Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori
Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori
Discover the depths of Māori knowledge and worldview.
Explore te reo, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori.
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of te ao Māori with the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. This degree is designed for those passionate about revitalising, preserving, and advancing Māori knowledge systems, language, and cultural practices.
The programme encourages you to explore mātauranga Māori through academic, community, and cultural lenses and is intended for those who want to deepen their understanding of te ao Māori, connect with traditional knowledge, and strengthen Māori leadership in our communities.
Learn from respected Māori scholars and be empowered to apply mātauranga Māori across diverse settings where you can contribute meaningfully to your whānau, marae, hapū and iwi.
Why study the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori?
Grounded in tikanga and te reo Māori
Deepen your understanding of Māori philosophies, histories, and values.
Pathways for leadership and community impact
Prepare for careers in education, iwi development, research, policy or support efforts of your marae, hapū and iwi.
Strengthen identity
Connect deeply with te ao Māori, whakapapa, identity, and mātauranga Māori.
Supportive and flexible learning
Study in a nurturing environment with flexible delivery including online learning, self-directed study and in-person noho (onsite learning). Benefit from small class sizes and academic support.
What you’ll learn in the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori:
- Application of mātauranga Māori across different contexts
- Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga (language and cultural practice)
- Traditional and contemporary Māori knowledge systems
- Whakapapa, Māori cosmology and Māori philosophy
- Māori and indigenous research methodologies
- Tikanga and kawa as applied in marae, hapū, and iwi including mihi, karanga, kai, waiata, haka and kauhau
- Māori leadership and community development, innovation, and governance
Who should apply?
- Those passionate about mātauranga Māori, Māori research, education, leadership, and community development.
- Aspiring Māori educators, cultural advisors, and advocates.
- Those interested in iwi, hapū, and Māori development, community leadership, policy, or research.
Individuals with competency in te reo Māori. - Those who want to contribute to revitalising and protecting indigenous knowledge for future generations.
- People seeking personal growth in te ao Māori, identity, and connection to heritage.
Dates
Year 1: Mar to Dec 2026, Year 2: Feb to Nov 2026Duration
3 years full-time study, 40 weeks per year (you must re-enrol each year)Commitment
Blended learning including online learning, directed and self-directed learningApplications close
March 2026Locations
Whakatāne, alternative approved marae and educational sitesRequirements
Select link belowPathway to
Select link belowFees
Select link belowYEAR 1 COURSES
MTM101 Tikanga 1
Course type: Core
- Description: This kōwae ako covers the fundamentals of tikanga, its definition, development and practice in a range of contexts, as underpinned by mātauranga Māori.
MTM102 Tū Marae 1
Course type: Core
- Description: This kōwae ako is underpinned my mātauranga Māori, in such things including Māori practice: mihi, karanga kai, waiata, haka and kauhau (speaking on a topic).
MTM103 Tirohanga Rangahau 1
Course type: Core
- Description: This kōwae ako introduces Māori research required to conduct research through mātauranga Māori lens; including but not limited to oral traditions, observational experiences and relationships through and with our environment and others.
MTM104 Te Ao Māori 1
Course type: Core
- Description: This kōwae ako covers the traditional māori belief systems through, but not limited to cosmology, Atua Māori, and the origins and the beginnings of the concept of tapu.
MTM105 Whakapapa 1
Course type: Core
- Description: This kōwae ako covers whakapapa underpinned by mātauranga Māori. Tauira will explore their whānau and hapū lines.
MTM106 Maramataka 1
Course type: Core
Description: This kōwae ako covers knowledge of the universe, the stars, the moon and the planets and how this affect human activity underpinned by mātauranga Māori. The kōwae ako covers:
- The creation of the heavens in detail
- The stars and te mahi tātai arorangi, or astronomy
- The seasons and maramataka, the monthly and yearly calendars,
- Patterns of life in relation to the movement of heavenly bodies.
MTM107 Hautūtanga 1
Course type: Core
Description: This paper will explore examples of Leadership in Māori contexts. Tauira will be exposed to a range of definitions of leadership, as they pertain to multiple contexts in Aotearoa, including whānau, hapu, iwi and oral traditions. Tauira will explore concepts and ideas of individual and collective leadership.
Tomo mai ki Awanuiārangi
Experience Awanuiārangi
Whakapā mai/Contact us
Mereaira Hata
- Phone: 027 292 4239
- Email: mereaira.hata@wananga.ac.nz
Awatea Paterson
- Phone: 027 279 2238
- Email: awatea.paterson@wananga.ac.nz
Interested? Make an enquiry
We will email you an info pack