Toi Paematua
Māori Performing Arts
Tirohanga whānui
Advance your practice in Māori performing arts
Māori Performing Arts celebrates expression that brings together culture, performance, and creativity. It is used to tell stories of the past and encourage self-reflection and growth.
Toi Paematua: Māori Performing Arts is designed to extend your abilities as a performer and creative practitioner, helping you grow into a confident kaitiaki of Māori performance.
You’ll deepen your understanding of tikanga, kawa, and creative processes while exploring the theory, technique, and self-discipline that underpin performance.
He aha tāu ka whiwhi?
Skills you will leave with
Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:
Uphold your responsibilities as a kaitiaki within Māori performing arts
Apply creative processes and practices, using reflection to improve your work
Demonstrate techniques and performance skills
Conduct rangahau (research) to inform creative decisions
Apply tikanga and kawa appropriately in rehearsal, performance and collaboration
Assist in leading and managing performance projects (planning, coordination and delivery)
Communicate and express your ideas through performance
Mā te mahi ka ako
Learn by doing
You will get to:
Explore your role as a kaitiaki of Māori performing arts
Develop your creative processes by reflecting on your performance
Strengthen your Māori performing arts techniques and skills
Carry out rangahau to inform your performance work
Apply tikanga and kawa in rehearsals, wānanga, hui and performances
Assist in leading and managing projects
Use Māori performing arts to express yourself
Paearu whakauru
Where will this take me?
On completion, you'll have the skills to:
Keep studying
Graduates might want to progress into higher-level Māori arts, teaching, or performing arts programmes.
Use at work
Work as a performer, tutor, or cultural facilitator within kapa haka, theatre, film, or education settings.
Community involvement
Share your skills through community or iwi-based performing arts groups, helping to preserve and grow Māori performance traditions.
He meka
Quick facts
- Level 5 (Intermediate)
- 120 Credits
- 38 Weeks
- NZ Diploma in Ngā Toi Level 5
- 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 with the kaiako
Have successfully completed Kāwai Raupapa: Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art (Level 4) or an equivalent ngā Toi qualification of at least 120 credits, or provide a portfolio showing relevant creative or performance experience
Te wā
Time commitment
This programme is:
Full-time
120 credits
38 weeks long (includes holiday breaks)
Noho-based, with wānanga (workshops) and tutorials
Kōnae ako
Learning modules
Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?
Where and when can I learn?
No classes are currently open for application.
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
He Puāwaitanga Tauranga 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Tauranga
He Puāwaitanga Tāmaki Makaurau 2026, 4 - 6 May 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Auckland
He Puāwaitanga Whakatāne 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Whakatāne
He Puāwaitanga Kawerau 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Kawerau
He Puāwaitanga Whirikoka 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Gisborne
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
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