Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi

Language & Literature

An intensive, one-year total immersion Māori language programme designed to produce fluent and competent speakers of te reo Māori, regardless of their starting level of fluency.

NZ$8,261

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

(120 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Available in 2 locations

It will take a total of 1 year

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Fluency in te reo Māori

Develop the ability to speak, understand, read and write in te reo Māori at an advanced level, regardless of starting proficiency.

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Comprehensive language skills

Gain competence in a range of oral, written and comprehension skills through structured modules from introductory to advanced level.

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Cultural competence and appreciation

Deepen understanding of Māori culture, protocol, and leadership, including immersion experiences such as marae stays and kapa haka.

What You're Signing Up For

The Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi at the University of Waikato is an intensive full immersion Māori language programme, delivered over one year and comprising 120 points. Through daily classes and a unique learning environment that includes campus- and marae-based experiences, students gain language proficiency from beginner to advanced, and deepen their understanding of te reo Māori, its cultural protocols, expression, and revitalisation. Graduates exit as fluent and confident speakers of te reo Māori and have the option to credit the diploma toward further degrees in the arts or social sciences. 

Course Content

  • MAORI111 Te Reo Māori: Introductory 1 - greetings, farewells, family relationships, numbers, time, shopping, commands
  • MAORI112 Te Reo Māori: Introductory 2 - mealtimes, instructions/commands, idioms, clothing, body parts, Marae protocol
  • MAORI157 Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Haka - theory and practice of kapa haka
  • MAORI210 Te Whakahaumanu Reo - Māori and Indigenous Language Revitalisation, colonisation impact, revitalisation initiatives
  • MAORI211 Te Reo Māori: Intermediate 1 - complex communication, detailed directions, descriptions
  • MAORI212 Te Reo Māori: Intermediate 2 - communication about feelings, emotions, describing weather
  • MAORI311 Te Reo Māori: Advanced 1 - advanced written and spoken Māori in a wide range of contexts
  • MAORI312 Te Reo Māori: Advanced 2 - whaikōrero, karanga, idiom, proverb, Māori leadership

What you need to know first

NCEA University Entrance or equivalent

Or admission via discretionary, entrance at entrance level, special admission, or previous university entrance.

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Education

  • Language services

  • Cultural sector

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Teacher of te reo Māori

  • Cultural advisor

  • Public sector roles requiring te reo Māori fluency

  • Community language advocate

  • Pathway to further study (e.g., BA or BSocSci with a Te Reo Māori major)