Te Kōpuretanga sparkling feature graphic artwork

Te Kōpuretanga

Scholarships

Scholarships can give you extra financial help while you study

He aha te karahipi?

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is financial assistance that helps pay for your study and you don't have to pay it back. It may cover:

Study-related costs, such as programme fees, textbooks, or equipment
Living expenses while you focus on your learning
Support for specific tauira groups, communities, or areas of study

Scholarships are offered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and other organisations across Aotearoa.

It's important to note: Scholarships may be available, but they are not guaranteed. Always check the conditions before applying. It's a good idea to also plan other ways to support your study costs.

Ngā momo karahipi

Types of scholarships

You might be able to apply for:

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Te Kōpuretanga scholarships – offered to support our tauira in specific programmes or situations
Government-funded scholarships – available through organisations such as StudyLink or TEC
Community, iwi, and industry scholarships – provided by iwi organisations, trusts, or businesses

Artist: Buck Nin. Iwi: Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa. Artwork: The Polluted Land 1993. Material: Acrylic on hardboard

Dr Buck Nin Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

A well-renowned educator and artist, Dr Buck Nin was instrumental in gaining tertiary status for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. He believed in establishing a tertiary institution that was open to all people - regardless of their previous academic achievements.  Dr Buck Nin’s work was inspired by both his Māori and Chinese ancestry. His paintings and work are held in many collections across the world, and he is considered one of the most important Māori contemporary artists in Aotearoa. This scholarship recognises Dr Buck Nin’s commitment to education and contemporary Māori arts.

This scholarship provides to tauira who are enrolled in a diploma, degree, or postgraduate programme in the field of Māori contemporary art and have a passion to advance contemporary Māori arts within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the Scholarship Kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement addressing their understanding of Dr Buck Nin’s work and describing their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in area of contemporary Māori arts
Applicant’s portfolio of work illustrating quality examples and development (photos or images) in their practice of contemporary Māori art
Feedback from the applicant’s two references supporting their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in areas of contemporary Māori Arts within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Staff member gives away a branded bag and notebook

Mike Watson Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Mike Watson was the Director of the Papaiōea campus in Palmerston North and served in senior management at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Mike was deeply committed to the arts as a way of communicating and reviving mātauranga Māori. This scholarship recognises Mike Watson’s passion for whakairo, encouraging the next generation of carvers to continue to advance the practice.

This scholarship provides to tauira who are enrolled in a diploma, degree or postgraduate programme and have a passion to advance the practice of whakairo within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement about how they intend to support the advancement of knowledge and practice of toi whakairo or Māori arts within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi
Applicant’s portfolio of work illustrating quality examples and development (photos or images) in their practice of toi whakairo
Feedback from the applicant’s two references supporting their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in areas of toi whakairo or Māori arts within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

He Waka Hiringa Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Grounded in Indigenous values and principles, He Waka Hiringa challenges practitioners to consider the holistic needs of Indigenous people from both traditional and contemporary viewpoints. Through applied practice and research, tauira explore how their professional endeavours can address current issues impacting Indigenous communities on both local and global scales.

This scholarship provides support to tauira who are enrolled in He Waka Hiringa – Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge and plan to complete a community-based project through their applied practice and rangahau.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement about their commitment to the advancement of Indigenous knowledge
Written references from suitable referees that reflect the applicant’s practice and study towards the advancement of Indigenous knowledge

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Two hands clasp a korowai cloak together

Te Tumuaki Rongo H. Wetere Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Visionary and entrepreneur, Rongo Wetere was a founder of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and a driving force behind its establishment.

His persistence and determination to “provide holistic education opportunities of the highest quality for Māori, peoples of Aotearoa, and the world” was one of the reasons why the council appointed him as the one and only Tumuaki of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. This award recognises his unrelenting spirit, resilience, and commitment to defying the odds.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Boy Mangu Mātauranga Māori Waharoa Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Iwi Kohuru (Boy) Mangu was a founder of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and a well-respected teacher at Te Awamutu College.

He observed first-hand how Māori students were being treated and then disengaged from the mainstream education system. This scholarship recognises his belief that Māori students thrive in learning environments that make them feel secure and accepted, while broadening their understanding of their culture.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement about the impact of their commitment to broadening their understanding of their culture
Feedback from the applicant's referees supporting their commitment to the advancement of knowledge of mātauranga Māori

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Te Pou Postgraduate Diploma Kaitiakitanga Scholarship

$6,000 x 10 available

About the scholarship

In 2024 Te Wānanga o Aotearoa partnered with Te Pou to offer ten scholarships. Te Pou is a national workforce development centre for mental health and addiction. Te Pou aims to improve the lives of people with mental health, addiction, and disability needs. It connects the people working with them - tāngata whai ora, tāngata whaikaha and their whānau - with knowledge, resources, training, and information.

These scholarships provide support to tauira enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Kaitiakitanga L8. The Kaitiakitanga programme aims for tauira to take their practice to the next level by developing the bicultural skills to supervise and support staff and peers.

Eligibility

Be enrolled in the 2025 Postgraduate Diploma in Kaitiakitanga Level 8
Have a demonstrated commitment to community, hapū, iwi
You will work as a registered health or social work professional in one of the following fields:
- Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Te Whatu Ora endorsed NZAC counsellor, DAPAANZ accredited practitioner OR
- Work in Te Whatu Ora, NGO Primary Care or an iwi service provider funded by Health NZ, mental health & addiction (including intellectual disability) services
Must provide written evidence from your employer confirming you work no less than 0.6 FTE (22.5hrs per week)

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement describing their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in the areas of mental health, addiction or social services
Applicant’s references supporting their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in the areas of mental health, addiction or social services

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Two hands hold a bundle of natural fibre string

He Korowai Ākonga

$5,000

About the scholarship

Teaching is a rewarding career where you can make a real difference. He Korowai Ākonga is a unique qualification that embraces Māori philosophies, principles and mātauranga Māori (knowledge), empowering tauira to become a culturally responsive and reflective practitioner. The holistic approach of this degree gives tauira the theoretical knowledge of teaching and learning, as well as opportunities to gain practical teaching experience.

This scholarship provides support to tauira who are enrolled in He Korowai Ākonga and have a passion to advance Māori education philosophies, principles and mātauranga Māori within their communities.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement about their commitment to supporting equitable education within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi
Feedback from the applicant's referees supporting their commitment to the advancement of mātauranga Māori

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Two women sit together having a cup of tea

Rewi Panapa Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Rewi Panapa was a founder of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and served as the Chairperson of the Council of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa from its establishment until 1997. In 1998, Rewi resigned as Chairperson and remained a member of council while undertaking the role of Campus Director at Maniapoto campus in Te Kūiti. Rewi remained committed to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa until his sudden passing in July 2005.  Rewi was a highly respected and qualified health professional and practitioner with a strong passion for Māori success.

This scholarship provides support to tauira who are enrolled in a diploma, degree or postgraduate programme and have a passion to advance the practice of māori health or social services within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement about how they intend to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in areas of Māori health or social services within their communities, whānau, hapū, iwi
Applicant’s references support their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in areas of Māori health or social services within their communities, whānau, hapū, iwi

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Tāne Taylor Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Tāne Taylor was the first teacher of te reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and passed away in 2008. This award recognises his desire that we continue to honour and communicate in the language of our tūpuna. Tāne’s contributions to the revitalisation of te reo Māori are still strongly felt today.

This scholarship provides support to tauira who are enrolled in a postgraduate, degree, or diploma programme and have a commitment and a passion to the revitalisation of te reo Māori. This award recognises Tāne Taylor’s desire that we continue to honour and communicate in the language of our tūpuna.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Dr Diggeress Te Kanawa Scholarship

$5,000

About the scholarship

Dr Diggeress Te Kanawa was an expert in customary practices of toi raranga, whatu and tukutuku. She was a scholar and a teacher who strongly believed in education and was committed to the values and aspirations of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. This award recognises her commitment to education and toi.

This scholarship provides to tauira who are enrolled in a diploma, degree or postgraduate programme and have a passion to advance the practice of toi raranga within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves
Applicant’s statement about how they intend to support the advancement of Māori contemporary art within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi
Applicant’s portfolio of work illustrating quality examples and development (photos or images) in their practice of toi raranga
Feedback from the applicant’s two references supporting their commitment to the advancement of knowledge in areas of contemporary Māori arts within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Te Matatini Society Inc. Kapa Haka Scholarship Year 1

$5,000

About the scholarship

With a history steeped in 60 years of revitalising and promoting Māori performing arts and cultural expression, Te Matatini Society Incorporated, generously established this scholarship for tauira who show a passion for kapa haka.

Te Matatini, aptly named by Professor Wharehuia Milroy, honours the ‘many faces’ who bring kapa haka to life. This scholarship in turn, recognises and encourages our many tauira who demonstrate a deep commitment to kapa haka within their communities, whānau, hapū and iwi to ensure the continuation of these cultural practices for future generations.

This scholarship provides support to tauira who are enrolled in He Waka Hiringa – Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge who have a passion to advance the practice of kapa haka within their communities.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves  
Applicant’s statement about how their master’s degree will benefit the development of kapa haka within their communities, whānau, hapū, iwi  
Written references from suitable referees that reflect the applicant’s practice and study towards the advancement of kapa haka within their communities, whānau, hapū, iwi

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Te Matatini Society Inc. Kapa Haka Scholarship Year 2

$5,000

About the scholarship

This scholarship provides support to tauira who are enrolled in He Waka Hiringa – Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge and have a passion to advance the practice of kapa haka within their communities.

