Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi
Language & Literature
A course by
University of Waikato
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.
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.

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

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.

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Language services
Cultural sector

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)


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Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details