poutāhū ahunga tikanga
postgraduate diploma in māori laws and philosophy
This course of study provides ample opportunity to reflect on the origins and the practice of tikanga, and encourages you to champion tikanga within your own whānau, hapū and iwi.
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.
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.
Curriculum
Marautanga
Year One
Code:
PtAT
Credits:
120
Duration:
1 year
Level:
NZQA Level 8
Delivery:
Residential seminars, self directed learning and online delivery
Location:
Mode:
Bilingual (Māori/English)
Next Intake:
16 Feb - 25 Oct 2026
Tuition Fees:
$4,001.60 (approximately)
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. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required.
After Graduation
Ka puta te ihu
- Senior Advisor / Advocate for Indigenous Rights Issues
- Researcher and Presenter of Waitangi Tribunal Claims
- Senior Policy Advisor / Analyst
- Senior Tikanga / Cultural Advisor
why te wānanga o raukawa
Distinctively Māori
Te Wānanga o Raukawa is a unique centre for higher learning and development, dedicated to the dissemination of Māori knowledge.
Higher Level Māori Learning
With a strong wish to see Māori achieving at the highest levels of education, Te Wānanga o Raukawa has positioned itself to cater specifically to higher level undergraduate, graduate and post graduate Māori students.
Pioneering Māori Education
Te Wānanga o Raukawa was established in 1981 as the first contemporary wānanga of Aotearoa, pioneering the application of kaupapa, tikanga, kawa to the advancement of Māori within a contemporary education context.