Eligibility

Selection criteria

Applicant’s eligibility and their understanding of the scholarship kaupapa as it relates to themselves  
Applicant’s statement about how their master’s degree will benefit the development of kapa haka within their communities, whānau, hapū or iwi  
Written references from suitable referees that reflect the applicant’s practice and study towards the advancement of kapa haka within their communities, whānau, hapū, iwi

Ongoing conditions of scholarship

Payment details

Pātai auau mō ngā karahipi

Scholarships | Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a Te Kōpuretanga scholarship?

Each scholarship has unique criteria. Make sure you check these carefully to ensure you qualify.

For Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Te Kōpuretanga scholarships:

You will need to be a current tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and have your student ID number to apply for a scholarship
Your student ID number will be on your confirmation of enrolment letter
Log-in to Te Matakā (the student portal)
Click on the button: Te Kōpuretanga Scholarships
Review all information, criteria and the details again
Apply via the Te Kōpuretanga Scholarships page in Te Matakā
You will be required to use your Tauira OneDrive to link documentation to your application
Check and submit your application
You'll receive an electronic message confirming successful submission

Note: We suggest you attend a scholarship application training session to help you put together a great application.

If you are unsure or need extra help, our Student Support team can give advice on where to look and what steps to take.

Can I rely on a scholarship to pay for my study?

No. Scholarships are not guaranteed, so you should never rely on them as your only source of funding.

They're a great help if you receive one, but always have a backup plan for your study costs. Please check our Fees and Financial Support for other options to help you manage these costs.

How do I know which scholarships I can apply for?

Do I apply for a scholarship when I enrol?

When do scholarship applications open?

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa scholarships open Monday, 16 March 2026 until Friday, 29 May 2026.

Other scholarship application dates depend on the organisation offering them. Most iwi, community, and government scholarships open once a year, often between October and March.

We recommend:

Checking the scholarships page on our website
Visiting your iwi and hapū trust page if you are registered
Talking with our student support advisors, who can connect you with opportunities that fit your study and whānau situation

What if I miss the deadline?

He karahipi anō

Other scholarships

Prospective tauira:
You can search online for scholarships offered by government agencies, iwi, trusts, and community organisations.

Current tauira:
You can use the Generosity NZ (GNZ) funding service to find scholarships and grants.

Connect to the Wi-Fi at your local Te Wānanga o Aotearoa campus
Log in to Te Matakā
Search for scholarships and grants from iwi, trusts, and other organisations

Important: Free access to GNZ is only available through Te Matakā on campus.

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Te Wānanga o Aotearoa introduces four new study opportunities in their Semester B offerings

07 May 2025

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa introduces four new study programmes for Semester B, including Māori Governance, Digital Media and Design, Building and Construction Skills, and Study and Employment Skills. Designed to meet the needs of tauira, whānau, hapū, and iwi, these programmes integrate mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori perspectives. Enrol now to grow your skills and achieve your aspirations.

Mākereti Papakura, the first Indigenous woman to study at Oxford, to be awarded a posthumous degree

30 April 2025

The School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography at the University of Oxford has announced that pioneering Māori scholar, Mākereti Papakura, will receive a posthumous degree more than 100 years after she began her studies.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education

24 April 2025

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education since the opening of O-Tāwhao Marae. Join us for a special Taringa podcast episode and livestream on Facebook. Discover our journey from humble beginnings to becoming the second largest tertiary institution in Aotearoa, empowering thousands of tauira through kaupapa-driven education. Learn more about our new strategic direction, Te Pae Tawhiti 2030.

From kaupapa to K-pop

22 April 2025

Discover the inspiring journey of Shelley Hoani, who earned her Doctorate in Indigenous Development and Advancement with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Learn how her passion for education, Rangahau, and K-pop has shaped her life and career at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Explore her commitment to supporting Māori single parents and celebrating her identity as a wahine Māori.

Rangatahi carving their own way forward

09 April 2025

Discover how Tāmaki rangatahi are carving their way into a brighter future through the Mahi ā Toi Academy at Rutherford College. Learn how this programme blends traditional Māori art of whakairo with modern tools, fostering a strong connection to whakapapa and Māori culture. Explore the success stories of recent graduates and the impact of kaupapa Māori education at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Finding strength and a future through social work

07 April 2025

Discover the inspiring journey of Tessa Thompson, a social work tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how the Manaaki Tāngata programme and dedicated kaiako helped her overcome challenges and pursue a career in social work. Explore her commitment to making a positive impact on her whānau and community in Kawerau, and her aspirations to mentor rangatahi.

Dr Te Rita Papesch and Haani Huata-Allen, mother and daughter together at Hui Taumata 2024.

Following the footsteps of her māmā: Haani Huata-Allen's path to PhD

02 April 2025

Follow the inspiring journey of Haani Huata-Allen, inaugural recipient of the Te Manawahoukura Residency at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how this groundbreaking residency supports kaimahi in their Rangahau projects, allowing Haani to focus on her PhD in Reo Revitalisation through Kapa Haka. Discover the impact of Indigenous research and the importance of continuing education inspired by her mother, Dr Te Rita Papesch.

Murray ‘Muzz’ Green (Te Kanawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Whatakaraka, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Te Kiriwai, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Ngutū, Whānau-a-Apanui and Ngāti Porou)

A whakairo journey shaped by art and community

27 March 2025

Explore the inspiring journey of Murray 'Muzz' Green, who discovered his passion for whakairo (carving) through a work placement at Waipā Kōkiri Arts Centre. Learn how hands-on learning and community support at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa helped Muzz reconnect with his cultural roots and transform his life. Discover the importance of art and community in preserving Māori traditions.

Nāwai i tauira, kua kaiako

20 March 2025

Ahakoa he rerekē noa atu te ao i tipu ake ai a Rob Bromley i tāna e mōhio nei i tēnei rā, nō te ohinga ake, ka rongo ia i tētahi hao ki te reo Māori.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa recognised as leader in Māori HR

10 March 2025

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was awarded the prestigious Mana Tangata Award at the 2025 NZ HR Excellence Awards on Thursday 27 February in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Peter Waaka, a dedicated kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

A kaiako who built more than a course

06 March 2025

Discover the journey of Peter Waaka, a dedicated kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, who has been at the forefront of business education in the lower South Island for over two decades. Learn how his practical approach helps tauira turn their business ideas into reality and build financial resilience. Enrol in our business programmes today and gain skills for life

From Kaimahi to kaihaka – two journeys, one kaupapa

24 February 2025

Explore the journeys of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaimahi Haimona Maruera and Maiterangi Collett as they prepare for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025. Discover their dedication to kapa haka, the support from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and the significance of this prestigious event in showcasing traditional Māori performing arts. Learn more about the Te Matatini Society Inc. Kapa Haka Scholarships for Māori and Pasifika tauira.

Tracey Hall - Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiako Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga

Kaiako privileged to be guiding the next generation of social workers

13 February 2025

Tracey Hall, kaiako of Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga – Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, reflects on her first year of teaching. Discover how her passion for social work and dedication to kaupapa Māori values are shaping the next generation of social workers. Learn more about the unique BBSW programme and how it prepares tauira to create social change and achieve equitable outcomes for whānau and communities

Curiosity ignites a journey of discovery through raranga

07 February 2025

Explore the journey of Maunga Kura Toi graduate Tracey Dale, who found her voice and reconnected with her identity through raranga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion for Māori weaving, inspired by her studies and kaiako, led to personal growth and a commitment to sharing her knowledge with future generations. Learn more about the transformative power of kaupapa Māori education.

Evie O’Brien officially welcomed as new chief executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

29 January 2025

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa proudly welcomed Evie O’Brien (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Maniapoto) with a stirring pōwhiri at the Te Awamutu head office\on Tuesday, 28 January.

Matt Tauroa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Awa)

Learning Waka Ama led to an unexpected future

23 January 2025

Discover how Matt Tauroa's journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa's Waka Ama course led to a passion for the sport and a new career. Learn about his experiences, from earning a day skipper qualification to starting his own paddle and accessories shop, Manaaki Made. Explore the positive impact of Waka Ama on his life and how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa supports Māori sports and education.

Wāhine overcome challenges to become full-time teachers

15 January 2025

Discover the inspiring journeys of Tairua Timu and Shinaya Kawai, who overcame significant challenges to complete He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how the supportive kaupapa Māori environment and dedicated kaiako helped them achieve their dreams of becoming full-time teachers. Explore their stories and the impact of whakawhanaungatanga and tauira support at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Becky Kiddle (front row, second from left) with her Te Manawahoukura team

Fellowship tops off big year for Te Manawahoukura Rangahau director

13 December 2024

Te Manawahoukura director Dr Becky Kiddle receives the prestigious Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship from the Royal Society Te Apārangi. This fellowship supports mid-career researchers in establishing themselves as leaders in their field. Learn more about Dr Kiddle's impactful work in Māori identity and urban design, and the achievements of Te Manawahoukura at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Persistence pays off for Tau Ora supreme champion Cindy Marsters

09 December 2024

Discover the inspiring story of Cindy Marsters, the Supreme Award winner of the Tau Ora health challenge at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how Cindy's 14-year journey of persistence and dedication to hauora led to her success. Explore the award-winning Tau Ora wellness programme and how it supports kaimahi in achieving their personal wellbeing goals. Join us and be part of an organisation that prioritises kaimahi wellbeing.

Embracing local learning and teaching at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

06 December 2024

Discover how Whangarei local Tom Brooker balances his roles as both kaiako and tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Teaching Kāwai Raupapa Level 4 and completing the He Puāwai Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching, Tom applies his learning to enhance his classroom and daily life. Learn more about his journey and the benefits of studying locally within a kaupapa Māori environment.

Salote Panapa Te Wānanga o Aotearoa He Korowai Ākonga Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) Māori education kaiako

Teaching: A gift that keeps on giving

05 December 2024

Salote Panapa was on her way to study law at Victoria University when a plea from her church for more educators led her to change her career path.

