Te Whānautanga o te Ao Tikanga

Enhance your ability to critically analyse and apply tikanga in a wide range of contexts and applications to positively benefit you personally and professionally.

Take your understanding of tikanga further with our highest level of fee-free study - the NZ Diploma in Tikanga Level 6. You’ll learn how to apply your knowledge of Māori customs and practices in numerous situations and environments, helping you to  strengthen your confidence and capabilities in tikanga.

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

• Te Pōkairua Tikanga (Mātauranga Māori) Kaupae 6 - New Zealand Diploma in Tikanga (Mātauranga Māori) Level 6

• the ability to critically analyse and apply tikanga in a wide range of contexts and applications
• an operational ability to manage and apply tikanga in leading change, mentoring potential leaders and formulating strategic plans
• comprehensive knowledge of tikanga protocols and cultural practices that anticipate change and inform decision-making for the future.

• critically analyse cultural concepts associated within tikanga practice to investigate strategies that addresses risks and supports the exploration of opportunities for mātauranga Māori
• manage and lead the development of reo strategies to enhance and advance tikanga practice and concepts as an expression of mana reo
• analyse and generate solutions to problems pertaining to the practice of tikanga in familiar and unfamiliar environmental settings, as an expression of mana whenua
• apply Māori leadership attributes and principles to lead the development of strategies that supports participation in the protection and preservation of tikanga, as an expression of mana tangata

This qualification is for people who wish to develop extensive knowledge of tikanga within a specialist field, founded on a Māori world view.

Graduates of this qualification will have comprehensive knowledge and skills to manage and lead tikanga practice within dynamic contexts. Graduates of this qualification will be able to self-manage and make decisions for their own learning and performance. They will be able to apply knowledge fundamental to tikanga practice, within a chosen field of work, or study, and across the community in general.

This is a fulltime programme that consists of 120 credits delivered over 40 weeks. You will be required to attend 232 hours (an average of 6 hours per week) that may be made up of: 

• noho – usually Friday to Sunday
• 1-day wānanga 
• kura whakaako (tutorial)

You’ll also need to participate in learning activities designed to enhance your learning for approximately:

• 27 hours per week (on average)

Dates of your delivery schedule will be confirmed at enrolment. Some of the learning activities will need to be completed online. You will 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 resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands)
• reside in New Zealand
• have a Level 5 qualification in tikanga, or relevant experience
• attend an information hui with a kaiako

Apply to enrol on our master's degree He Waka Hiringa - Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge Level 9. If you're interested in teaching, you can apply to study He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).

Expert knowledge of tikanga will help positively influence your home, marae, community, workplace, and abroad.

Mana Tangata | 30 Credits

Select standard and non-standard processes to develop a range of Māori leadership attributes and principles that applies to tikanga as an expression of mana tangata. 

Mana Whenua | 30 Credits

Apply practical and theoretical knowledge of tikanga concepts and practices in some familiar and unfamiliar environmental settings as an expression of mana whenua.

Mana Reo | 30 Credits

Articulate te reo to communicate tikanga practice and concepts to advance mana reo.

Mana Ao Tūroa | 30 Credits

Research, apply and evaluate cultural concepts that foster the development of existing and emerging mātauranga to advance mana ao tūroa.