technologies in housing sub-divisions and other forms of development. To investigate eco-efficient methods of mass and energy use within human-built environments.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PKPA204 - Māra Kai
To introduce tauira to healthy gardens used for commercial, communal, and personal production of produce.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Iwi and Hapū
IWI201 - Private Study of One Hapū
To examine the major features and characteristics of a selected hapū in order to deepen our understanding of hapū origins and group survival.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
IWI Y1 or equivalent
IWI202 - Selected Private Studies
Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance of a taonga to a selected hapū and/or iwi, and it’s role in strengthening, maintaining and enhancing relationships.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
IWI Y1 or equivalent
Te Reo Māori
REO201 Hui Rumaki Reo 1
The overall aim of the year two reo programme encourages further analysis of grammar through the online course; more developed techniques into researching the language through self-directed learning and oral practice in the Māori language through Hui Rumaki Reo with an emphasis on marae activities and an accumulation of ‘flying time’.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
REO1, MAIT1, REO101W, REO101M ētehi atu wheako rānei e rite ana ki ēnei.
REO202 Hui Rumaki Reo 2
The overall aim of the year two reo programme encourages further analysis of grammar through the online course; more developed techniques into researching the language through self-directed learning and oral practice in the Māori language through Hui Rumaki Reo with an emphasis on marae activities and an accumulation of ‘flying time’.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
REO201 or equivalent experience.
Year Three
Course of Study
PKPA301 - Kaitiakitanga
To examine a series of iwi or hapū kaitiakitanga case studies from which students can draw examples of the use of kaupapa to identify tikanga pertaining to environmental issues.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
YEAR 2 PKPA
PKPA302 - Rangatiratanga – Kāwanatanga me te Taiao
To explore environmental legislation and environmental organisations through the lens of rangatiratanga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
YEAR 2 PKPA
PKPA303 - Whakakaupapatanga Matua
To examine a management planning process from its evolution, through to its implementation and completion and to gain experience in developing plans for rōpū tuku iho.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
YEAR 2 PKPA
PKPA304 - Pūkenga Whakakaupapa
To provide a practice-based teaching and learning environment in which the students will obtain understanding and experience in Māori values-specific environmental monitoring and assessment.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PKPA302 or PKPA303
Iwi and Hapū
IWI301 - Oral Literature Studies
To advance the students understanding of the intergenerational transmission of kōrero tuku iho in pre 1900’s Māori oral literature.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
IWI Y2 or it’s equivalent
IWI302 - Hapū and Iwi Performance
To be able to assess the performance of a hapū or iwi and formulate strategies to enhance the prosperity of hapū or iwi
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
IWI Y2 or it’s equivalent
Te Reo Māori
REO301 Hui Rumaki Reo 1
The overall aim of the year three reo programme encourages deeper analysis of grammar through online learning activities; developed research techniques into acquiring the language through self-directed learning, oral practice in the language in a range of formal and informal situations with care and attention given to a higher degree of accuracy and quality in the language through Hui Rumaki Reo activities and accumulating more ‘flying time’ encourages creative thought with a continued emphasis on marae activities.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
REO2 or MAIT2, REO201W, REO201M, REO201, REO202
REO302 Hui Rumaki Reo 2
The overall aim of the year three reo programme encourages deeper analysis of grammar through online learning activities; developed research techniques into acquiring the language through self-directed learning, oral practice in the language in a range of formal and informal situations with care and attention given to a higher degree of accuracy and quality in the language through Hui Rumaki Reo activities and accumulating more ‘flying time’ encourages creative thought with a continued emphasis on marae activities.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
REO301
How You'll Learn
Residential Seminars (Noho) Attend three on-campus Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao noho at Te Wānanga o Raukawa for field-based and classroom environmental learning (Fri - Sun).
Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in one online Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao noho with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning (Fri - Sat).
Hui Rumaki Reo (Noho) Attend two six-day hui rumaki reo on campus.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two papers delivered online with tutor support - connecting your environmental learning to your own tūrangawaewae.
Weekly Online Tutorials and Coursework Complete weekly activities online for your specialty (Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao), Te Reo, and Iwi/Hapū papers.
Self-Directed Study Independent fieldwork, research, and assignment work supported by experienced pūkenga throughout.
Please contact your course administrator (Erana Harrison-Paurini: erana.harrison-paurini@twor-otaki.ac.nz for more information.
Is This Course Right For You?
Study environmental management grounded in Māori perspectives. This three-year degree is for those who are passionate about the natural environment and want to build on their knowledge and skills to protect and restore the wellbeing of te taiao. Iwi and hapū studies, along with te reo Māori will help connect you back to your whenua and enhance your learning.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Each 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 journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the taiao 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 complement 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. 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 kaitiaki 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.