Evie O’Brien (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Maniapoto) - new chief executive Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa appoints Evie O’Brien as new Chief Executive

29 November 2024

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is pleased to announce the appointment of Evie O’Brien (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Maniapoto) as its new chief executive.

2023 Te Tamāhine-ā-Papatūānuku winner Erika Fairweather with board member Turi Ngatai

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa backing our future stars

26 November 2024

Celebrate the achievements of Māori athletes at the Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards, where Te Wānanga o Aotearoa proudly sponsors the Te Tamāhine-ā-Papatūānuku junior sportswoman award. Recognize the excellence of world and Olympic champions, including finalists Hinekahukura Brooking, Maia Davis, and Ruby Nathan. Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa supports the future of Māori sports and fitness through our Tākaro, Sport & Exercise programme

Recognition for Rangahau at Royal Society Te Apārangi Awards

25 November 2024

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa researchers Dr Maree Sheehan and Dr Tim Angeli-Gordon receive prestigious awards at the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Health Research Council of New Zealand. Their innovative work in audio portraiture and gastrointestinal disease research highlights the impact of Indigenous-led Rangahau at Te Manawahoukura. Learn more about their contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tauira thankful for wānanga support steeped in te ao Māori

20 November 2024

Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa supported Tauira Rawiri McLean through a family tragedy, helping him achieve his study goals and continue his journey in Te Pūtaketanga o te Reo, the Level 4 full immersion reo programme. Learn more about our comprehensive student support services and reo Māori programmes.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa unveils new programmes to strengthen Māori culture and language.

20 November 2024

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa launches Te Tohu Reo Rumaki and Te Tohu Tiaki Taonga programmes for 2025. These innovative courses foster te reo Māori fluency and cultural heritage preservation, supporting the revitalisation of Māori language and traditions.

From setbacks to success for Police recruit, Jian Yao

12 November 2024

It was third time lucky for Chinese New Zealander, Jian (Jay) Yao. He always knew he wanted to join the NZ Police but failed the psychometric test twice and thought he’d never be accepted.

Healthy future for Cook Island teacher

11 November 2024

Teiā Mataara Potoru, a seasoned Cook Islands educator, finds her path in New Zealand’s first Cook Island bilingual unit after completing the He Korowai Ākonga degree at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Her journey celebrates the power of language and cultural connection, inspiring her role at Māngere East Primary School.

Raranga level 5 Toi Paematua graduate Toni-Lee Wharewera (Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Rangitihi)

Mahi toi exhibitions 2024

01 November 2024

This October and November, our toi tauira from around the motu are showcasing their mahi toi. These free exhibitions held on our campuses or in the community highlight what tauira have been working on in their programme to whānau, friends, and the public.

Waiapu Road founder wins Māori Businesswomen’s Employment & Growth award

31 October 2024

While Tāwhirimātea was making his presence known in the streets of Te Whanganui-a-Tara on Friday, 25 October, inside Tākina Convention Centre only humility, aroha, and pride were felt. MC’d by the effervescent Stacey Morrison, the Māori Businesswomen’s Awards were hosted by Māori Women’s Development Inc (MWDI) to honour women forging a way through the realm of business.

Embracing tikanga gives understanding and meaning

28 October 2024

Despite growing up around tangihanga and with a background in funeral directing and embalming, Te Roopu Moana never fully understood the reasoning behind certain Māori practices until she enrolled in a tikanga programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Tauranga.

Husband and wife duo, Drs. Tim and Joni Angeli-Gordon

Husband and wife team secure major grant for ground-breaking research project

23 October 2024

Husband and wife duo, Drs. Tim and Joni Angeli-Gordon are excited to take their research project to the next level after being awarded a significant grant from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).

An unexpected journey from volunteer to full-time teacher

02 October 2024

The journey into primary teaching began unexpectedly for Princess Hirovanna while she was assisting at Māngere Bridge School as a volunteer.

Over 3 hours of travel to study reo Māori proves worthwhile for Northland tauira

01 October 2024

To get to her reo Māori class, Jude Thompson travels an hour and a half by car and ferry each way, but she’s adamant that it’s all worth it.

Online study proves beneficial for both teachers and students

30 September 2024

Traditionally, teaching and learning a language is done in person. But with evolving technology, it is becoming more common to learn a language, like te reo Māori, online.

Former tauira now teaching with heart

26 September 2024

Since 2021, Emma Ralston-Wyllie has been a kaiako of first He Pī Ka Pao and then He Pī Ka Rere at the Waitākere campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira, Annetia Tautuku

Festival affirms why tauira champions te reo Māori for her whānau

19 September 2024

In early August, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira, Annetia Tautuku was privileged to travel with an ope from New Plymouth to attend Toitū te Reo in Heretaunga (Hastings).

English teacher's search for cultural identity sparks love for te reo Māori

12 September 2024

English kaiako Cathy Purdie began her reo Māori journey in 1997, intending to uncover more about her cultural identity.

Two former toi tauira, Ana Hislop and Emily Clemett,

Celebrating heritage: Former toi tauira art debut in Ōtepoti

05 September 2024

Former toi tauira, Ana Hislop and Emily Clemett, celebrated their first public gallery exhibition in Ōtepoti, launching their art careers in the south where their tīpuna are from.

Sue Tipene (Ngai Tahu, Ngai Tūahuriri) and tauira at graduations

From a hobby, to a passion, to a career

29 August 2024

Sue Tipene (Ngai Tahu, Ngai Tūahuriri) has had a few career changes, but a passion for education has been at the core of each and every one.

Cher Knight - Te Whainga o te ao Tikanga Level 3

Tikanga programme inspires award-winning DOC project

22 August 2024

For 12 years, Cher Knight has worked for the Department of Conservation (DOC) with a key part of her role being to work alongside tangata whenua to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

There and back again for hauora kaiako

15 August 2024

Lynette Ngaheu gave up a life of leisure in Ireland to return to Kawerau and says it was the best move she ever made.

Nurturing Māori culture and excellence in waka ama

08 August 2024

As teams gear up for the International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Sprints, Elite J19 Men coach Patrick (Paddy) Harding-Rimene reflects on the invaluable support from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa which paved the route for his rangatahi squad.

Raranga changes future for study ‘sisters’

30 July 2024

Learning the art of raranga may not seem like a life-changing activity, but for recent graduates Toni Kakau and Zelda Te Pairi, this practice has been exactly that.

Tangi Katoa - He Korowai Akonga, Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) degree

Teaching dream becomes reality for resilient South Auckland mum

25 July 2024

Tongan-born Tangi Katoa grew up watching her mum, Lineni Paea, teach, instilling in her a love of education and a passion for teaching.

Student’s thirst for knowledge leads to a diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art

18 July 2024

Tereinamu Hakupa has a thirst for knowledge and is dedicated to sharing the knowledge she gains with those around her.

Northland rangatahi making strides in her reo Māori journey

11 July 2024

By learning te reo Māori, 22-year-old Sophie Doyle hopes to be an example to her whānau and generations to come, embodying the vision of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, whānau transformation through education.

Sharing a Māori view of uku

01 July 2024

In a creative field largely dominated by non-Māori artists, ceramicist Tracy Keith (Ngāpuhi) is always happy to educate others about how Māori view and use uku (clay).

Rotorua crew manager empowering women in forestry

23 June 2024

Truedy Taia is all about empowering women to achieve in a male-dominated industry. Truedy leads the first all-women crew for Rotorua-based forestry organisation, Mahi Rākau after being invited to start one a few years ago.

Teen mum turned business owner with support from Wānanga youth programme

20 June 2024

Falling pregnant at 15 was a big surprise for Paeroa teen Ella-Grace Tissingh, but with the support of the Youth Services programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, she’s managed to gain NCEA level 2, get her full license, and start up a successful business.

Art on show at curators’ wānanga

19 June 2024

Around 40 Māori curators from museums, galleries, archives and museums gathered at O-Tāwhao Marae in Te Awamutu over the weekend for their annual hui aimed at networking, sharing knowledge and discussing how to grow Māori capacity in the sector.

Raranga programme helps funeral director to connect with traditional cultural practices

06 June 2024

Descended from a long line of undertakers, it’s no surprise that it was tangi that brought Delano Murray (Ngāti Kurī) to Heretaunga, where he’s a funeral director for Simplicity Funerals and studying Toi Paematua Level 5 in raranga with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Kawerau local lives out childhood dream of learning to weave

16 May 2024

As a young girl, Barbara Wheto always had a fascination with harakeke and the art of weaving. But growing up in an era where being Māori and Māori culture were scorned upon, she was never encouraged to explore the art form.

Rodney Whanga, Te Matatini Scholarship award winner

09 May 2024

Mahia te mahi hei oranga whakatipu, hei oranga tuku iho mō te iwi, ahakoa ngā piere nuku o te wā. Ko Rodney Whanga o Tainui waka, nō ngā iwi o Ngāti Maniapoto me Waikato te whakatinanatanga o te kōrero nei.

Antonia van Sitter - 2023 Dr. Buck Nin Memorial Scholarship recipient

Wānanga scholarship supports tauira in completing Master of Architecture thesis

09 May 2024

The 2023 Dr. Buck Nin Memorial Scholarship recipient for Māori contemporary art was 23-year-old Antonia van Sitter, who put the funds towards completing her Master of Architecture thesis.

University Associate Professor committed to reo Māori journey

08 May 2024

Sondra Bacharach is no stranger to education. She currently teaches a university philosophy programme in Aotearoa and has experienced classroom environments as a student within the American, French and German education systems.

