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Poutuarongo Reo Māori
Bachelor of Te Reo Māori
Ko te reo te kūaha ki te ao Māori - Te reo is the doorway to understanding the world of our tūpuna. Te reo Māori is also the means to express our unique place in the universe. If your desire is to speak, understand and become an exponent of te reo Māori, this qualification will get you there with its proven methods for intensive, accelerated language learning.
Poutuarongo Reo Māori
Bachelor of Te Reo Māori
Ko te reo te kūaha ki te ao Māori - Te reo is the doorway to understanding the world of our tūpuna. Te reo Māori is also the means to express our unique place in the universe. If your desire is to speak, understand and become an exponent of te reo Māori, this qualification will get you there with its proven methods for intensive, accelerated language learning.
What You'll Learn
In years two and three, students continue to expand their kete of vocabulary, grammar, waiata, karakia and understanding of kawa and tikanga. Studies include research on your own iwi, hapū and marae so you can stand confidently knowing who you are. On completion of this tohu you will have attained a high level of proficiency in the language, be confident to converse in te reo Māori and gained competency in mihimihi, whai kaupapa, karakia and waiata.
As a graduate you will be well positioned to enter post-graduate level studies in te reo Māori, or undertake further study towards a range of careers including teaching, broadcasting, research and policy development. Having fluency of te reo Māori is a key factor that will set you apart from others competing in the same work space. All students are encouraged to speak their iwi dialect.
Classes are held at the Ōtaki campus Monday to Thursday 9am - 3pm.
Note: This course is taught in te reo Māori.
Course Structure
The Poutuarongo Reo Māori is a three-year bachelor's degree taught entirely in te reo Māori. Year One (Heke Reo Māori) involves daily classes on campus Monday to Thursday. Years Two and Three progress through advanced language, research, and revitalisation studies.
Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required. Successful completion of the Heke Reo qualification.
Year one
Course of Study
PREOA101 - Te Whata Nui O Te Kāinga I
This paper aims to support you to be able to know how to talk about domestic activities in a way that reflects Māori ways of thinking and doing things, as well as the tikanga that should accompany the language, such as that relating to whanaungatanga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PREOA102 - Te Whata Nui O Te Kāinga II
This paper expands on the learnings from PREOA101 Te Whata Nui o Te Kāinga I. Further advancing your vocab in talking about domestic activities in a way that reflects Māori ways of thinking and doing things, as well as the tikanga that should accompany the language, such as that relating to whanaungatanga.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PREOA103 - He Ora Kei Te Kupu
This paper will support your learning to know and practise Māori ways of conducting oneself when meeting and greeting people (whether they are close friends, or relations) at gatherings. And at such gatherings, to begin to converse and talk about their daily affairs.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA101 and PREOA102
PREOA104 - Kia Rangatira Te Kai
This paper aims to teach you how to carry out practices relating to the procurement of food from the natural world and its preparation. To know how to acknowledge appropriately those who provide food.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PREOA105 - E Kore Au E Ngaro
A foundation whakatupu mātauranga paper that aims to develop a theory on the origins and evolution of te reo Māori, and a view on the role of language revival planning for the survival of Māori.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA101 and PREOA102
PREOA106 - Whakatupuria Te Tātainga Whakaaro
This paper aims to increase your knowledge of how current issues may be discussed in a Māori way. This will include looking at how a subject is introduced and advanced, the expression of opinion and dialogue on an issue, how questions are posed and responded to, and how to amuse or influence the audience or reader.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA101 and PREOA102
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
PREOA201 - Kia Pakē Mai Tō Reo!
This paper encourages you to research the dialect of your home area, your whānau, hapū, and iwi, with a view to embodying the following words of the kaumātua, Mātenga Baker, “The particular brand of language that a person speaks tells you where they are from.”
