He Tikanga Whakaaro

  • Level 4
  • Home-based learning
  • 12 months - full-time
  • No fees

This programme is full for 2024. Applications for 2025 are being waitlisted.

Your start date might be several months after you complete your enrolment.


Programme overview:

Tikanga has been evolving for thousands of years - refined and handed down through the generations. This programme passes on a broad range of Māori knowledge, allowing you to appreciate the depth and beauty of Māori beliefs and values to ensure tikanga practices are nurtured, maintained and embraced for generations to come.

You’ll enhance your understanding of tikanga Māori by completing research projects and other activities.

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

  • New Zealand Certificate in Tikanga (Mātauranga Māori) Level 4

You'll learn about:

  • marae protocols and practices
  • tangihanga (funerals)
  • respectful relationships
  • rongoā Māori (traditional remedies)
  • māra kai (gardening)
  • Māori Land Court or governance
  • te reo Māori

How you'll study

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits delivered over 12 months.

Throughout the programme you will be required to complete set activities each week from home. These activities will take approximately:

  • 23 hours of learning per week

All details regarding your learning are available within your kete which will be sent to you throughout the year.

Some of the learning activities will need to be completed online. You'll need to have access to an internet-connected device for this programme.


Entry criteria

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be a New Zealand citizen or resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands
  • reside in New Zealand
  • be a graduate of a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) OR
  • complete a numeracy and literacy assessment

Where will this take me

I want to keep studying

We offer a range of classroom-based tikanga programmes up to level 6. The subject options may vary depending on your location.

I want to use my qualification

You'll graduate with a NZQA approved qualification to show you have a good understanding of mātauranga Māori, which will enhance your career in roles that work with Māori, such as tourism, hospitality, retail and education.


Kōnae Ako (Learning Modules):

Tikanga Marae | 30 Credits

Demonstrate a broad understanding of marae governance structures and their role in maintaining marae. Explain pōwhiri in customary and contemporary contexts, in accordance with tikanga. Demonstrate a broad understanding of traditional and contemporary tangihanga and associated tikanga.

Mana Tangata | 30 Credits

Explore key attributes pertaining to mana wahine and mana tāne. Demonstrate an understanding of legislation that impacted on Māori. Demonstrate knowledge of whakapapa. 

Hauora | 30 Credits

Demonstrate knowledge of hauora. Demonstrate an understanding of māra kai. Explain environmental impacts of māra kai.

Rangatiratanga | 30 Credits

Demonstrate a broad understanding of Kīngitanga. Explore a range of governance structures. Demonstrate understanding of the Māori Land Court. Use basic te reo Māori in everyday situations.

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