Tirohanga whānui
Your journey starts with one stance
Explore the ancestral practices, values, and discipline of Mau Rākau.
Through learning stances, strikes, and movements, you’ll come to understand the principles of honour, discipline, and respect that underpin the art.
You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Māori identity and tradition through hands-on practice and guided reflection.
He aha tāu ka whiwhi?
Skills you'll leave with
Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:
Apply creative processes in Mau Rākau
Manage your time and projects effectively
Practise self-reflection through journaling
Carry out Rangahau and research
Explain whakapapa connections
Engage with the history, tikanga and cultural practices of ngā toi
Mā te mahi ka ako
Learn by doing
You will get to:
Practice stances, strikes, footwork and body movement
Take part in sports, games and training exercises
Learn and use karakia, whakapapa and pepeha connected to mau rākau
Journal to reflect on your learning
Research to support your mau rākau studies
Ngā ara e wātea ana
Where will this take me?
On completion, you'll have the skills to:
Keep studying
Progress into Kāwai Raupapa: Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art (Level 4) Mau Rākau
Use at work
Graduates can contribute to creative, cultural, or community projects, assisting artists, tutors, or cultural practitioners.
Community involvement
Share your creative knowledge in whānau, hapū, iwi, or community settings, supporting kaupapa Māori and creative expression.
He meka
Quick facts
- Level 3 (Introductory)
- 60 Credits
- 20 Weeks
- NZ Certificate in Ngā Toi Level 3
- No Fees
- NZQA Accredited
- Marae Experience
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:
Full-time
60 credits
20 weeks long (includes holiday breaks)
Noho-based with tutorials
Kōnae Ako
Learning Modules
Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?
Where and when can I learn?
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
He Puāwaitanga Kawerau 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Kawerau
He Puāwaitanga Whirikoka 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Gisborne
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
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