Maunga Kura Toi - Bachelor of Māori Art - Carving

The art of the carver was and still is something to be revered and sought after.

Our degree, Maunga Kura Toi, was designed to keep the traditional skills relating to Māori arts alive and available to those who seek to become a kaitiaki of the ancient Māori art of whakairo.

Each kōnae ako (module) focuses on enhancing your skills and knowledge in the design and creative processes, creative expression, art techniques, and project management. As well as completing different whakairo projects you’ll use research and analysis, self-reflection and journaling to explore and understand your creative practice.

Te reo Māori and tikanga are woven into the kōnae ako enabling you to extend your knowledge and understanding, and how they apply to the art of whakairo.

Imagine the satisfaction you'll feel standing next to tekoteko or poupou you've carved. Follow in the footsteps of your tūpuna, and learn how whakairo can enrich your life and the life of your whānau. Become a kaitiaki of the art of whakairo.

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

• Maunga Kura Toi - Bachelor of Māori Art Level 7 (Whakairo)

• the principles of whakairo design 
• maintaining your carving tools 
• articulating the meaning of your work 
• explaining your creative processes research, writing and presentation skills along with academic conventions 
• reflective practice, how to analyse, critique and synthesise.

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits per year, for 3 years. Some of our locations offer different delivery modes. These will be confirmed by your local campus and might include:

Year 1*

Option 1 (Face-to-face delivery)

• kura whakaako - compulsory tutorials (10 hours per week)
• 1-day wānanga (10 hours)
• 1 x noho marae (25 hours per noho)

You'll also need to complete learning activities designed to enhance your learning for:

• approximately 22 hours per week.

Option 2 (Noho delivery)

• 1 x kura whakaako - compulsory tutorials (4 hours per week)
• 1 x 1-day wānanga (10 hours)
• 10 x noho marae (25 hours per noho)

You'll also need to complete learning activities designed to enhance your learning for:

• approximately 22 hours per week.

As some of the learning activities will need to be completed online, you'll need to have access to an internet connected device.

*Year 2 and 3 commitment requirements will be discussed towards the completion of each year.

To be eligible for entry into the first year of this degree, potential students 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
• attend an interview
• provide evidence of your readiness to study at a degree level. This might be through:
  • Kāwai Raupapa - Certificate in Māori Visual Arts Level 4
  • NCEA Level 2
  • a level 4 arts qualification of 120 credits
  • a creative portfolio and CV detailing experience.
  • graduates of Toi Paematua: Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art (Level 5) can pathway directly into year two of the degree.

Not sure if you're ready to study for a degree?

Our Study & Employment Skills programme will help you develop the skills you need for success in advanced study.

I want to keep studying

You might be eligible to apply to enrol in our master's programme, He Waka Hiringa - Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge or other graduate and postgraduate programmes.

I want to use my qualification

You'll be well equipped to be a practising carver or to work in:

• gallery and exhibition work - exhibition design, curatorial work, front of house
• teaching and arts facilitation
• community-based practitioner - work with whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori.

This programme is not on offer in 2026.

Fees Free

Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.

When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.