Learn to speak Māori

If you want to learn some basic Māori language, this is the perfect place to start. Whether you want to use te reo Māori at home with the kids or in the workplace, this interactive programme will have you speaking with confidence in no time.

You’ll start with how to correctly pronounce Māori words, names and place names. We’ll teach you basic greetings and how to introduce yourself, as well as how to understand and follow tikanga (protocols). Our kaiako are experienced with teaching beginners, and you’ll be with other tauira (students) who have the same aspirations to learn our indigenous language.

Te Ara Reo Māori has become a part of the educational landscape of Aotearoa. Past graduates have been newsreaders, public figures, teachers, school principals and business people - many who have advanced to higher levels of study in te reo Māori.

When you pass this programme, you'll get these qualifications:

• New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Reo Rua) Level 1 - Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) Te Kaupae 1
• New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Reo Rua) Level 2 - Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) Te Kaupae 2

• pronouncing Māori words, names and place names
• using basic greetings and introducing yourself
• understanding and following tikanga (protocols)
• performing waiata (songs)
• using Māori words with confidence
• understanding basic sentence structures

This is a full-time programme that consists of 120 credits delivered over 38 weeks. Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

• 1 x 3-hour class per week
• 2 x noho marae (26 hours each)
• 4 x 1-day wānanga (8 hours each)

Your kaiako will confirm the dates and venues for your noho marae/1-day wānanga.

You’ll be expected to complete activities outside of class time via our Akorau learning platform for approximately:

• 28 hours per week

You'll need to have access to an internet-connected device for this programme.

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must be:

• 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
• have little or no knowledge of te reo Māori
• attend an information session with a kaiako

Download factsheet

Take this to the next level with Te Ara Reo Māori Level 4, or dive into total immersion with Te Pūtaketanga o te Reo.

Your reo Māori skills will be useful in everyday life in Aotearoa. They'll also be great if you work in education, Māori organisations, media or anywhere you deal with the public.