Tania Ali (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) - Business Graduate

Inclusive and equal opportunities highlight for deaf tauira

06 May 2024

In Porirua, Deaf tauira Tania Ali (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), recently walked the graduation stage to receive her Certificate in Small Business and Project Management. With New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) her first language, this feat was made possible with the support provided throughout her study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Milestone achievement as kairangahau secures first ever Marsden for wānanga

01 May 2024

Tara McAllister made the transition from mainstream academia to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, where she has taken on the role of Kairangahau Matua within the newly established Rangahau Centre, Te Manawahoukura.

Tāne creates legacy for his whānau by learning te reo Māori

24 April 2024

From someone with no te reo Māori knowledge to now being able to speak te reo Māori all day, every day if he chose, Ruebin Reti has evolved into a beacon of inspiration.

Raranga guides new mum back into te ao Māori

18 April 2024

Joy Gilgen had always thought that raranga was a practice reserved for older generations, but after having her first pēpē in 2022, she had the urge to do something holistic and reground herself in te ao Māori.

Former All Black strengthens passion for toi through wānanga programme

28 March 2024

Former All Black, Kees Meeuws has always had a passion for toi, so much so, that in his earlier years he studied at Elam School of Fine Arts, completing a foundation year and first year sculpture.

Stepping out of the corporate world and into the classroom

28 March 2024

Like many parents during the pandemic, Tamara Grace-Tonga had to become her daughter’s core teacher. Quite unexpectedly, this sparked her wanting to change her legacy.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa honour two founders with new scholarships in 2024

28 March 2024

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa relaunched their scholarships in 2023, and in 2024 are proud to announce the introduction of three new scholarships, two of which honour a couple of the institute’s founding members.

Pare Edmonds and Jonathon Glanville: Tauira Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Tauira lead different lives but share a passion for te reo Māori

20 March 2024

Pare Edmonds and Jonathon Glanville may come from differing backgrounds and lead distinct personal lives, but one thing they do have in common is their love for te reo Māori and their dedication to master the language.

Discovering a passion for whakairo sparks change

29 February 2024

Like many Māori tāne, Lebon Wilson struggled with mainstream schooling and left at 14. It’s taken him a long time to realise the benefits of being able to channel his learning and effort into something that he’s passionate about. That was by discovering whakairo.

Ōhope couple striving for whānau success through continued education

26 February 2024

Kylie Holmes and her partner, Harlem Ferrall, had never heard of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa until 2022 when they attended a mau rākau event at the Tauranga campus.

Shauniece Edwards - Introduction to Team Leadership

Learning to lead prompts personal and professional development

19 February 2024

Aucklander, Shauniece Edwards could not have imagined where life would take her when she decided to enrol in Intro to Team Leadership at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa early last year.

Jordyn Daniels: Rauangi kaiako, Tauranga-Moana

Teaching while creating art is a dream come true

16 February 2024

Accepting a role as a Rauangi kaiako at the Tauranga campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was the realisation of a long-held goal for artist and former tauira, Jordyn Daniels.

He Huinga Whatukura - A wellness programme for men

31 January 2024

In their quest to prioritise men's mental health and well-being, 2 Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaimahi have pioneered and introduced a programme known as He Huinga Whatukura.

Maree Sheehan joined Te Manawahoukura Centre of Rangahau at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa as Kairangahau Matua

Changing hearts and minds through Rangahau

19 December 2023

In September, award winning composer, Maree Sheehan joined Te Manawahoukura Centre of Rangahau at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa as Kairangahau Matua (Toi).

Dena-Maree Hemara - NZ Exercise Award winner

Wānanga kaiako and small-town gym owner wins NZ Exercise Award

01 December 2023

Kaitaia local Dena-Maree Hemara (Hemara nō Te Māhurehure me Ngāti Rangi) wears multiple pōtae – business owner, kaiako, contractor, māmā – and now she can add NZ Exercise Award winner to that bundle.

Wānanga Youth Services programme empowering rangatahi in the Waikato

22 November 2023

A voluntary programme offered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in parts of the Waikato region to tautoko (support) eligible rangatahi (youth) that are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) or are eligible for the Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment.

Waka ama, culture, and community in Masterton

09 November 2023

This weekend, Masterton will welcome waka ama teams affiliated to Hoe Tonga for the Regional Sprint Championship.

Ngaio Cowell - Toi Tauira. Photograph by: Naomi Haussmann

Finding her place within toi Māori

31 October 2023

Being able to connect multiple aspects of her personality has opened many doors for Ōtautahi raranga tauira, Ngaio Cowell.

Claire Aldhamland - secondary kaiako of Arts at Rangiora High School

Weaving connections for herself and her community

26 October 2023

Claire Aldhamland never could have predicted where she has ended up since studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. She’s discovered a passion for raranga and created meaningful connections within her community.

Embracing te reo Māori through fun and play

13 October 2023

Learning te reo Māori can be daunting for some, and the idea of memorising long lists of kupu and how to form sentence structures may even seem unreachable. And that’s where Kura Rēhia co-founders, Rosie Remmerswaal and Kuruho Wereta, come in. They’re challenging that narrative with their board game, KAUPAPA.

Toi Koru: Sandy Adsett at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato

09 October 2023

Esteemed Māori artist, and a master of kōwhaiwhai, Sandy Adsett, is currently showcasing 60 pieces of his mahi toi, spanning his 6 decade career.

Regan Williams and Shane Stephens - Bachelor of Education

Small school making a big impact

05 October 2023

On the outskirts of Rotorua you will find Rotokawa School, a small school that makes a big impact in the lives of their students and community.

Toi Kiri triumph

05 October 2023

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiako who attended the Toi Kiri Indigenous Arts Festival in Tauranga over the weekend all agree, it was a resounding success.

Whānau reunion inspires Whangārei local to learn te reo Māori

05 October 2023

After attending a whānau reunion and learning that no one in his whānau could kōrero Māori, James Tautuku took it upon himself to learn te reo and keep it alive amongst his whānau.

Wānanga supports organisation with staff professional development

03 October 2023

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been able to support an organisation with professional development, offreing te reo Māori classes to a group of their Wellington based kaimahi.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiako attending 2023 Toi Kiri Festival in Tauranga

28 September 2023

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will attend the prestigious Toi Kiri World Indigenous Arts Festival in Mt Maunganui for the first time this year. Eight kaiako (teachers) will participate in the festival, which gathers indigenous artists from around the world to showcase their art.

Taringa is brought to you by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Oranga Tamariki continues to improve Māori cultural capability with support from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

25 September 2023

With the support of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Oranga Tamariki is making a continuous and conscious effort to strengthen the knowledge and respect for Māori culture amongst their kaimahi, as well as a commitment to better fulfil their Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Tūwhitia Symposium drives student success for underserved learners

25 September 2023

This week Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will host organisations from across the tertiary sector as they come together for the second annual Tūwhitia Symposium, where they will discuss and explore ways that work towards the continued drive of positive outcomes for underserved learners in Aotearoa.

Mahuru Māori challenge aligned with maramataka

06 September 2023

The Mahuru Māori challenge is just around the corner, but what does this mean and who can get involved?

Normalise speaking te reo Māori and register for the Mahuru Māori challenge

01 September 2023

Mahuru Māori is a challenge open to everyone no matter their current level of reo Māori.

Holistic healing and self discovery found in rongoā programme

22 August 2023

Although rongoā has always been part of Te Aroha Ngatai’s life, she once believed that she needed a qualification from a western institute to practice rongoā.

Shane Stevens - Graduate Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).

Ex pro rugby plays proves it’s never too late to get degree

17 August 2023

At 50 years old, Shane Stephens received his first qualification, a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Rangi Hinga, recipient of the 2023 Tāne Taylor Award and his moko, Elizabeth Kingi.

Great-grandfather, student and now award recipient at 82

10 August 2023

Not many people would think of taking up tertiary education in their 80’s, but that’s not the case for Rangi Hinga. The much-loved kaumātua is now in his fourth year of study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Rosemarie Eketone-Williamson: Social Services Tauira

A life of struggles to career success

31 July 2023

Rosemarie Eketone-Williamson has had her fair share of challenges in life, from relationship breakdowns, exposure to family harm and violence, depression, to a battle with drug addiction and giving up care of her two eldest children.

Nicole Tipene - Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work

Māori lens influences the switch from nursing to social work

21 July 2023

Palmerston North local, Nicole Tipene, was working towards her nursing degree before making the switch to study a Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Mereana Gell Tikanga 3 tauira Lower Hutt

Reconnecting roots: Mereana's journey of learning and growth

20 July 2023

When Mereana Gell returned to Aotearoa after many years overseas, she felt out of touch with te ao Māori.

Uku artist and mau rākau warrior: Embracing tradition, discipline, and growth

18 July 2023

Learning and practicing weaponry skills is vastly different to manipulating uku (clay) into cups and bowls, but both require confidence and discipline, and a respect for tradition.

Rena Mclean: Graduate Kāwai Raupapa, Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art at the Whanganui campus

Weaving programme provides sense of whānau for retiree

29 June 2023

With all her tamariki (children) having grown up and made the move across the ditch, it’s left just Rena Mclean living here in Aotearoa.

Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award honour roll

26 June 2023

At Te Wānanga o Aotearoa we’re lucky to have a talented bunch of kaimahi who dedicate themselves to their mahi, each and every day.

Mokopuna motivate te reo Māori journey

22 June 2023

Mokopuna were the motivator for education consultant Lara Meyer to begin her journey towards revitalising te reo Māori in her whānau.

Kaya Grace: Graduate - Diploma in Rongoā Māori

Porirua mum overcomes doubts to graduate in rongoā Māori

21 June 2023

Two years ago, if you told Kaya Grace that she would be a graduate of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, she might not have believed you.

