Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts
Pictured - Juliet Grant (kaiako) and Niquita Samuel (tauira)
Many people assume the Certificate in Māori Performing Arts at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is solely about kapa haka.
However, over the past 16 years, under the guidance of kaiako Juliet Grant, the programme has grown into something much broader and more enriching.
“The programme has evolved over the years and adapted to meet market needs. A lot of people wanted to develop their public speaking skills. We’ve grown with the times, now teaching contemporary drama, movement, screen acting, and public speaking,” says Juliet.
Throughout her teaching career Juliet has seen countless tauira grow in confidence, with many going on to build successful careers or side ventures in acting, music, and other creative and performing arts.
Niquita Samuel is one of those tauira. While studying, she was already putting her learning into practice, using the skills gained from the programme to enhance her performance and build a presence in the arts industry.
“I'm studying performing arts to bring all my passions together – storytelling, creativity, and culture. It's how I express myself and connect with others. Through performing arts, we share our journeys and transform struggle into strength. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is the perfect place to grow, because they support us not just as tauira, but as people. I feel like I'm at home," says Niquita.
Niquita, who is an emerging fashion designer and founder of Niq Atelier, drew on the confidence and public speaking skills she gained through the programme to present her solo show, Revelations, at this year's Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa FW.
“I love to create shows that project and celebrate our culture, identity, and our beauty, and studying performing arts helped me do that. Ko wai au? Who am I? That’s the best thing I learnt from my studies. I was reminded of the queen I am and the confidence that I have.”
Niquita has studied a range of programmes at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, each chosen to support her aspiration for higher education and to create a secure future for her whānau.
Next year, she plans to study a Diploma in Small Business and Project Management to help grow her fashion brand and strengthen her entrepreneurial skills.
“Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has inspired me to keep learning and to strive for excellence. It’s a safe place for people to be themselves and find support and connection.”
Find out more about our Toi Māori (Arts) as well as Leadership & Management programmes.
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
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.
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.
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 – 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.