Certificate in Rongoā

Become a kaitiaki of our rongoā Māori and connect with the mātauranga (knowledge) of our tūpuna (ancestors) to address the wellness needs of today. 

Learn about the customs and protocols that surround rongoā as you develop an understanding of the Māori world view. Be part of the revival of traditional and contemporary rongoā practices in Aotearoa, and gain insight and learn to know, appreciate, and respect rongoā but not yet use it or advise others on how to use it - that will take further study.

When you pass this programme, you'll get this qualification:

• Te Pōkaitahi Tikanga (Rongoā) Kaupae 4 - New Zealand Certificate in Tikanga (Rongoā) Level 4

• tikanga (Māori customs and practices) and te reo associated with harvesting rongoā
• relationships between ngā atua Māori (Gods) and rongoā applying tikanga concepts and rongoā practice when working with poisonous plants
• integrating tikanga and applied rongoā practices
• demonstrating knowledge of caution and safety

• apply and integrate a broad range of tikanga concepts and practices, as an expression of mana ao tūroa
• use a broad range of reo structures and tikanga practice, to enhance mana reo
• apply theoretical knowledge of tikanga concepts to form and affirm relationships between people and the physical world, as an expression of mana whenua
• reflect on and evaluate own practice of tikanga, to identify and self-manage strengths and weaknesses, as an expression of mana tangata

This qualification is for people who wish to develop a broad range of tikanga within a specialist field, founded on a Māori world view.

Graduates of this qualification will have a broad range of knowledge and skills to support and participate in tikanga practice, under broad guidance.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to take responsibility for their own learning and performance, and will be able to apply knowledge fundamental to tikanga practice, within a chosen field of work, or study, and across the community in general.

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits delivered over 38 weeks. Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

• 1 x kura whakaaro - compulsory classes (3 hours per week)
• 8 x noho marae (23 hours per noho)
• 4 x 1-day wānanga (9 hours per wānanga)

In addition to these, you’ll be expected to complete learning activities designed to enhance your learning for:

• approximately 24 hours per week.

Tauira will need to engage in the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa digital platform I-Akoranga throughout the programme. Internet access and a digital device is needed to enhance the tauira learning experience.

In some locations this programme may be provided by an approved sub-contract arrangement. 

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

• be at least 16 years of age
• be a New Zealand citizen or resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands
• reside in New Zealand
• hold a New Zealand Certificate in Tikanga Level 3 or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills

You'll be ready to enrol on our Diploma in Tikanga (Rongoā) Level 5 programme. If you're interested in teaching, you can apply to study He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).

With your new skills you'll be able to help your whānau and communities, local and regional bodies and agencies seeking to broaden their knowledge base in rongoā Māori.

Mana Reo | 30 Credits

Use reo structures associated with rongoā to enhance mana reo. Demonstrate the use of reo and ngā tikanga associated with rongoā to enhance mana reo. Apply knowledge of tikanga and te reo to harvesting rongoā.

Mana Tangata | 30 Credits

Demonstrate understanding of the relationship and differences between rongoā and hauora as an expression of mana tangata. Demonstrate knowledge of rongoā practices as an expression of mana tangata. Rongoā practice and human anatomy are explored as an expression of mana tangata.

Mana Whenua | 30 Credits

Demonstrate knowledge of relationships between ngā atua Māori and rongoā as an expression of mana whenua. Reflect on the practice of tikanga when working with rongoā as an expression of mana whenua. Demonstrate understanding of rongoā practices. 

Mana Ao Tūroa | 30 Credits

Apply tikanga concepts and rongoā practices as an expression of mana ao tūroa. Apply tikanga concepts and rongoā practices when working with poisonous plants. Integrate tikanga and applied rongoā practices as an expression of mana ao tūroa. Demonstrate knowledge of caution and safety as an expression of mana ao tūroa.