Alicia Ward: Graduate of the Level 7 Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi

Christchurch mum helps bring te reo Māori back to her whānau

19 June 2023

Ever since she was a young girl, Alicia Ward had a deep desire to connect with her whakapapa (genealogy) and immerse herself in te ao Māori (the Māori world).

Tipuna Edward Smith - graduate of level 1 and 2 certificate in te reo Māori, He Pī Ka Pao

Studying reo Māori gives Hastings dad new lease on life

13 June 2023

Studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has given Hastings dad, Tipuna Edward Smith, a new lease on life after many years of battling with his mental health.

Rheeco - Level 2 Forestry Certificate at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Getting into the forest right choice for rangatahi

08 June 2023

Rheeco admits he would be up to ‘nothing good’ if he wasn’t where he is now. Currently he’s deep in the Kaingaroa forest, using a chainsaw to cut down trees with a thinning crew.

Sai Vaega: Graduate - NZ Certificate in Business Introduction to Team Leadership at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Wānanga Team Leadership programme uplifts Christchurch local

06 June 2023

Christchurch local, Sai Vaega has always aspired to make a positive impact in his community and the well-being of those around him.

Kawhena Rangihaeata Puha: Graduate Certificate in Small Business

Dyslexia was no barrier for wānanga student

23 May 2023

Small business owner, Kawhena Rangihaeata Puha, overcame her struggles with dyslexia to complete the Level 4 Certificate in Small Business last year at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Arron Learmond: Graduate - Level 4 Certificate in Rongoā

Multiple sclerosis diagnosis leads to rongoā Māori studies

17 May 2023

After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 19, Arron Learmond began a journey of learning, researching and experimenting with herbal medicine and rongoā Māori.

Weku Kereopa : Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art. (Raranga) graduate

Representing tāne in the weaving classroom

16 May 2023

Weku Kereopa may have been the only tāne (male) in his raranga (weaving) class but that didn’t deter him from completing the Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art.

Ellerose Vanderaa: Graduate of Level 4 Certificate in Tākaro, Sport and Exercise

Wānanga programme helps young mum gain employment

15 May 2023

After completing the Certificate in Tākaro, Sport and Exercise at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Ellerose Vanderaa secured a job as assistant manager at Jetts Fitness in Whakatāne.

Loren Riddall : Maunga Kura Toi, Bachelor of Māori Art, Raranga

A love for weaving leads to Māori art degree

11 May 2023

Loren Riddall began her raranga (weaving) journey in 2019 and this year she will graduate from Maunga Kura Toi, Bachelor of Māori Art, Raranga.

Irihāpeti (Liz) Kinnell - reo Māori tauira/kaiako

A journey to reconnect with Māori heritage through language learning

08 May 2023

Liz's commitment to learning te reo Maori has led to positive language outcomes for her community. She is now a Maori language teacher, revitalizing the language at a mainstream school and inspiring others to reconnect with their heritage.

Sam and Courtney Manu and their tamariki

Wānanga educations helps young whānau secure their financial future

05 May 2023

Completing the Money Management programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2018 was the kickstart Sam and Courtney Manu needed to take control of their financial future.

Kimberley Cleland - Te Rōnakitanga o te Reo Kairangi: Level 5

Working towards a greater Aotearoa by learning reo Māori

03 May 2023

Mum of two, Kimberley Cleland is taking what she has learnt from her reo Māori studies through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and passing it on to her young tamariki (children).

Wānanga learning guides Japanese student to bookkeeping success

02 May 2023

Asami’s children and the desire to provide more income to support her family drove her toward a career change. Now an award-winning bookkeeper, Asami runs her own business and credits much of her success to her studies through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Wānanga enrolment numbers on the rise

28 April 2023

Tauira (students) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have embraced the opportunity to focus on personal and professional growth during the uncertain times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walter Herewini: Ōpotiki Tikanga Māori graduate

Learning tikanga in the hopes of giving back to iwi

27 April 2023

Through learning tikanga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Walter Herewini hopes to give back to his marae and keep te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) alive and thriving.

Deborah McKillop: Graduate Te Ara reo Māori

Ōpōtiki teacher learns reo Māori from former pupil

26 April 2023

As an older student, learning reo Māori was slightly daunting for Ōpōtiki College teacher, Deborah Mckillop. But after learning she would be taught by one of her former student’s, things became more relaxed.

Steven Allan: graduate of the Diploma in Small Business and Project Management and his kaiako Ra Winiata

Overcoming Pain to Build a Thriving Business: The Journey of Steven Allan

25 April 2023

Four years ago, Steven Allan’s life took a significant pivot. He injured his back and unable to work as a concrete pumper, enrolled in a business course at Te Wananga o Aotearoa with a friend.

Weaving eases wānanga student’s arthritis struggles

18 April 2023

After pushing past his doubts and giving the raranga programme a good go, Kohatu not only completed the programme but it helped strengthen the mobility and use of his fingers.

Annaleah Hoera and Gazelle Rangitakatu - Graduates: Bachelor of education

Wānanga vision comes to life for Hamilton whānau

17 April 2023

The vision of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is, whānau transformation through education, and that has been the case for one Hamilton family.

Mikayla (Meke) Nikora - Graduate Te Ara Reo Māori 3 & 4

Learning reo Māori alongside tamariki

06 April 2023

Tā moko artist and mum of two, Mikayla (Meke) Nikora was brought up speaking reo Māori but slowly lost the language after leaving kura kaupapa Māori and moving to Pākehā schooling.

Hoana and Mererangi-Kaa: Graduates - Adult Education

Sister duo keep Māoritanga alive through education

03 April 2023

Gisborne sisters, Mererangi and Hoana Kaa believe that education is a key pathway to keeping Māoritanga (culture) thriving in all parts of Aotearoa and empowers Māori to step into leadership.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa: Apakura campus, Te Awamutu

Press Release on behalf of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

29 March 2023

The first reading of the Education and Training Bill (No.3) in the House of Representatives today signals an historic shift in the relationship between the Crown and the Wānanga sector, namely Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Studying business was the road to success for Tāmaki couple

21 March 2023

For husband and wife Daniel and Charmaine Ngawharau, studying with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and using the knowledge learned to start a business has been the best decision they’ve ever made.

From art tauira to art kaiako: Tā moko artist eager to share his knowledge

20 February 2023

Rawiri T Horne, a renowned tā moko artist, and new kaiako at the Christchurch campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, is passionate about sharing tikanga through creating art.

Embracing te reo Māori the key for Taranaki grandmother to help understand her identity

14 February 2023

A lightbulb moment about identifying as a “New Zealander” led to grandmother and radio station manager Anne Dawson enrolling in Te Reo Māori studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2021.

From Kenya to Aotearoa - Toi and its many connections

24 January 2023

Jennifer Dickerson, a self-proclaimed "Third Culture Kid" due to her unique upbringing around the world, has discovered who she is through art.

Masters opens door to book project

19 December 2022

Juggling work as Communications Advisor for Te Wananga o Aotearoa while completing his masters, and writing a book has meant Tracey Cooper’s plate has been rather full recently. Fortunately with his exegesis completed, book published and work in wind-down mode for Christmas he’s able to take a breather and reflect on his journey through study.

‘Rererangi ki te Ao’ Opens doors at Kirikiriroa Airport

15 December 2022

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Kairuruku and Pouwhenua Whakairo (master carver), Professor Kereti G. Rautangata, (nō Ngāti Mahanga, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura) and his team of carvers have left their mark on a significant piece of the Waikato landscape.

Tamiaho Searancke with his mau rākau cohort

Making a difference with mau rākau

14 December 2022

Tamiaho Searancke, who started learning the art of mau rākau at age three from his kuia and kaumatua, has guided another cohort of tauira through their journey of learning the ancient Māori martial art.

Marewa Severne (left) and Heremaahina Eketone (right)

Wāhine Toi Māori ki Ōtepoti – Marewa Severne and Heramaahina Eketone

13 December 2022

Marewa Severne embodies the very essence of what it means to be wāhine Māori. She brings this integrity and strength to her teaching, with a ready smile, positivity, and a willingness to elevate mātauranga Māori in her life and her work.

Exhibition on marae first for East Coast raranga tauira

06 December 2022

A desire to share knowledge on marae up the coast resulted in the first exhibition at Rāhui Marae for Talei Teariki’s Level 4 and 5 Raranga tauira recently. Titled ‘Waiapu’, the exhibition featured weavers from Rangitukia, Ruatōrea, Waipiro, Tikitiki, Te Araroa, Hicks Bay and Te Karaka.

Kahu Collective

05 December 2022

The seed of Kahu Collective was planted back in 2013, when Lisa Harding, Cathy Payne and Corabelle Summerton crossed paths with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s stall at the Womens Expo, showcasing our Toi programmes.

Dreams become reality through wānanga police prep programme

29 November 2022

Becoming a police officer had always been a dream for single mum, Tori Barton, so she was willing to do whatever it would take to make that dream a reality.

Reo Tauira: Maggie Hautonga Currie and her kaiako Rauangi Ohia

Grandmother relearning the language she was once punished for speaking

10 November 2022

Papamoa local, Maggie Hautonga Currie has spent much of her adult life living in Perth but after 37 years she was missing her home, her people, her culture and her reo.

Pirini Edwards - Kaiako: Manaaki Tāngata, Certificate in Bicultural Social Services at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Wānanga teacher makes good out of a childhood spent in foster care

31 October 2022

Pirini Edwards was a state ward going through boys’ homes and foster homes throughout his childhood. But it was these childhood experiences and life lessons that led him to his current mahi, teaching the Certificate in Bicultural Social Services at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Rauangi Ohia: Kaiako - Te Rōnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi Level 5

Sharing knowledge integral part of being Māori

26 October 2022

Teaching and sharing knowledge is a natural and integral part of being Māori for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiako (teacher), Rauangi Ohia.

