Tirohanga whānui
Carve stories of culture and connection
If you’re ready to explore the art and meaning of whakairo, this programme provides a supportive and culturally grounded place to begin.
You’ll learn the techniques, tools, and design processes used in Māori carving while deepening your understanding of tikanga and the stories behind each design.
Through guided projects, you’ll create works that reflect both traditional practice and your own creative interpretation.
He aha tāu ka whiwhi?
Skills you'll leave with
Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:
Apply carving processes, methods, and techniques to produce creative works
Explore and compare different carving practices to inform your own
Complete whakairo projects based on design briefs and cultural concepts
Mā te mahi ka ako
Learn by doing
You will get to:
Explore Māori patterns and designs and use them to develop your own carving ideas
Build your drawing and design skills
Develop your technical carving skills through projects
Plan and complete carving projects from start to finish
Connect with other toi practitioners
Rangahau into the history, tikanga and cultural practices to guide your carving
Ngā ara e wātea ana
Where this can take you?
On completion, you'll have the skills to:
Keep studying
Progress into Toi Paematua: Diploma of Māori and Indigenous Art (Whakairo) (Level 5).
Use at work
Graduates may contribute to marae, hapū, or community art projects, or continue developing their carving skills independently.
Community involvement
Support cultural preservation and storytelling through whakairo and kaupapa toi Māori.
He meka
Quick facts
- Level 4 (Intermediate)
- 120 Credits
- 38 Weeks
- NZ Certificate in Ngā Toi Level 4
- Fees apply
- 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
Submit a portfolio (visual evidence of creative practice)
Attend an interview and selection process
Te wā
Time commitment
This programme is:
Full-time
120 credits
38 weeks long (includes holiday breaks)
Noho-based, with workshops
Fees and scholarships
The 2026 fees for this programme are:
$935 GST inclusive
Kōnae ako
Learning modules
Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?
Where and when can I learn?