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Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Bachelor of Social Work
If you love working with people and assisting whānau to make positive changes in their lives, turn your passion into a career in the social services sector.
This Tohu is currently under re-construction, with the intention to deliver a 3-year programme from 2027
This Tohu is currently under re-construction, with the intention to deliver a 3-year programme from 2027
What You'll Learn
Your journey will be steeped in mātauranga Maōri and whakawhanaungatanga as you explore and apply Māori models of practice to support whānau wellness. Be prepared to take an in-depth look into the concept of whānau and how it relates to this changing world. Acquire skills in kaupapa Māori research, community project development, social policy and legislation. During the third and fourth years of the degree you will undertake two 60-day placements within the health and social services sector, that will provide valuable opportunities to apply your learnings, in two different fields of practice.
As a Toiora Whānau practitioner you will be sought after for the skills gained in developing and implementing Māori models of practice, change strategies and evaluating the performance of such strategies and action plans. Completion of the degree will enable you to apply for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board and work as a registered social worker in Aotearoa.
If you want to improve the lives of whānau in an empowering, holistic way through a Māori world view, this qualification is for you.
To enrol in this qualification you must first complete the Heke Toiora Whānau which is a one year diploma and the first year towards this four year qualification.
Course Structure
The Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau is a bachelor's degree. Year One is completed through the Heke Toiora Whānau (Diploma in Social Work). Each year includes Te Reo Māori studies and two Iwi and Hapū papers. Years Three include two 60-day professional field placements.
Minimum age of 20 years, preference is given to mature applicants with life experience. Applicants under 20 years must have UE; or equivalent. Yearly police vetting.
Year one
Course of Study
PORA101 - Whakatupuranga Rua Mano
The aim of this course is to describe the ART Confederation and evaluate the success of "Whakatupuranga Rua Mano" as an experiment in tribal development.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
PORA102 - Te Whānau
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the different dynamics in relation to whānau.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA101 or equivalent
PORA103 - Ngā Matatini Māori Tuatahi
The aim of this course is to study the different experiences of their whānau that have led to their present circumstances and in order to then develop strategies for future well-being.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA102 or equivalent
PORA104 - Tikanga Tuku Iho
The aim of this course is to understand and apply key selected concepts of Te Āo Māori toward rōpū tuku iho maintenance.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA103 or equivalent
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
PORA201 - Māori Models of Practice
The aim of this course is to be introduced to Māori Models of Practice (service delivery) and to begin to develop their own models of practice for application to whānau, hapū and iwi.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PTWA201 or equivalent
PORA202 - Ngā Matatini Māori Tuarua
This noho is an extension of Ngā Matatini Māori Tuatahi by identifying an issue relevant to their hapū or iwi and developing a strategy for change.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA202 or equivalent
PORA203 - Ngā Hapori Māori
Students will examine organisations that provide social services to rōpū tuku iho within their community. They will further explore how tools of analysis are applied to an action plan for the wellbeing of rōpū tuku iho.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA203 or equivalent
PORA204 - Theory of Survival of Whānau and Hapū
The aim of this course is to introduce and compare theories of survival for whānau and hapū.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PTW Year 1
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
PORA301 - Tikanga & Kawa: Selected Issues
The aim of this course is to develop strategies and skills of working with whānau, hapū and iwi in a safe way, underpinned by kaupapa tuku iho
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PTW Year Two
PORA302 - Te Paepae Toiora Tuatahi
The aim of this course is to apply kaupapa tuku iho practice toward the survival of rōpū tuku iho within marae or other organisation.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Iwi & Hapū courses years 1 and 2
PORA303 - Mahi Rangahau
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of rangahau and the importance of this in the development of rōpū tuku iho.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
PORA301 or equivalent
PORA304 - Project Management
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of quality project management utilising Māori processes.
Credits:
15
Pre-requisite:
Nil
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
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
How You'll Learn
Residential Seminars (Noho) Attend on-campus noho at Te Wānanga o Raukawa (Ōtaki) for intensive learning with your cohort.
Weekly Online Tutorials via Mūrau Complete weekly tutorials and activities online, including te reo and iwi/hapū studies from the first week of the year.
Field Placements (Years 3 & 4) Two 60-day supervised placements in health and social services sectors — gaining real professional experience with whānau and communities.
Iwi and Hapū Papers Two online papers per year connecting your social work learning to the specific needs and knowledge of your own iwi and hapū.
Online Seminars (Noho) Engage in online webinars and tutorials with opportunities for discussion and wananga learning.
Please contact your course administrator (Amokura Carkeek: amokura.carkeek@twor-otaki.ac.nz) for details.
Is This Course Right For You?