Toi Class Encourages Self-Discovery

22 August 2022

Karen Nel ventured onto the Toi Maruata course in Porirua to explore indigenous arts in this part of the world and found out more about herself in the process.

Entrepreneur Hits the Spot with Spice Blends

10 August 2022

Kavita Anand earned the many hats she wears by striving to succeed. Besides ‘Mum’, ‘Wife’, ‘Lawyer’, ‘Sports & Cultural Coordinator’ and ‘Accounts Administrator’, the latest addition to her collection bears the title ‘Entrepenuer’ and there is no limit to her ambition.

Wendy-Lee pursues her passion

25 July 2022

Wendy-Lee McKee-Warner’s love for art started at high school, where she spent all her time hanging out in the art room. She has put that passion to good use, and is now completing her final year of the Maunga Kura Toi Māori and Indigenous Art degree programme in Hastings.

Filling the toi kete

14 July 2022

Innovative and motivating are just some of many words that describe the well-known toi guests who have been inspiring our tauira this semester.

Tuakana / Teina Exhibition Ahuriri Contemporary Gallery

13 July 2022

An exhibition of kaiako ( teachers) and ākonga ( students) from Toimairangi, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa – Hastings at Ahuriri Contemporary Gallery Napier June 3 – June 30, 2022

Connecting to tūpuna through raranga

13 July 2022

When Raranga kaiako Laurette Madden-Morehu recieved a kete as a seven-year old at a whānau reunion, it ignited a lifelong curiosity of mahi raranga.

Tira Hemana: Graduate - Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work,

Tamariki the driving force for Hamilton mum to complete degree

12 July 2022

After four years of study, Tira Hemana has graduated with a Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work, teaching her tamariki (children) that it’s never too late to start your learning journey.

Alex Heperi: Tauira Maunga Kura Toi Bachelor of Māori Art degree at Te Wananga o Aotearoa

Architecture by day, toi Māori by night

07 July 2022

Alex Heperi spends her days working as a senior architectural graduate, working in the architectural industry but by night she’s completing her studies towards the Maunga Kura Toi Bachelor of Māori Art degree at Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Former tauira Matias (Matu) Cacciavillani and his partner Chelsea Hall

The essence is right for business to thrive

04 July 2022

For former tauira Matias (Matu) Cacciavillani and his partner Chelsea Hall, it is their love for good food made from quality produce that is the foundation to their successful catering and food truck business.

Sharing a lifetime of tikanga Māori knowledge

29 June 2022

For as long as Herewini Moana can remember he has been practicing and sharing his knowledge of tikanga Māori with all those willing to learn.

Julian Johns: Kaiako - Certificate in Money Management

Managing your money to better manage your future

21 June 2022

Julian Johns hopes to see more people take control of their financial future by taking up the opportunity to study the Money Management programme on offer in Taupō through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA).

Jordyn Daniels (Ngāi Tahu): Graduate of Maunga Kura Toi Rauangi – Bachelor of Māori Art at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Solo exhibition shows Jordyn’s on the right track

20 June 2022

A single mum who dropped out of high school and never thought higher education was for her has not only completed a degree in Māori art but is now preparing for her first solo exhibition in Kirikiriroa.

Matariki Rising - The mark of a new year

15 June 2022

The rising of the stars of Matariki (and Puaka/Puanga) every winter heralds the end of one lunar year and the dawn of the next within te Ao Māori.

Vera Rabe, kaiako (teacher) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s (TWoA) Tokoroa campus, teaching the Smart Steps to Business programme.

Tokoroa local aims to create brighter futures through business

14 June 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that life can be unpredictable but one Tokoroa local believes we can regain control of our future through the power of tertiary education. Vera Rabe, is a kaiako (teacher) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s (TWoA) Tokoroa campus, teaching the Smart Steps to Business programme, which will begin in July.

Te Awamutu teen eyes Army after award

01 June 2022

Nikau (second from left in front row) with his cohort at Puketeraki marae. Nikau’s flatmate Nic Sinnott (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is in the centre holding a taiaha. Nic introduced Nikau to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Kia tika te reo – Doing it Right and Continuously Improving

27 May 2022

Nikau was in his final year of a Bachelors of Health Sciences majoring in Māori public health when his flatmate introduced him to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in the bustling student town. He managed to fit the evening classes and noho weekends around his University schedule and says the mahi was all worthwhile.

James Prier graduate: Mana Ora NZ Certificate in Māori Business & Management

Mana Ora from the Ground Up

13 May 2022

Jamie says the Mana Ora business programme embedded in kaupapa Māori and enriched with tikanga and reo content, changed the way he sees design.

Wāhine finds healing through the art of weaving

10 May 2022

Before studying raranga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA), Zelda Te Pairi barely left her house and was struggling with low self-esteem.

Kawerau local follows her calling to study rongoā

06 May 2022

A passion for helping others and the joy that comes from that played a key role in Lyndal Kennedy’s decision to study rongoā at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA).

Wānanga born and bred

05 May 2022

Wānanga born and bred, Karyn Matiaha will be graduating next week like many of her whanau members have done before her.

Ōpōtiki couple prove it’s never too late to learn te reo Māori

04 May 2022

Ōpōtiki couple prove its never too late to learn to te reo Māori, and will be one of the many Tauira in Opotiki graduating next week.

Young mum completes degree while raising five young children

01 May 2022

Young mum completes degree while raising five young children, Ramari Kaka is one of our many Tauira graduating in Tainui next Wednesday 11th May.

Toi Māori Graduate: Shayna Kidwell-Teruna

One Step Closer to her Dream of Dreams

20 April 2022

A path is set for former tauira toi Shayna Kidwell-Teruna who has sights on running her own printing business one day. With completion of the Kāwai Raupapa Certificate in Māori indigenous art, she’s one step closer this year as she returns to study reo before moving on to a business programme to make her dream reality.

Top Toi award for Kereti

14 April 2022

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Kairuruku and Pouwhenua whakairo (master carver), Professor Kereti G. Rautangata has recently been recognised at the 2021 Te Waka Toi - Creative NZ Awards.

Carving a life of Toi Māori

05 April 2022

To profile an artist with words, is like writing a thesis with a chisel. Although a ‘chisel-themed’ thesis wouldn’t be entirely impossible; describing Nick Tupara with words is just a grain of sand in comparison to the wealth of knowledge he brings to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Rongoā Māori Tauira: Alice Perry and Geraldine Kurukaanga

Wānanga brings long awaited rongoā diploma to Tauranga

03 March 2022

The certificate in Rongoā, traditional Māori medicine, was first offered at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Tauranga campus in 2020 and this year they will also be offering the diploma.

Uncovering an appreciation for te ao Māori through art

01 March 2022

Studying toi (art) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has opened up a whole new world and understanding of te ao Māori for Talia Grocott.

Top professor joins Te Wānanga o Aotearoa board

01 March 2022

Professor Jacinta Ruru - Raukawa, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Maniapoto - has joined Te Mana Whakahaere, the board of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Business Tauira: Terry Glenister and Kaiako Donna Robinson

Business student proves it’s never too late to study

23 February 2022

At 62-years-old, Terry Glenister decided it wasn’t too late to expand on his business knowledge and resources. So, in 2020 he enrolled to study business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Te Awamutu Reo Māori kaiako: Teiria Davis and Whaitiri Ngaheu

Embracing te reo Māori in small town Waikato

22 February 2022

Learning te reo Māori isn’t exclusive, it’s open to everyone and that’s made clear at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Apakura campus in Te Awamutu.

Miihi Waaka: Alumni - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching)

Mum of three completes teaching degree

21 February 2022

Being able to juggle life as a mum while completing a teaching degree was made easier for Mihi Waaka when she chose to study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Mau rākau returns to Tauranga campus

17 February 2022

Mau rākau is once again being offered at the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Tauranga campus and will be taught by highly skilled kaiako, Tamahau Tangitu.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa appoints Nepia Winiata as chief executive

17 February 2022

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is pleased to announce the appointment of Nepia Winiata (Ngāti Raukawa) as chief executive. Nepia has been acting chief executive for almost a year, was deputy chief executive for five years and has held several senior leadership roles across Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for more than 12 years.

Tikanga Kaiako (teacher): Ngapaki Moetara

Making tikanga the everyday norm

15 February 2022

The practice and values of tikanga is relevant in our everyday lives and isn’t something just to be kept on the marae as tikanga guides us in our everyday lives.

Reconnecting to home through te reo Māori

14 February 2022

Learning te reo Māori has been a way for husband and wife, Alistair and Shari Kydd to reconnect with Aotearoa. After spending a big chunk of their lives living across the ditch, the couple returned home in 2020 and began studing with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that following year.

Akesa Taufa recently graduated from The Royal New Zealand Police College

Mum of four now taking on police role

10 February 2022

She has four children aged five to 12. But that hasn’t stopped Hamilton’s Akesa Taufa achieving her goal of becoming a police officer, with support from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) along the way.

Aritaku Robens : Kaiako - Certificate in Tākaro, Sport and Exercise

Top CrossFit athlete promotes health through education

08 February 2022

Aritaku Robens is one of the countries top CrossFit athletes passing on his skills and knowledge through his role as a kaiako (teacher) at the Wānanga.

Digital slice of ancient art in Ōpōtiki

30 October 2020

In what’s believed to be a world first, the latest digital design techniques are being applied to an ancient Māori art.

Leading the charge for change

30 October 2020

Janifa Bhamji is a woman on a mission. She’s in her fourth year of study towards the Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Māngere and can’t wait to put what she has learned into action.

Taringa heads to te Tai Tokerau

30 October 2020

Taringa, the award-winning podcast which covers all aspects of te ao Māori – in both English and te reo Māori – will be recorded and streamed live from the Kaitaia campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa on November 10.