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(Completion of Heke Reo Māori)
PREOA202 - Te Heke Mai Raro
The paper aims to build on the content of PREOA104 E Kore Au E Ngaro and broaden the whakatupu mātauranga skills for language revival and maintenance planning.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PREOA104
PREOA203 - Whitirere Ki Te Ao!
To gain a fuller appreciation of the type of language used in stories and legends written in former times – its creativeness, its fleshiness, its heartiness.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(Completion of Heke Reo Māori)
PREOA204 - Te Hau O Matariki
To gain a fuller appreciation of the language of the old Māori newpapers and journals – the fleshiness of Māori thought and the elegance of the written word in earlier times.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(Completion of Heke Reo Māori)
PREOA205 - Te Hōkioi
To gain a broader knowledge of Māori broadcasting language and practices that make broadcast material distinctively Māori. The role Māori broadcasting plays in Māori language revival is also examined.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREOA105 or equivalent)
PREOA206 - Te Tuawhiti
In this course students will study the structure of Te Reo Māori with a particular emphasis on the learning, identification and use of accurate grammar in simple and complex phrases and sentences. Additionally the student will learn to identify and correct inaccurate usage of Te Reo.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(HREO or equivalent)
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
Year Three
Course of Study
PREOA301 - Te Reo Kāmehameha
To develop students’ linquistic and cultural knowledge of old mōteatea and karakia, to examine the role of these in formal proceedings, and for students to be able to perform these on formal occasions.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREO Year 2)
PREOA302 - Te Reo Kahurangi
To broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of tribal sayings, proverbs, simile, metaphor, and other embellishing linguistic devices, and to understand the place of these in formal language settings.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREO Year 2)
PREOA303 - Te Heke Whirinui
To reflect and revise key aspects of language learning over the 3 years that will contribute to the survival and wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREOA202 or equivalent)
PREOA304 - Te Whītiki O Te Kī
To broaden students’ cultural and linguistic knowledge of karanga and whaikōrero, thereby deepening their appreciation of the essence of Māori thought.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREO Year 2)
PREOA305 - Te Whakarauora Reo
To research and record the possible contribution that their Poutuarongo Reo experience, research and writing can make to the long term survival and prosperity of their hapu.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREOA201 or equivalent)
PREOA306 - Te Reo O Manu Tioriori
Students will examine selected post 19th Century compositions that inform and inspire their own compositions.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREOA304 or equivalent)
PREOA307 - Te Reo Wetewete
Students will analyse selected pre 1900 language forms to extend their understanding and use of complex language forms.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
(PREO2)
Iwi and Hapū
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
How You'll Learn
Daily On-Campus Classes (Year 1) Year One classes are held Monday to Thursday, 9am–3pm, at the Ōtaki campus in a full immersion environment.
Residential Seminars (Noho) Years Two and Three include on-campus noho with immersive te reo learning alongside your cohort.
Iwi and Hapū Papers (Years 2 & 3) Two online papers per year connecting your reo learning to the language heritage of your iwi and hapū.
Self-Directed Study Independent research, language practice, and written assignments throughout the programme.
Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in online webinars and tutorials with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning.
Please contact your course administrator (Irenibelle Bernard: irenibelle.bernard@twor-otaki.ac.nz) for details.
Is This Course Right For You?
Fostering competency alongside a love and respect for te reo Māori is a key aspiration for Poutuarongo Reo Māori students at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. The first year of this degree (Heke Reo Māori) focuses on developing confidence in speaking, listening and understanding the language as well as introducing key Māori concepts and values. You will attend immersion classes Monday to Friday with a number of residential seminars (noho) throughout the year to provide context and depth to the learnings.
You will need to enrol and complete the first year of the Heke Reo Māori before enrolling in years two and three of the Poutuarongo Reo degree.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
You will also study two papers in Iwi and Hapū studies to compliment your learning each year, 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.
