Tirohanga whānui
Build strength and skill with Mau Rākau
Take your stance in Mau Rākau and learn the techniques, values, and protocols of Mau Rākau. You’ll learn about Māori weaponry and the sport, games, and training exercises of the toa.
You’ll develop your understanding of:
Maori weaponry
Stances
Positions
Strikes
Blocks
Counters and engagement
Expressive elements
You’ll also explore whakapapa, pepeha, and karakia that ground your practice in tikanga. Along the way you’ll build fitness, coordination, and confidence while helping to preserve the rich culture and art of the warrior.
He aha tāu ka whiwhi?
Skills you will leave with
Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:
Apply creative and physical techniques used in Mau Rākau
Explore and compare approaches to strengthen your own practice
Complete guided projects and performances based on briefs
Mā te mahi ka ako
Learn by doing
You will get to:
Practice basic strikes, stances, footwork and body movements
Take part in games and training exercises of the toa
Explore whakapapa and pepeha
Learn and use karakia connected to Māori martial arts
Train in environments that focus on safety and respect
Ngā ara e wātea ana
Where will this take me?
On completion, you'll have the skills to:
Keep studying
Advance your knowledge and skills in Mau Rākau with the next level, Toi Paematua: Diploma of Māori and Indigenous Art Level 5.
Use at work
Graduates may assist with community training, cultural education, kapa haka support, or apply discipline and teamwork skills in a range of roles.
Community involvement
Help preserve and revitalise Mau Rākau practices within whānau, hapū, or iwi through teaching and kaupapa Māori events.
He meka
Quick facts
- Level 4 (Intermediate)
- 120 Credits
- 38 Weeks
- NZ Certificate in Ngā Toi Level 4
- No fees
- NZQA Accredited
Paearu whakauru
Entry criteria
You can enrol if you:
Are 16 years or older
Are a NZ citizen or resident (includes Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) or Australian citizen/permanent resident
Currently reside in New Zealand
Attend an interview and selection process to demonstrate suitability for the programme
Te wā
Time commitment
This programme is:
Full-time
120 credits
38 weeks long (includes holiday breaks)
Noho-based, with physical training, tutorials, and workshops
Kōnae ako
Learning modules
Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?
Where and when can I learn?
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
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