Krystal’s caring shines through

27 October 2020

Rotorua’s Krystal Roberts has been having a very busy but successful 2020. In the third and final year of her He Korowai Ākonga (Bachelor of Education – Primary Teaching) degree at the Waiwhero campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, she’s also taken part in the Miss Rotorua contest where she was second runner-up in the Mana Wahine section.

Being that “different” social worker

22 October 2020

Armed with social work skills and practical experience she’s acquired while studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Janine (Ngāti Pākehā) is helping make a difference for under pressure whānau in Rotorua.

Janine Thomas fell in love with community work

22 October 2020

Now, armed with social work skills and practical experience she’s acquired while studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Janine (Ngāti Pākehā) is helping make a difference for under pressure whānau in Rotorua.

Smashing it out on forestry course

22 October 2020

Four current students on a Te Wānanga o Aotearoa forestry course, along with one former student, have been part of a crew that smashed out the rare achievement of planting one million trees this season near Rotorua.

Tracey weaves a new way forward

22 October 2020

Raranga kaiako Tracey Robens, pictured here helping one of her students, says her art provides her with spiritual space.

Kai, kōrero and katakata (laughter)

21 October 2020

It started as a get-together for te reo Māori enthusiasts regularly catching up to share their two favourite things – kai (food) and kōrero (conversation).

Woven works wow Wellington

21 October 2020

The Raukura Weavers Collective features woven artworks at an exhibition at Parliament’s Bowen House in Wellington.

Wānanga strengthens tie to Police and Māori Wardens

20 October 2020

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Gisborne is strengthening its ties with Police and Māori Wardens as part of its ongoing push to help local communities./sitecore/media library/Images/TeWananga/News and Events/2020/Clint_Parsons

Telling tamariki the Tūwharetoa story

18 October 2020

One of our Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) graduates Kristy Northcroft has been closely involved in the development of a Lake Taupō cultural knowledge and educational cruise that tells the story of her Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi to students.

Wānanga offering new kapa haka and elder care courses

18 October 2020

The strong passion for developing kapa haka skills in Tairāwhiti has prompted Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Gisborne to offer a targetted new course next year.

Sharing smarts, inspiration and dignity

14 October 2020

Ngarangi Toko has been no stranger to struggle street in the past but the challenges she’s faced help inspire her today to support others.

New Te Wānanga o Aotearoa site in Ngāmotu (New Plymouth)

01 October 2020

New Zealand’s largest provider of te reo Māori education is opening a new campus site in Ngāmotu (New Plymouth), providing newly renovated teaching and learning facilities for tauira (students) and kaimahi (staff).

Mahimaina Mahuru Māori Pā Wars

29 September 2020

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is proud to present a Minecraft minigame from Piki Studios: Mahimaina Pā Wars, a uniquely Māori view of the massively popular video game Minecraft, which has more than 126 million active players worldwide.

Scholarship recipients give it back

16 September 2020

Funding to help hard-hit region

07 September 2020

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to establish and run a work-readiness programme for people impacted by COVID-19 along with providing training opportunities for rangatahi not in employment, education or training.

Bicultural social work degree offers chance to make a difference

20 August 2020

Time to make Matariki a public holiday

23 July 2020

This month we once again greeted Matariki as the star constellation rose above the eastern horizons to herald a new year in te Ao Māori. Matariki is a time for renewal, a time for celebration, a time to plan for the year ahead and a time for reflection.

A star in his own right

12 July 2020

Professor Rangi Mataamua, the Tūhoe astronomer who worked with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to develop the popular Te Iwa o Matariki roadshow exhibition, has been awarded the Prime Minister’s science communications prize from the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Long-term benefits of business study

03 July 2020

It’s taken years of hard work and Alex credits his business studies with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa as providing the base from which the company has grown. “I learned everything about business from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa,” he says.

Timely opening for exhibitions

29 June 2020

Two exhibitions opening in Te Awamutu celebrate the past and the future of art at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Tikanga gets Auckland Transport moving

28 June 2020

Including Māori values in their organisational structure is just one of the ways Auckland Transport is building its knowledge base around te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori.

Good tikanga takes time

12 June 2020

Hemi completed the Level 3 Te Whāinga o te Ao Tikanga programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Whangārei and says like previous tikanga studies he’s undertaken, it will probably take a while to comprehend everything he learned.

Normalising tikanga on lockdown

12 June 2020

Te Wairua - administrator at the Kaikohe campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa - says the benefits of growing up with tikanga and te reo are obvious for her whānau and that knowledge will lead them in the right direction, she says.

Geoff Taylor at haka event in Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton deputy mayor carrying torch for te reo

03 June 2020

The Hamilton deputy mayor says he’s due to start the Papa Reo – NZ Certificate in Te Reo Level 1 home-based learning course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa next month.

Cycles of crisis and Māori resilience

26 May 2020

At Te Wānanga o Aotearoa we are proud of our history and mindful that we are beneficiaries of the foresight and vision of our founding kuia and kaumātua. We keep the stories of their sacrifice and perseverance close as a constant reminder of why we’re here – to achieve our vison of whānau transformation through education and tauira success.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and the TEC renew commitment to partnership

21 May 2020

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) have renewed their commitment to work together in a partnership that is based upon Te Tiriti o Waitangi and focused on learners across Aotearoa.

Dante writes a bright future

08 May 2020

Italian poet Dante was famous for his vision of hell. Dante O’Driscoll from Patetonga is eyeing a far more rosy future, with help from the Waikato-based Youth Services team at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Research leads to push for recognition

23 April 2020

A Te Wānanga o Aotearoa masters tauira is on a mission to see Pasifika Coastwatchers formally recognised for their efforts during WWII. William Cuthers – who has Pacific and Māori heritage – is the grandson and namesake of an original Native Wireless Operator from the Cook Islands.

Māori business accelerator announces 2020 cohort

03 April 2020

Kōkiri is pleased to announce the successful Māori-led start-ups invited to participate in the 2020 programme. Nine technology-focused start-ups from a wide range of industries such as legal services, digital language learning, agri-tech and power generation make up the new cohort.

Ancient Māori methods for new fitness coaching programme

12 March 2020

The way of the warrior involved tests of fitness, agility and mental sharpness. And now these traditional methods Māori used to maintain their health and wellbeing are being offered as a pathway into the fitness coaching industry.

Mātauranga Māori and western science a winning combination

12 March 2020

Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and science have combined to help restore kaimoana stocks in Ōhiwa Harbour.

Stepping stone to stage success

11 March 2020

Aspiring actors, directors, musicians and creatives need look no further than their own backyard for their inspiration, a Kawerau kaiako says.

Trinity's roots in music

11 March 2020

Trinity Kaumoana grew up around music and comes from a whānau of amazing singers.

Tikanga provides benefits at home and work

10 March 2020

Studying tikanga Māori has been helpful for Mandy Crawford Marsters both at work and in her personal life.

Turning great ideas into great success

10 March 2020

You might have a great business idea that could change the world and make you millions.

Mātauranga Māori helping to tame ngā taniwha

06 March 2020

Battling the taniwha of addiction and poor mental health affecting Māori in the Bay of Plenty takes much aroha, persistence and skill, with progress not perfection important watchwords.

Telling our stories through visual arts

25 February 2020

Taika Waititi said at the Oscars that indigenous people are “the original story tellers” and Johnny Moetara loves nothing more than giving people the skills to tell those stories through art.

Whanau transforming aboard the waka

24 February 2020

A Tauranga family has become thoroughly immersed in the world of waka ama after mum Nakita Te Huia and dad Richard Angell did a Certificate of Waka Ama Level 4 course last year at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Telling stories with technology

21 February 2020

Ōpōtiki residents are being offered the opportunity to learn how to use technology to tell their stories through art. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiako (tutor) Sid Thompson says art is an excellent way for people to tell their stories and express themselves and using technology can only enhance that ability.

New Māori medicine and adult teaching courses in Kawerau

10 February 2020

High community interest in learning more about traditional Māori medicine (Rongoā) has prompted Te Wānanga o Aotearoa ki Kawerau to offer a new course teaching about these healing skills. “We’ve introduced the programme into the community as there has been high interest amongst local people in Rongoā Māori,” says Jacqueline McRae-Tarei, the Kaiwhakahaere Ako (manager educational delivery) for Kawerau.

Honouring his tipuna through te reo

19 May 2019

For Arran Pene, his developing proficiency in te reo Māori is, in part, about paying tribute to his tīpuna. “I get satisfaction out of honouring my tīpuna by speaking te reo,” says the 52-year-old Hamilton-born and based former All Black. Arran (Ngāti Wairere), who’s recently graduated with a level 6 diploma in te reo from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, played in 15 All Blacks tests and eight games for the New Zealand Māori side.

New focus on doing good

19 May 2019

From being something of a self-confessed, unmotivated teenage “ratbag”, Joshua Wallace is now focused on establishing himself in a sound career as a police officer where he can help others.

Royal approval for writing

30 April 2019

An academic article written by a Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira has been given the seal of approval from the highest level.

Weaving a secure future

03 April 2019

A Te Wānanga o Aotearoa masters tauira has gone from working in security to taking part in international arts residencies where he shares his weaving expertise with indigenous artists.

Graduation for Marlborough's mayor

21 February 2019

Marlborough’s mayor John Leggett has just graduated from Level 2 Te Ara Reo Māori (He Pī Ka Pao). He says his study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has given him confidence to kōrero when doing public speaking and made him comfortable with tikanga.