Toiora Whānau is a degree accredited by the Social Workers Registration Board and provides a uniquely Māori perspective on whānau wellness. Gain the skills and knowledge required to work effectively with Māori to improve the social wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi. Drawing on kaupapa tuku iho (inherited values) you will be able to plan and implement measures that contribute to the wellbeing of Māori, their communities, and therefore the nation.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū Studies
Iwi, hapū and te reo Māori studies are an integral part of each year of study and contribute to the knowledge you will gain. 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 each year, but will further enhance your Toiora Whānau journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the social services space. Yes, it can be scary, but you will not be taking the journey alone nor do you 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, as students 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 online in the first week of the academic year, so you can begin your studies before your first Toiora Whānau noho. You will also get the opportunity to meet your reo and iwi and hapū pūkenga during your first noho on campus.
Course Code
PTW
Credits
480
Duration
3 Years
NZQA Level
Level 7
Delivery
Residential seminars, self-directed learning, and online delivery
Locations
Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki and Manukau
Mode
Bilingual (Māori/English)
Next Intake
16-Feb-26
Tuition Fees
Year 1: See Heke Toiora Whānau fees
Year 2: $3,308.73 (approx.)
Year 3: $3,046.38 (approx.)
Year 4: $2,900.13 (approx.)
Years 2–4 Total: $9,255.24
"My degree has given me the tools to understand policies, procedures, and the deeper meaning behind whānau ora. I am proud of how far I've come and how much I've grown. I bring what I have learnt into my everyday life, in my home, with whānau, and in my work. I live and breathe Te Whare Tapa Whā. Te Wānanga o Raukawa nurtured me like a seed, kia poipoia te kākano.”
"My commitment is to help future practitioners grow their confidence, cultural competence, and ability to walk alongside whānau in ways that uphold dignity, empower self‑determination, and contribute to long‑term wellbeing of our whanau, hapu, iwi and wider communities."
Te Riria Ruta Amiria Te Rangiahunga Paki
Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kauwhata Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Apa-hāpai-taketake
Pūkenga, Toiora Whānau
"This mahi of Toi Ora Whānau is essentially healing. Whether it be a hinengaro, a wairua, a tinana nei, it’s me following the path of my whakapapa and what’s in my toto and what my tūpuna did".
Kayde Titapu Warahi
Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Kaihautū o Rangtahi Ora
"This tohu is a first step towards my aspirations as a practitioner. I hope to one day open up my own organisation. One that is mā Māori, mō Māori, mō te katoa. Whānau focused, whānau centered. That ultimately leads to whānau liberation."
Mike Kemp
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāi Hinerangi, Ngāi Hako
"My degree has given me the tools to understand policies, procedures, and the deeper meaning behind whānau ora. I am proud of how far I've come and how much I've grown. I bring what I have learnt into my everyday life, in my home, with whānau, and in my work. I live and breathe Te Whare Tapa Whā. Te Wānanga o Raukawa nurtured me like a seed, kia poipoia te kākano.”
Kiriona Mahia Hapeta
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Maiotaki
Graduate of Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
"My commitment is to help future practitioners grow their confidence, cultural competence, and ability to walk alongside whānau in ways that uphold dignity, empower self‑determination, and contribute to long‑term wellbeing of our whanau, hapu, iwi and wider communities."
Te Riria Ruta Amiria Te Rangiahunga Paki
Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kauwhata Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Apa-hāpai-taketake
Pūkenga, Toiora Whānau
"This mahi of Toi Ora Whānau is essentially healing. Whether it be a hinengaro, a wairua, a tinana nei, it’s me following the path of my whakapapa and what’s in my toto and what my tūpuna did".
Kayde Titapu Warahi
Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Kaihautū o Rangtahi Ora
"This tohu is a first step towards my aspirations as a practitioner. I hope to one day open up my own organisation. One that is mā Māori, mō Māori, mō te katoa. Whānau focused, whānau centered. That ultimately leads to whānau liberation."
Mike Kemp
Ākonga, Poutuarongo Toiora Whānau
Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāi Hinerangi, Ngāi Hako
Fees & Funding
Year
Year 1 (Heke Diploma)
Year 2
Year 3
Total (Years 2–3)
Tuition (Approx)
See Heke Toiora Whānau fees
$3,308.73 (approx.)
$3,046.38 (approx.)
$9,255.24
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 20 years, preference is given to mature applicants with life experience. Applicants under 20 years must have UE; or equivalent. Yearly police vetting.
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:
Care and Protection & Youth Justice
Corrections
Health, mental health and disability support
Iwi Social Services
Māori health providers
Rangatahi/Youth support
Social Work in Schools
Whānau Ora
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