He Korowai Ākonga

Primary school teaching is a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the lives of our tamariki. He Korowai Ākonga is a teacher education degree that prepares you for work as a kaiako in primary, or intermediate schools.

This unique qualification embraces Māori philosophies, principles and mātauranga Māori (knowledge), empowering you to become a culturally responsive and reflective practitioner who is able to work with a diverse range of learners.

Our holistic approach gives you the theoretical knowledge of teaching and learning, as well as incorporating opportunities to gain practical teaching experience. You’ll learn how to plan lessons aligned to the New Zealand curriculum, assess and evaluate learning, and embed concepts from te ao Māori (the Māori world) into your practice.

As a graduate of He Korowai Ākonga you can apply for teacher registration with the New Zealand Education Council and start your career in primary teaching.

When you complete this degree, you'll get this qualification:

• Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Level 7

• a holistic view of education in Aotearoa New Zealand
• how to embed mātauranga Māori within primary education
• subject knowledge required for teaching in the primary sector

This is a full-time programme that consists of 360 credits (120 credits per year). Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

Year 1*

Semester A:

• weekly classes (Monday-Thursday) 13-14 hours per week
• 1 noho (2-night stay)
• practice-based learning (2 weeks full-time)

Semester B:

• weekly classes (Monday-Thursday) 13-14 hours per week
• 1 noho (2-night stay)
• 2 x 1-day wānanga
• practice-based learning (3 weeks full-time)

Activity directed learning will also need to be completed outside of class time. This will amount to approximately:

• 21-22 hours per week

*Year 2 and 3 commitment requirements will be discussed towards the completion of each 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.

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

• be at least 18 years of age 
• be a New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident
• reside in New Zealand
• consent to a police vetting process 
• have University Entrance or required NCEA credits (if under the age of 20)
• have a Level 4 qualification of at least 120 credits (if over 20 years old)
• meet the required literacy, and numeracy skills 
• meet the English proficiency requirements (if applicable)

I want to keep studying

You might be eligible to enrol in our master's degree He Waka Hiringa - Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge Level 9.

I want to use my qualification

This qualification prepares you for teaching in primary or intermediate schools. You can also pursue a diverse range of careers in the education, social services and public sectors.

The 2023 fees for this degree are:  

Year 1: $4,640 
Year 2: $4,404 
Year 3: $4,371 

GST Inclusive  

Are you eligible for fees-free study?

First-time tertiary students studying fee paying programmes may be able to study fee free in their first year. To find out whether you are eligible for fees-free study for our fee paying programmes visit: feesfree.govt.nz.

Pending NZQA approval and accreditation.

Year 1

Kaupapa Wānanga & Kaupapa Rangahau | 15 Credits

In this kōnae ako (learning module), tauira (students) explore ‘Ko wai au? - Who am I? Where do I come from? How has this influenced my decision to enter the teaching profession? The Kaupapa Wānanga model provides a learning framework that is informed by takepū, through the application of this framework, tauira will begin to develop a critical awareness of rangahau obligations and responsibilities relevant to teaching. 

Literacy & Numeracy 1 | 15 Credits

Provides an introduction to literacy and numeracy in the New Zealand Curriculum. It adopts a principle-based approach, developing curriculum knowledge and ako approaches in literacy and numeracy. 

Ako Wānanga 1: Introduction to Education | 15 Credits

Students begin to develop their teaching philosophy by exploring their values, attitudes and beliefs about education, children, whānau and community. They will consider what it means to be a teacher in Aotearoa-New Zealand. 

Ako Wānanga 2: Mechanics of Teaching | 15 Credits

Teaching is a joyful, nurturing and complex activity. This kōnae ako builds a beginner’s tool kit essential for learning. The fundamental concepts of marau (curriculum), ako, whanaungatanga, aro and te hiringa are introduced. 

Ako Wānanga 3: Living, Learning, Teaching | 15 Credits

Ako Wānanga 3 (Living Learning Teaching) introduces the theory and practice of Living Learning Teaching as part of Ako Wānanga to create and maintain positive and successful learning environments. Students will explore the role of thought in creating beliefs, assumptions and expectations and how this affects the relationship of living learning teaching. 

Te Mahi Whakatau 1: Practice-based Learning: Primary: | 15 Credits

The overall aim of practice-based learning in Year 1 is for tauira to understand their kaitiaki role. Tauira will become familiar with the classroom and school context and their role as a classroom teacher.  

Kaupapa Ako: Āhurutanga (Social Sciences & Learning Languages) | 15 Credits

Through a principle-based approach, this kōnae ako develops curriculum knowledge and teaching approaches in social sciences and learning languages. Opportunity is provided for students to develop student-centred, culturally relevant and contextual learning experiences in primary teaching. 

Puna Reo – Te Reo me Te Ao Māori | 15 Credits

Reflect, identify and share experience and knowledge of Māori language and the ancient Māori knowledge of Te Kauae Raro, Te Kauae Runga. Development of te reo Māori relevant to communicating in learning environments.