Wānanga enrolment numbers on the rise

Wānanga enrolment numbers on the rise

Tauira (students) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have embraced the opportunity to focus on personal and professional growth during the uncertain times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nation-wide tertiary provider has experienced an increase in enrolments since COVID-19 hit in 2020 and a complete turnaround of the 2022 experience; which is a testament to the resilience and determination of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira.

"Everything we do focuses on contributing to greater success for our tauira. We are thrilled to see our enrolment numbers on the rise, and we are tracking well to meet our 2023 enrolment targets,” says Nepia Winiata, Kaiwhakatere/CEO of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

"Not only have we got more tauira enrolled, but classes also filled weeks earlier than in previous years,” says Nepia.

One key factor contributing to the continued rise in enrolment numbers is the early opening of enrolments for Semester B. By opening enrolments earlier than ever, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is making it easier for students to take that first step towards whānau transformation through education.

In addition, the recent celebrations of graduations across the motu (country) inspire and motivate prospective students to join the whānau at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and create their own success stories.

Seeing thousands of tauira walk across the stage, proud and accomplished, is a testament to the empowering education and support that Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provides.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa offers a wide range of programmes and courses that cater to the diverse needs of its tauira.

From te reo Māori and indigenous knowledge, to business and social services, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive and achieve their goals.

Enrolments for Semester B are open, so now is the perfect time to invest in yourself and your whānau, and embark on a journey of success.

Learn more about our programmes and to apply now.

Story by: Cassia Ngaruhe
News
Celebration
Leadership and governance news
Share Share
Feedback

Pūrongo whakahirahira

Featured stories

Manaaki Tangata - Craig Kara

From closed doors to open pathways

After the closure of Grace Foundation Whanganui, Craig Kara used his Manaaki Tāngata studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to create Te Ara Kimihia, a kaupapa supporting tāne toward positive futures. His journey of healing, leadership, and transformation now inspires others to find their own pathway forward.

Olly Jonas and Neville King

Governance grounded in te ao Māori for future generations

Discover how Māori governance grounded in te ao Māori is shaping future generations. Learn about Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau, a unique programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that empowers whānau with tikanga-based leadership and decision-making skills.

Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart,

Companion of Te Apārangi, Champion of Te Reo Māori

Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart, has been inducted as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover her inspiring journey of music, haka, and te reo Māori, and how her lifelong dedication to Māori culture shaped generations.

Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako

Keil Caskey – former tauira, now kaiako

Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa shows the transformative power of toi Māori education. Discover how his passion for taonga pūoro and commitment to whānau and whakapapa inspired him to teach and give back to his community.

Juliet Grant (Kaiako) and Niquita Samuel (Tauira)

Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts

Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Certificate in Māori Performing Arts goes beyond kapa haka, empowering tauira with skills in drama, screen acting, and public speaking. Hear how graduates like Niquita Samuel are building confidence, careers, and cultural pride.

Lizzie Dunn - Making connections between media and Māoritanga

Making connections between media and Māoritanga

Lizzie Dunn created Te Arawhata to help people reconnect with te ao Māori through media, resources, and kōrero. Discover how her reo journey and passion for sharing knowledge are inspiring thousands to embrace Māoritanga and strengthen cultural connections.

Alex Maddox, Kaiwhakarite at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

He Māmā, He Rangahau, He Moemoeā

Alex Maddox is turning her lived experience as a māmā into a powerful Rangahau kaupapa through He Waka Hiringa at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her vision aims to amplify whānau voices in research and policy for tamariki with vision impairments.

Dr Tara McAllister of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Royal Society Fellowship for Kairangahau Matua

Dr Tara McAllister of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been awarded the prestigious Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship from Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover how her research will transform Indigenous science, strengthen mātauranga Māori, and advance equity in Aotearoa’s research sector.

Tauira to kaiako - Desiree Moat-Rangikataua

Toi tauira to kaiako series – Desiree Moat-Rangikataua

Heretaunga toi kaiako Desiree Moat-Rangikataua shares her inspiring journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how raranga, te reo Māori, and a reconnection to culture shaped her path and why she encourages others to embrace growth and teaching.

Yumi’s muka kākahu - Rotorua library

Raranga weaves culture and people together

Yumi’s muka kākahu beautifully blends Māori and Japanese culture through raranga. Discover her inspiring journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, from Kāwai Raupapa to Maunga Kura Toi, and how weaving has connected her to people, tikanga, and identity.

From the bush to a PHD Fabians journey of faith family and learning

From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning

Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.

Tauira and kaiako at the opening of their exhibition, Saturday 18 October 2025.

Mahi toi exhibitions 2025

From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.

1 / 12