Skip Content
post_graduate

From next year, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will be offering its new Kaitiakitanga: Postgraduate Diploma in Bicultural Professional Supervision programme.

The one-year, Level 8 programme is for graduates from any field who want to become qualified supervisors and for people wanting to strengthen their professional practice.

The course is a part of the changes to programme provision that are occurring at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and is the result of a review of the current level 7 programme, where there was a clear indication that the programme should move to postgraduate.

Lead Hauora & Social Services Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata said the Postgraduate Diploma in Bicultural Professional Supervision replaces the existing graduate diploma in Professional Supervision (Biculturalism in Practice), Level 7.

She said there was a misconception that the qualification was only for graduates in the social work field.

“It’s for graduates from any field who want to become Kaitiaki or qualified supervisors. This could be social work, or teaching, or mātauranga Māori. It gives them supervisory skills and tools that they’re able to use within their specific fields. It’s quite an exciting space.”

The programme will be offered at Māngere, Mangakōtukutuku, Porirua, Whirikoka and Papaiōea. 

“My understanding is that it will be the first time that Whirikoka and Papaiōea have run postgraduate programmes at their sites,” said Wheturangi.

Wheturangi said the programme would produce kaitiaki with a clearer understanding of the way in which they work that is underpinned by a kaupapa Māori perspective.

“It is really an expansion of our uara and our takepū.”

“We have found as a result of our consultation that people are eager to clearly articulate kaitaikitanga in the context of their work but even more to consider the benefits that this qualification could have to their lives in their whānau and the activities they’re involved with in their communities.”

“The extensive consultation with our stakeholders tells us that there is real interest in this programme and one that is needed for our communities.”

There’s already considerable interest in the programme both from TWoA kaimahi and externally.

“It is an excellent qualification for kaimahi to consider their kaitiaki role in their lives and their mahi.”

“Kaimahi attended a conference recently in Tamaki, and as a result they already have 40 expressions of interest even though the programme hasn’t been approved.”

Wheturangi said the new programme would go-ahead pending approval from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. 

The initial feedback she’s had is promising, and a decision would be made very soon.

 Back to news & events

Published On:

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 24 April 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education since the opening of O-Tāwhao Marae. Join us for a special Taringa podcast episode and livestream on Facebook.

  • 22 April 2025

    From kaupapa to K-pop

    Discover the inspiring journey of Shelley Hoani, who earned her Doctorate in Indigenous Development and Advancement with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Learn how her passion for education, Rangahau, and K-pop has shaped her life and career at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

  • 09 April 2025

    Rangatahi carving their own way forward

    Discover how Tāmaki rangatahi are carving their way into a brighter future through the Mahi ā Toi Academy at Rutherford College. Learn how this programme blends traditional Māori art of whakairo with modern tools, fostering a strong connection to whakapapa and Māori culture.

  • 9 April 2025

    Finding strength and a future through social work

    Discover the inspiring journey of Tessa Thompson, a social work tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how the Manaaki Tāngata programme and dedicated kaiako helped her overcome challenges and pursue a career in social work. Explore her commitment to making a positive impact on her whānau and community in Kawerau, and her aspirations to mentor rangatahi.