Toi Ataata - Visual Arts

Start learning visual arts at an introductory level. Grow your confidence in art making through the completion of practical projects and exploring the techniques, history and tikanga associated with ngā toi (the arts).

Depending on your region, you'll learn about working with paint, print, digital, clay, film or other materials.

When you pass this programme, you'll get this qualification:

• New Zealand Certificate in Ngā Toi Level 4 (Toi Ataata)

• Māori patterns and designs
• time and project management
• drawing and design
• technical skills and art techniques
• other toi practitioners
• rangahau (research)
• history, tikanga and cultural practices relating to toi

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits delivered over 38 weeks. Some of our locations offer different delivery modes. These will be confirmed by your local campus and might include:

Option 1 (Face to face delivery)

• kura whakaako - compulsory tutorials (10 hours per week)
• 9 x 1-day wānanga (10 hours per wānanga)

You'll need to also complete learning activities designed to enhance your learning for approximately:

• 21 hours per week

Option 2 (Noho delivery)

• 10 x noho marae (25 hours per noho)
• kura whakaako - compulsory tutorials (5 hours per week)
• 2 x 1-day wānanga (10 hours per wānanga)

Activity directed learning will also need to be completed outside of class time, amounting to approximately:

• 21 hours per week

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 16 years of age 
• be a New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident
• reside in New Zealand
• attend an interview and selection process to demonstrate suitability to the programme

Download factsheet

I want to keep studying

You'll be able to apply for our Level 5 programme, Toi Paematua - Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art (Toi Ataata).

I want to use my qualification

Use your artistic skills to contribute to your marae and community.

The 2022 fee for this certificate is:

$549 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 visit: feesfree.govt.nz.