Māori and Mandarin at Te Matatini

19 February 2019

A Te Wānanga o Aotearoa librarian is taking Te Matatini Ki Te Ao (Te Matatini to the world) quite literally, and translating the final day of the kapa haka champs into Mandarin – the language spoken by about 1.2 billion people

Award caps big year for kaiako

12 December 2018

From Mob to Masters

12 December 2018

Lucy’s loving learning

12 December 2018

She was once scared to try new things, but now Lucy Pearce could be a walking prospectus of programmes to study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa wins big at awards

12 December 2018

The world’s most popular video game and a weekly podcast of all things te ao Māori, helped Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to win the education categories at Ngā Tohu Reo Māori - the Māori Language Awards.

Ōtautahi site open for business

21 September 2018

An early morning start in Ōtautahi was rewarded with a breakfast of champions at the new Te Wānanga o Aotearoa site in Christchurch.

Whakairo forges a future for tā moko artist

05 September 2018

Hemi Schuster was a stay-at-home dad before he came to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to study Kāwai Raupapa Level 4 - whakairo and is now studying for his diploma

Degree acknowledges Limas dedication

22 August 2018

At Auckland Graduation on June 15, the audience gave Tuulima Alesana Segi Lesoa a standing ovation as she walked across the stage and adorned her kaiako

Te Wananga o Aotearoa appoints Te Ururoa Flavell as new CEO

18 July 2018

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa today announced Te Ururoa Flavell as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Djuan Ruland - Amata | Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Age no issue for young teacher

30 May 2018

Being the youngest in her class didn’t bother Djuan Ruland-Umata during the three years she spent studying for a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree

Traditional methods for current problems

30 May 2018

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira are using traditional methods and mātauranga Māori to rid their waters of a contemporary pest.

Former tauira delivers treat

18 May 2018

A former music tauira is so grateful for how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa changed his world that he wants to help it change someone else’s.

Honour for top artist

18 May 2018

Senior kaiako – Rauangi Sandy Adsett has been presented with an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Massey University.

Wāhine take up the tools

02 May 2018

Construction stereotypes are taking a hammering at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, as three tauira wāhine pick up the tools for all the right reasons.

Who the cap fit

02 May 2018

Adrienne Spratt may have just made a whole lot more work for herself. The Papaioea kaiako surprised her Maunga Kura Toi – Raranga tauira at their recent graduation by capping them with hand woven trenchers, rather than the traditional academic cap.

Tumuratonga Keri Milne-Ihimaera and rangahau advisor Morehu McDonald

Doctorate success for duo

05 April 2018

Tumuratonga Keri Milne-Ihimaera and rangahau advisor Morehu McDonald have received the highest qualification awarded by a university-a doctorate.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with wahakura

Toi graduate creates PM’s wahakura.

05 April 2018

When Hemi May Kelly was studying towards her Maunga Kura Toi (Raranga) degree at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa she never imagined she’d be creating something for the first child of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

TWoA CEO does not seek to extend contract

04 March 2018

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa CEO Dr Jim Mather’s time at the helm of the second largest tertiary provider in New Zealand will end in October this year after announcing he will not seek a contract extension.

Cafe owners on the podium

16 January 2018

Even on the worst days, turning up to work at the Podium Café overlooking Lake Karāpiro is “something special” say owners Kim Lee and Ali Foers.

Making up for lost time

06 December 2017

Mind your business with Mana Ora

22 November 2017

Couple stick together on language journey

21 November 2017

A Pōrirua couple learning te reo Māori together have come a long way in a relatively short time but say they still have a long way to go.

Understanding rangahau

21 November 2017

If you want to understand rangahau, forget about research because it’s not the same thing.

TWoA rebrand design wins major award

26 October 2017

The design team of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have received major kudos for our rebrand at a glitzy awards evening.

Standing up for his suburb

12 September 2017

As a development worker for One Double Five Community House in Whangārei, Makoare Hoterene is passionate about education and building relationships to empower people.

The art of business

29 August 2017

A new tā moko/tattoo studio and gallery space in Hastings is backed by five local men who are all Bachelor of Māori Art graduates of Toimairangi, the school of Māori Visual Arts.

Ben's labour of love

02 August 2017

When graphic designer Ben Oge visited the island of Upolu earlier this year, to honour the passing of his parents, it sparked a labour of love.

Maori Music Month

02 August 2017

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa looks forward to celebrating Te Marama Waiata Pūoro Māori – Māori Music Month by highlighting its own album, Songs of Rangahau.

CSBM proves the icing on Angeleens cake

03 July 2017

A Whāngarei woman who gave up a nursing career to go into business making raw cakes is working with Air New Zealand to have her products used on the airline.

Catching up with Aoife

21 June 2017

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa congratulates new Knight

04 June 2017

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is immensely proud that one of its long-serving exemplars of Māori language tuition and revitalisation, Dr Tīmoti Kāretu, has been awarded a Knighthood.

Facing finance fears paying off

24 May 2017

For Reuben and Raquel Warren, overcoming the fear to face their finances is literally paying off.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa mourns passing of matriarch

04 May 2017

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is mourning the loss of our respected matriarch, beloved kuia and aunty to many, Marie Panapa.

He whare hou ki Te Wānanga o Aotearoa mō tēnei Kīngi | King of the castle finds new home at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

15 March 2017

The 44-year-old picked up the tools last year to build a house as part of his Te Wānanga o Aotearoa carpentry programme, and has no plans to put them down.

Artistic dream revived

16 January 2017

Paretapu-Teira Penetito Waru was in a classroom when it dawned upon her she had nearly forgotten what her high school dream actually was.

Mako makes her move

16 January 2017

When Mako Jones became a grandmother, she knew it was time to let her own light shine. "My mokopuna deserve to know te reo, no matter how young or old," she says.

Vianney Parata's ambition to be a Tā Moko artist is etching closer by the day.

16 January 2017

Vianney Parata's ambition to be a Tā Moko artist is etching closer by the day.

The knowledge base was the pull for me

05 December 2016

With a degree in whakairo, a diploma in adult education and active involvement at Mataatua Marae in Māngere, Jay Mason was more than ready to delve into the Applied Masters of Indigenous Knowledge at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

He Waka Hiringa tauira wins top scholarship

21 November 2016

A Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge tauira is the inaugural winner of a Sir Hugh Kawharu Research Grant.

The call of duty

08 November 2016

They make an arresting couple but new police recruit Craig Hays and Constable Terri-Anne Paea are more interested in their criminally cute new daughter Emma

Language lessons from Japan

24 October 2016

Katie finds her calling

10 October 2016

Weaving a future

10 October 2016

Never too old to learn

26 September 2016

Eyes opened later in life

13 September 2016

Waka should be treated as a gift and shown to the world

12 September 2016

From kete to kāwhenga

15 August 2016

While Tangimoe Clay continues to highlight the benefits of flax as a renewable resource, she says weaving is not just about fibre.

Popular programme tough to Master

15 August 2016

The first Masters programme offered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is proving so popular it has already expanded once and is likely to do so again.

Talking the talk

15 August 2016

A “brainwave” two years ago to speak only te reo Māori for the month of September has grown to include more than 30 people and now encourages others to speak

Prestigious scholarships presented to tauira

02 August 2016

New chair elected to lead TWoA

04 July 2016

The council of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has elected Vanessa Eparaima as chairperson, replacing Richard Batley who has stood down after eight years in the role.

Three year Police pursuit ends successfully

04 July 2016

While some people celebrate their 21st with a yard glass, Eruera Rāwiri marked the milestone by receiving the key to a career in the Police.

Aoife Finn’s visit to New Zealand

20 June 2016

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TwoA) is delighted to announce it will sponsor a visit to New Zealand by Irish Māori language PhD student Aoife Finn. Aoife’s te reo Māori exploits on Twitter brought her to the attention of media both in Aotearoa and Ireland last month when it was revealed she was in the second year of her PhD at Trinity College, Dublin - studying Māori syntax. She has been studying te reo Māori for six years – but she has never visited Aotearoa nor has she ever met a Māori in person.

Irish te reo Māori tauira Aoife Finn overwhelmed and honoured to visit Aotearoa

20 June 2016

From the marae to the motu via a Matariki postage stamp

06 June 2016

Daughters for the return home to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

24 May 2016

Mixing materials and motherhood

24 May 2016

Tamariki and passion for te reo brings Waikato couple home

26 April 2016

Weavers' solution for insatiable demand for wahakura

12 April 2016

Graduates behind the wire using literacy and numeracy to further education

11 April 2016

Six men received their Intensive Literacy and Numeracy programme certificates at Hawkes Bay Regional Prison in front of Corrections and TWoA staff.

Carved wharenui a labour of love

16 February 2016

Carved wharenui a labour of love Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

History and tauira journey revealed in Tauranga pou

16 February 2016

History and tauira journey revealed in Tauranga pou, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Anahera-Pono credits TWoA for her transition

02 February 2016

She’s a singer in reggae band NRG Rising and a mother, shes also a Level 5 Diploma in Adult Education

Komene Cassidy and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe

Panekiretanga graduates rewarded for efforts to revitalise te reo

16 December 2015

It’s almost exhausting hearing the lengths couple Komene Cassidy and his partner Paulette Tamati-Elliffe go to to retain and revitalise te reo Māori in their hometown of Dunedin.

Tauranga site completed and ready for Tauira

30 November 2015

An early morning blessing heralded new beginnings for the latest Te Wānanga o Aotearoa site in Tauranga.

Bachelor of Social Work Te Wananga o Aotearoa

Mokopuna inspires change for Tricia

17 November 2015

Discover the journey of Tricia Walsh. From languishing in a prison cell to a Bachelor of Social Work.

Patukoraha in danger of dying

19 October 2015

From Tonga to New York

21 September 2015

Visesio Siasau and his wife Serene Tay, are off for a six-month residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, New York after he was named Paramount Award Winner in the 24th Wallace Art Awards earlier this month.