Study Māori Performing Arts

First year courses

WAIATA501 – Ngā Tikanga Waiata-ā-ringa

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This paper requires tauira to critically reflect upon, and articulate their lived experiences of waiata-ā-ringa. The intent of this paper is to strengthen development in, and articulation of, personal knowledge in relation to waiata-ā-ringa.

MOT501 – Ngā Tikanga Mōteatea

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This paper requires tauira to critically reflect upon and articulate their lived experiences of mōteatea. The intent of this paper is to strengthen development in, and articulation of, personal knowledge in relation to mōteatea.

MAU501 – Ngā Tikanga Mau Poi/Patu/Rākau

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This paper requires tauira to critically reflect upon, and articulate their lived experiences of either mau poi, mau patu, or mau rākau. The intent of this paper is to strengthen development in, and articulation of, personal knowledge in relation to either mau poi, mau patu, or mau rākau

HAK501 – Ngā Tikanga Haka

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This paper requires tauira to critically reflect upon, and articulate their lived experiences of haka. The intent of this paper is to strengthen development in, and articulation of, personal knowledge in relation to haka.

Second year courses

KAP601 Leadership

Course Type:  Core

• Description: This paper will introduce tauira to the concepts of kapa haka leadership. It provides tauira with models of Māori leadership and examines the roles and responsibilities of kaitātaki and tutor positions.

KAP602 Visual Presentation

Course Type:  Core

• Description: Introduction to Māori Art and Visual Culture in Kapa Haka. This paper studies the practical and conceptual development of Māori Art and its relationship to Kapa Haka. Tauira will use an art making process as an output for their research, and to disseminate cultural knowledge. 

KAP603 He Toi Wānanga: Practicum 2

Course Type:  Core

• Description: This practicum paper builds on KAP106 to further develop practical skills and abilities. This paper focuses specifically on whakawhanaungatanga, team building, communication and personal development.

KAP604 He Toi Wānanga: Performance 2

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  Building on from KAP107, this performance paper examines enhanced performance ability within an extended selection of Māori performing arts kapa haka performance disciplines.

Third year courses

KAP701 He Toi Whakaara: Leadership and Influence

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This course examines kapa haka as a force for cultural leadership, identity, and community transformation. Tauira analyse leadership roles, required skills, and values, exploring how kapa haka supports knowledge transmission, revitalisation, and development, applying kaupapa Māori leadership frameworks to contemporary Māori Performing Arts contexts. 

KAP702 He Toi Whakaaro: Mass Media and Cultural Art

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This course examines how mass media shapes perceptions of Māori Performing Arts, analysing portrayals across television, film, and digital platforms. Students explore impacts on communities and meanings of pūrākau, tā moko, kākahu, atua domains, and taonga pūoro over time today. 

KAP703 He Toi Whakairo: Composition Critique

Course Type:  Core

• Description: This course aims to develop advanced skills in Māori performing arts through the research, composition, and presentation of original waiata. Students will explore traditional and contemporary forms of waiata, applying kaupapa Māori methodologies to create culturally grounded compositions that reflect meaningful narratives and uphold the integrity of te ao Māori.
  

KAP704 He Toi Whakaari: Practicum and Performance

Course Type:  Core

• Description:  This course offers advanced applied practice in Māori performing arts, extending prior skills through intensive training in kapa haka, waiata, haka, mau rākau and poi. Students develop performance proficiency, cultural authenticity, self-directed learning and collaborative practices across diverse expressive forms.