Te Ata Pō - Foundations in Māori Language, Culture and Worldview | Blended

Te Ata Pō is your gateway to confidently engaging with te ao Māori. 

Build confidence in pronunciation and using basic Māori words and sentences. Learn formal and informal greetings and farewells for everyday contexts. Introduce yourself in te reo Māori with simple sentences. Engage in cultural practices such as basic, everyday karakia (prayers/incantations) and waiata tautoko (songs to support the speaker). 

Through practical activities, interactive in-person classes, and self-directed online learning, Te Ata Pō strengthens your cultural capability while supporting your personal and professional growth. 

Start your journey today and connect meaningfully with Aotearoa’s unique heritage.

Te Ata Pō is ideal for: 

• Individuals beginning their Māori language learning journey 

• Professionals wanting to deepen cultural understanding 

• Organisations looking to build cultural confidence across teams 

• Māori reconnecting with language, tikanga, or heritage 

• Anyone wanting to better understand and engage with Māori communities and contexts 

• No previous experience in te reo or tikanga Māori is required. 

Key areas explored in the course include:  

1. Pronunciation and Alphabet 

• Learn and pronounce the Māori alphabet. 

• Correctly pronounce Māori place names locally and across Aotearoa. 

• Understand dialectal differences (mita) and regional variations. 

2. Cultural Principles in Language Use 

• Apply manaakitanga (care and respect) through accurate pronunciation. 

• Demonstrate manaakitanga and whanaungatanga in introductions (mihimihi). 

3. Greetings and Introductions 

• Use formal and informal greetings and farewells in different settings (hui, email, informal catch-ups, welcoming visitors). 

• Introduce yourself using simple sentences (name, origin, role/job title). 

4. Karakia and Waiata 

• Understand the purpose and context of opening and closing karakia. 

• Identify appropriate situations for karakia and waiata tautoko. 

Your course will be led by an experienced facilitator, qualified in Māori language, tikanga, and cultural capability education. They will bring extensive expertise and a passion for Māori education to guide you throughout your learning journey. 

All Te Ata Pō facilitators are selected for their: 

• Strong command of te reo Māori 

• Deep understanding of Māori worldview, and cultural practices 

• Experience delivering safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments 

• Ability to support learners at all levels 

• Commitment to empowering participants with confidence and cultural insight 

Full Pricing = NZ$1800 + GST

Payment Options: Payment is by Visa or Master Card credit card in advance.

Can I access the materials after the course? 

Yes. Although Te Ata Pō is delivered over a four-week period, participants will have full access to all learning activities for eight weeks from the course start date, followed by an additional four weeks of read-only access to review their learning. Access to the facilitator is available only for the duration of the four-week course delivery period. 

Are there assessments? 

No. There are no formal assessments for this course. However, the programme includes tasks and quizzes designed to support and reinforce learning, and these may be completed and repeated as many times as required. 

Will I receive a certificate of completion? 

Yes. Certificates of completion will be emailed to participants upon successful completion of the course, if registration requirements have been met and payment has been received. 

Are there early bird discounts? 

Yes. For blended delivery, a one-hundred-and-fifty-dollar early bird discount is available for registrations and payments completed more than six weeks prior to the course start date. 

Can I register for multiple courses? 

Yes. Participants may register for multiple courses. For the best learning experience, it is recommended that courses are scheduled in a way that allows learners to focus on completing one course at a time. 

Is support available? 

Yes. Support is available through the online learning community. The facilitator provides learning support for the duration of the four-week course delivery period. Participants are also encouraged to engage with their cohort and participate in peer-to-peer support. For direct enquiries, participants may contact the team via the web form at https://tearawai.twoa.ac.nz/contact-us. 

Can I enrol with friends or colleagues? 

Yes. Enrolling with family members, friends, and or colleagues is strongly encouraged and can enhance the overall learning experience. 

What if I fall behind? 

If life gets busy, do not worry. Participants will continue to have access to the course materials beyond the delivery period, allowing them to revisit content and progress at their own pace. Learners are also encouraged to connect with their peer group for additional support. If further assistance is required, participants may contact the team via the web form at https://tearawai.twoa.ac.nz/contact-us.