Course Code
PKP
Credits
360
Duration
3 Years
NZQA Level
Level 7
Delivery
Residential seminars, self-directed learning, and online delivery
Locations
Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki
Mode
Bilingual (Māori/English)
Next Intake
16 Feb -25 Oct 2026
Tuition Fees
Year 1: See Heke Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao fees
Year 2: $4,046.25 (approx.)
Year 3: $3,761.50 (approx.)
Years 2 & 3 Total: $7,807.75
"Give expression to kaupapa tuku iho through connection to the moana, ngahere, whenua and fresh water environments.”
Pātaka Moore
Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Raukawa
Kaihautu, Te Whare Oranga
"This role allows me to awhi others in a topic I’m most passionate about, te taiao! This course is a life-changing journey for many, and I am inspired by their dedication to upskill themselves for the benefit of their whānau, hapū, iwi, hapori, and our taiao. I am motivated to provide a meaningful experience for ākonga that will subsequently see a more balanced approach to living sustainably throughout Aotearoa."
Phagan Ria
Pūkenga
Ngāti Ruapani, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Porou, Glen Clan (Scotland)
“I am able to stand in my rangatiratanga and be a voice for ngā iwi Māori, kei te mahi au ki te kaunihera o Tairāwhiti i tēnei wā. Māori monitoring methods is a concept I like to implement into the mahi I am involved in”.
Reuben Gregory Nesbitt Coffey
Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, Nukutere
Graduate, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao
Kaimahi ki Haumanu Tū Ora
"E ai ki te kōrero , nōu te raurau, nāku te raurau, ka ora ai te iwi, otirā, ka ora ai te taiao. Stepping into our intergenerational obligations and living in a reciprocal relationship with te taiao. Informed by kaupapa Māori and guided by our atua Māori."
Aaria Dobson-Waitere
Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngā Ruahinerangi, Taranaki, Te Āti Awa
Pūkenga, Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao
“Coming here made me realise that although I didn’t grow up speaking te reo Māori, it really enhanced the upbringing and the knowledge that I already had. Through this process I’ve come to know exactly who I am and who my whānau is. I’ve got to know my tīpuna and connected more deeply with our atua.”
Renee Bull
Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Te Arawa
He Kaitohutohu Taiao, Te Ao Marama Incorporated, Murihiku
Graduate, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao
"Give expression to kaupapa tuku iho through connection to the moana, ngahere, whenua and fresh water environments.”
Pātaka Moore
Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Raukawa
Kaihautu, Te Whare Oranga
"This role allows me to awhi others in a topic I’m most passionate about, te taiao! This course is a life-changing journey for many, and I am inspired by their dedication to upskill themselves for the benefit of their whānau, hapū, iwi, hapori, and our taiao. I am motivated to provide a meaningful experience for ākonga that will subsequently see a more balanced approach to living sustainably throughout Aotearoa."
Phagan Ria
Pūkenga
Ngāti Ruapani, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Porou, Glen Clan (Scotland)
“I am able to stand in my rangatiratanga and be a voice for ngā iwi Māori, kei te mahi au ki te kaunihera o Tairāwhiti i tēnei wā. Māori monitoring methods is a concept I like to implement into the mahi I am involved in”.
Reuben Gregory Nesbitt Coffey
Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, Nukutere
Graduate, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao
Kaimahi ki Haumanu Tū Ora
"E ai ki te kōrero , nōu te raurau, nāku te raurau, ka ora ai te iwi, otirā, ka ora ai te taiao. Stepping into our intergenerational obligations and living in a reciprocal relationship with te taiao. Informed by kaupapa Māori and guided by our atua Māori."
Aaria Dobson-Waitere
Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngā Ruahinerangi, Taranaki, Te Āti Awa
Pūkenga, Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao
“Coming here made me realise that although I didn’t grow up speaking te reo Māori, it really enhanced the upbringing and the knowledge that I already had. Through this process I’ve come to know exactly who I am and who my whānau is. I’ve got to know my tīpuna and connected more deeply with our atua.”
Renee Bull
Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Te Arawa
He Kaitohutohu Taiao, Te Ao Marama Incorporated, Murihiku
Graduate, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1 (Heke Diploma)
Year 2
Year 3
Total (Years 2 & 3)
Tuition (Approx)
See Heke Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao fees
$4,046.25 (approx.)
$3,761.50 (approx.)
$7,807.75
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 computer or laptop with a working mic 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:
Advisor to Environmental Management Projects
Advisory roles to whānau, hapū, iwi and local government.
Contract work to iwi authorities, trust boards, rūnanga, post-settlement entities, and local government/councils
Environmental Impact Assessor for Government Departments and Council Authorities
Environmental Project Management
Management and Administration of Iwi Authority and Indigenous Environmental Initiatives
Rūnanga, Iwi and Hāpū Representative
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