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
PReo
Credits
360
Duration
3 Years
NZQA Level
Level 7
Delivery
Residential seminars, self directed learning
Locations
Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki
Mode
Te Reo Māori (taught in te reo Māori)
Next Intake
16 Feb -25 Oct 2026
Tuition Fees
Year 1: See Heke Reo Māori fees
Year 2: $3,784.50 (approx.)
Year 3: $3,691.00 (approx.)
Years 2 & 3 Total: $7,475.50
"The best part of being a pūkenga for Heke Poutuarongo Reo is the whanaungatanga aspect. Being able to sit amongst kaumātua, pakeke right down to our rangatahi is something that I really love."
Tiakina Te Whenua Manga
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo
"Ko tētehi o ngā painga o te pūkenga ki te tohu Poutuarongo Reo ko te kite i ngā hua o te whakapau werawera a ngā tauira ka mutu ana te tohu. One of the best parts of working as a pūkenga for Poutuarongo Reo is seeing the fruits of the efforts that the tauira have once they leave the tohu. Seeing them outside of the tohu in reo Māori capacities is awesome."
Raiha Te Naera Cook
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo
“After dreaming about it for nine years, I finally enrolled in the Heke Reo Māori programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It was a whānau goal, reclaiming te reo Māori for her whānau, marae, and hapū. This was a gift to myself, because I am worth it. I am absolutely loving the experience.”
“I have had a great experience being a student of te reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. So much so, that I recommend it to everyone, whānau and friends.”
“I’m the mother of eight and I’m trying to bring te reo Māori back into our whakapapa. Learning about Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and the work they did to bring the reo back into their bloodlines really sat with me. It made me think about the future and bringing it back for my children.”
Ratahi Tamatea
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine
Graduate Heke Reo Māori
Weaving Tutor
"The best part of being a pūkenga for Heke Poutuarongo Reo is the whanaungatanga aspect. Being able to sit amongst kaumātua, pakeke right down to our rangatahi is something that I really love."
Tiakina Te Whenua Manga
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo
"Ko tētehi o ngā painga o te pūkenga ki te tohu Poutuarongo Reo ko te kite i ngā hua o te whakapau werawera a ngā tauira ka mutu ana te tohu. One of the best parts of working as a pūkenga for Poutuarongo Reo is seeing the fruits of the efforts that the tauira have once they leave the tohu. Seeing them outside of the tohu in reo Māori capacities is awesome."
Raiha Te Naera Cook
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia
Pūkenga, Heke Poutuarongo Reo
“After dreaming about it for nine years, I finally enrolled in the Heke Reo Māori programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It was a whānau goal, reclaiming te reo Māori for her whānau, marae, and hapū. This was a gift to myself, because I am worth it. I am absolutely loving the experience.”
Rachel Te Rau E Wha Petero
Ko Waikato te iwi
Graduate of Heke Reo Māori
Founder and CEO of Rise Global and Iwi Indigenous Women in Industry
Author
“I have had a great experience being a student of te reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. So much so, that I recommend it to everyone, whānau and friends.”
Tamara Solomon
Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa
Ākonga Poutuarongo Reo Māori
Part-time Kaikōkiri for Te Puna Reo o Ngāti Toa
“I’m the mother of eight and I’m trying to bring te reo Māori back into our whakapapa. Learning about Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and the work they did to bring the reo back into their bloodlines really sat with me. It made me think about the future and bringing it back for my children.”
Ratahi Tamatea
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine
Graduate Heke Reo Māori
Weaving Tutor
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1 (Heke Diploma)
Year 2
Year 3
Total (Years 2 & 3)
Tuition (Approx)
See Heke Reo Māori fees
$3,784.50 (approx.)
$3,691.00 (approx.)
$7,475.50
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
Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required. Successful completion of the Heke Reo qualification.
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:
Journalist
Kaiāwhina / Advisor
Māori Language Resource Developers
Researcher
Senior Māori Advisors and Language Policy Analysts
Te Reo Māori Editors and Content Writers
Teacher
Television and Radio Presenters
Tutor / Lecturer
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