New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo Māori (He Pī Ka Pao) Level 1

New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo Māori (He Pī Ka Pao) Level 1

New Zealand Certificate In Te Reo (Rumaki Reo Rua) Level 2

This Level is the first part of a 36-week programme, New Zealand Certificate In Te Reo Māori (Rumaki Reo Rua) Level 2.

This is an interactive bilingual beginner’s level Māori language programme. This programme level will introduce the learner to conversational Māori language and basic tikanga Māori.

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Key Details
Queenstown
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
1
Credits:
60
Duration:

Face to face 3 hours class 

20+ hours of study per week 

2x One Day Wananga (Saturday classes – 8 hours) 

1x Noho (Weekend classes – Friday to Sunday – 26 hours)

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:

2026 Intake 1: 16 February to 16 November

2026 Intake 2: 17 February to 17 November

2026 Intake 3: 18 February to 18 November
Fees:

The Zero Fees Scheme applies to this programme

  • No tuition fees
  • No direct material costs
     

If you want to learn some basic Māori language, this is the perfect place to start at Level 1. Whether you want to use Te Reo Māori at home with the kids or in the workplace, this interactive programme will have you speaking with confidence in no time.

You will start with how to correctly pronounce Māori words, names, and place names. We’ll teach you basic greetings and how to introduce yourself, as well as how to understand and follow tikanga (protocols). Our Kaiako (tutors) are experienced with teaching beginners, and you’ll be with other Tauira (students) who have the same aspirations to learn our indigenous language.

Te Reo Māori has become a part of the educational landscape of Aotearoa. Past graduates have been newsreaders, public figures, teachers, school principals and businesspeople - many who have advanced to higher levels of study in Te Reo Māori.

You will learn:

  • pronunciation
  • introductions
  • basic vocabulary
  • basic sentence structures
  • tikanga (customs and protocols)

You will know how to:

  • correctly pronounce Māori words, names and place names
  • use basic greetings and introduce yourself.
  • understand and follow tikanga (protocols)
  • perform some waiata.
  • use Māori words with confidence.
  • understand basic sentence structures.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will receive the following qualification:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Reo Rua) Level 2

You must complete both Level 1 and Level 2 to receive the qualification. You will automatically be enrolled into Level 2 once you enrol into this course.

     

Aotearoa

This kōnae ako introduces ākonga (students) to the pronunciation of Māori words, sounds, informal greetings, and farewells as well as the teaching methodology of Te Ako Whakatere.

Whakapapa

This kōnae ako introduces ākonga to understanding and using numbers. Ākonga are also able to introduce themselves in a formal and informal setting.

Wāhi

This kōnae ako introduces ākonga to the language of objects, people, body parts and locations. Ākonga then have the opportunity to follow and gives some simple instructions.

Te Wā

This kōnae ako introduces ākonga to the language of time, days of the week, months, seasons of the year and dates.

Te Reo Māori skills will be useful in everyday life in Aotearoa. They'll also be great if you work in education, Māori organisations, media or anywhere you deal with the public.

On completion of this programme, graduates will have developed an understanding and knowledge of:

  • Correct pronunciation of sounds and words
  • Foundational sentence structures, grammar conventions and contextual vocabulary
  • Technical knowledge of foundational level Te Reo Māori in selected contexts and develop an emerging respect for Te Reo Māori.
  • Foundational level Te Reo Māori to achieve tasks in specified contexts.
  • Māori social organisation, institutions, protocols, and practices
  • Knowledge of Ako Whakatere methodology
  • Awareness of their individual learning styles and the ability to advocate for themselves.
  • Participating in huihuinga
     

To successfully complete the New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Bilingual) (Level 2) students will need: 

  • A minimum of 60 credits in accordance with the Programme schedule for the New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Level 1). 
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Bilingual) (Level 2) programme of study full-time over one year or part-time over two years. 
  • Successful completion of the Level 1 part of this programme will lead you to Level 2 and once completed, your qualification. 

Please Note: Students failing to attend for 80% of the timetabled programme hours may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

Monday 6pm to 9pm

or

Tuesday 6pm to 9pm

Face to face 3 hours class 

20+ hours of study per week 

2x One Day Wananga (Saturday classes – 8 hours) 

1x Noho (Weekend classes – Friday to Sunday – 26 hours)

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