Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_Te Reo Māori_Papa Reo Kete

Papa Reo

Māori language for beginners

Level 1
Study at home
No fees
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_Te Reo Māori_Papa Reo Kete

Tirohanga whānui

Programme overview

This beginner-level programme is ideal for learners with little or no te reo Māori. You’ll learn how to:

  • Use basic greetings and everyday phrases

  • Introduce yourself with confidence

  • Talk about your whānau and home

  • Have simple conversations

Study at your own pace with no set class times. Learning resources will be sent to you, and a dedicated kaitiaki will guide your progress along the way. Build your confidence step by step and begin using te reo Māori in everyday life.

Nau mai, haere mai.

He aha tāu ka whiwhi?

Skills you'll leave with

Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:

  • Use basic te reo Māori vocabulary and grammar

  • Talk about yourself and your connection to the land

  • Apply reo in everyday situations

  • Build respect and understanding of te reo Māori

Mā te mahi ka ako

Learn by doing

You will get to practice:

  • Every day reo Māori greetings and farewells

  • Pronounciation of Māori words

  • Basic instructions around the home

  • Teaching a new phrase to someone in your whānau

  • Time, dates, days of the week and seasons

Ngā ara e wātea ana

Pathways

By the end, you'll be able to:

Keep studying
Step up to Te Ara Reo Māori Level 2 or our introduction to Māori tikanga (practices) programme.

Use at work
A foundation in te reo Māori adds value to roles across the public and private sectors, helping you connect with people and communities.

Community involvement
Use your new skills at home, at work, and in everyday life to support whānau and hapū, and help keep the language alive.

He meka

Quick facts

  • Level 1 (Introductory)
  • 60 Credits
  • 52 Weeks
  • Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) (Te Kaupae 1)
  • No fees
  • NZQA Accredited
  • Home-based learning

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 

Te wā

Time commitment

This programme is:  

  • Part-time 

  • 60 credits 

  • 52 weeks long

  • Home-based learning

Kōnae ako

Learning modules

Our study at home programmes have different start dates in each region, depending on current demand. Programmes fill quickly and your start date might be several months after you complete your enrolment. Once we receive your enrolment, we’ll send you a letter confirming your start date. Please make sure you have provided everything for a complete enrolment.

Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?

Where and when can I learn?

Home-based learning

Kaupapa anamata

Upcoming events

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He Puāwaitanga Whirikoka 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Gisborne

Gisborne War Memorial Theatre - 159 Bright Street, Gisborne
Free
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He Puāwaitanga Ōpōtiki 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Ōpōtiki

Ōpōtiki De Luxe Theatre - 127 Church Street, Ōpōtiki
Free
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He Puāwaitanga Waihōpai 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Invercargill

Southern Institute of Technology - 133 Tay Street, Invercargill 9810
Free

Pitopito kōrero o te wā

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