Responding to the growing demand from Māori and New Zealanders living overseas, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has launched a new international online reo Māori course, iReo, in 2026.

The international rollout has begun in Australia, reflecting the significant Māori population living there, with plans to expand to the United Kingdom in 2027.

The short fee-paying courses represent a new digital chapter for reo Māori learning beyond Aotearoa, designed for today’s globally mobile whānau and modern lifestyles.

iReo is a flexible, self-directed, online short course made up of 5 standalone modules, each running over 6 weeks. Learners can study at their own pace, weaving te reo Māori into everyday life alongside work, whānau, and other commitments.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa CEO Evie O’Brien says the course reflects both experience and evolution.

“We have delivered reo Māori courses offshore before, and those experiences taught us a great deal,” says O’Brien.

“What’s different now is the technology, the scale, and the needs of our people. Many Māori and New Zealanders living overseas want meaningful, flexible ways to stay connected to te reo Māori, to their identity, and to home. iReo has been designed with that reality in mind.”

General Manager Ariana Paora says iReo signals the future direction of the organisation.

“For over 40 years we’ve been dedicated to the revitalisation of our reo and culture for thousands of people living in Aotearoa. iReo is about taking those lessons forward and designing something fit for whānau living abroad, who are yearning to connect back home,” says Paora.

“This is not about exporting a course, it’s about reconnecting people to language, culture, and belonging, wherever they are in the world.”

Registrations are open, with the first 3 iReo courses available now. Find out more or register at www.tearawai.twoa.ac.nz/w/au

Note for media:  
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a respected, uniquely Māori tertiary education provider, delivering a wide range of programmes to tauira throughout Aotearoa. For 40 years, it has been dedicated to promoting and preserving te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori, supporting learners and communities across the motu.