Local demand for te reo Māori learning has seen Te Wānanga o Aotearoa re-introduce classes to Taumarunui this year.

The language classes – Te Ara Reo Māori for beginners - are also being complemented by a Māori arts programme, Toi Maruata.

Both courses, which are free of fees, get underway on 1 March, with 20 February being the deadline for enrolments.

“Our te reo Māori programme is at beginning level, so it’s a great environment to begin your reo journey,” says Zina Manu, TWoA’s Kaiwhakahaere Ako (manager educational delivery) for Taumarunui.

“We are looking for up to 50 tauira (students) who will have the option of classes on either Tuesday or Thursday nights.”

The kaiako (teacher) for the one-year programme will be Taumarunui-based Teinakore Harawira.

The Toi Maruata programme is an introduction to Māori Art.

“You do not have to know anything about art to start – you just need to have an interest in how to do art,” says Zina.

“All your resources will be provided for you too.”

The 18-week programme involves noho (marae stays) under the supervision of kaiako Tiffany Makoare,  who’s a relatively recent arrival in Taumarunui. 

There’s also general information available on our website or phone 0800 355 553.

Also, people wanting information and a chance to meet the kaiako can keep an eye out for a TWoA “pop-up store” that’s due to open in Taumarunui soon. The venue and times are still being finalised.