Whirikoka Campus
Gisborne
Campus
630 Childers Road, Elgin, Gisborne 4010
Whirikoka
Te Tairāwhiti connection
Our campus carries the name Whirikoka, gifted by Reverend Eru Smith to honour the tīpuna Whirikoka. His story, symbolised by a loyal kekeno (seal), speaks of resilience, connection, and kaitiakitanga – values that continue to guide us today.
This whenua also holds the story of the Horouta waka. In 1350, captain Pāoa sought sacred tōtara at Maungahaumi, carried with the help of the Patu Paiarehe from Mangatū, linking this land forever with Horouta.
Whirikoka Campus continues these legacies. We are a place of knowledge, strength, and whānau transformation, where education empowers tauira and ensures the vision of our tūpuna lives on.
Ngā whare me ngā ratonga
Facilities and support services
Our campus offers comfortable and accessible spaces designed to support your learning.
Our reception is open from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
We offer:
Student support services, including academic help and wellbeing support (by appointment)
Learning spaces that support your studies
Computer lab
Kitchenette for tauira use
Convenient parking with mobility access
Free Wi-Fi
An onsite early learning centre Whare Āmai for tamariki (separate enrolment required)
A vibrant toi collection showcasing the creativity of our tauira, kaimahi, and community
Please note: We are closed on statutory holidays and weekends.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
630 Childers Road, Elgin, Gisborne 4010
Ngā hōtaka i konei
Programmes here
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Te Reo Māori
Programmes here
Show 7 programmes -
Pakihi
Programmes here
Show 3 programmes -
Te Tirohanga Māori
Programmes here
Show 6 programmes -
Ārahi Kaupapa
Programmes here
Show 2 programmes -
Ngā Mahi ā te Whare Pora | Raranga
Programmes here
Show 1 programme -
Mahi ā-rehe
Programmes here
Show 1 programme -
Hauora
Programmes here
Show 2 programme -
Ratonga Pāpori
Programmes here
Show 1 programme
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
He Puāwaitanga Heretaunga 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Hastings
He Puāwaitanga Tāmaki Makaurau 23 March 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Auckland
He Puāwaitanga Tāmaki Makaurau 24 March 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Auckland
He Puāwaitanga Papaiōea 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Palmerston North
He Puāwaitanga Whangārei 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Whangārei
He Puāwaitanga Tainui 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Tainui
He Puāwaitanga Tauranga 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Tauranga
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
Latest news
From closed doors to open pathways
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Governance grounded in te ao Māori for future generations
Discover how Māori governance grounded in te ao Māori is shaping future generations. Learn about Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau, a unique programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that empowers whānau with tikanga-based leadership and decision-making skills.
Companion of Te Apārangi, Champion of Te Reo Māori
Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart, has been inducted as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover her inspiring journey of music, haka, and te reo Māori, and how her lifelong dedication to Māori culture shaped generations.
Keil Caskey – former tauira, now kaiako
Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa shows the transformative power of toi Māori education. Discover how his passion for taonga pūoro and commitment to whānau and whakapapa inspired him to teach and give back to his community.
Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts
Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Certificate in Māori Performing Arts goes beyond kapa haka, empowering tauira with skills in drama, screen acting, and public speaking. Hear how graduates like Niquita Samuel are building confidence, careers, and cultural pride.
Making connections between media and Māoritanga
Lizzie Dunn created Te Arawhata to help people reconnect with te ao Māori through media, resources, and kōrero. Discover how her reo journey and passion for sharing knowledge are inspiring thousands to embrace Māoritanga and strengthen cultural connections.
He Māmā, He Rangahau, He Moemoeā
Alex Maddox is turning her lived experience as a māmā into a powerful Rangahau kaupapa through He Waka Hiringa at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her vision aims to amplify whānau voices in research and policy for tamariki with vision impairments.
Royal Society Fellowship for Kairangahau Matua
Dr Tara McAllister of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been awarded the prestigious Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship from Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover how her research will transform Indigenous science, strengthen mātauranga Māori, and advance equity in Aotearoa’s research sector.
Toi tauira to kaiako series – Desiree Moat-Rangikataua
Heretaunga toi kaiako Desiree Moat-Rangikataua shares her inspiring journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how raranga, te reo Māori, and a reconnection to culture shaped her path and why she encourages others to embrace growth and teaching.
Raranga weaves culture and people together
Yumi’s muka kākahu beautifully blends Māori and Japanese culture through raranga. Discover her inspiring journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, from Kāwai Raupapa to Maunga Kura Toi, and how weaving has connected her to people, tikanga, and identity.
From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning
Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.
Mahi toi exhibitions 2025
From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.