Tū Kaha

Apply Māori Cultural Capability (Level 6)

Tū Kaha - Apply Māori Cultural Capability (Level 6)

Move beyond awareness and into action through the application of mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori and cultural integrity within your workplace.

Tū Kaha is a Level 6 Micro-credential (15 credits) that helps participants to apply Māori cultural capability within their professional, organisational and community roles.

Building on foundational cultural capability, participants critically explore mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori, te reo Māori, cultural integrity, leadership, organisational practice, and approaches that contribute to equitable outcomes and meaningful engagement with Māori communities.

Through reflective inquiry, workplace application and practical implementation, learners strengthen their ability to embed Māori values and perspectives into decision-making, relationship-building, service delivery and organisational development.

Tū Kaha responds to a growing demand for capability that moves beyond awareness and into authentic practice, supporting organisations to create culturally responsive environments that deliver positive outcomes for their people and communities.

Why study Tū Kaha?

Tū Kaha is designed for professionals, leaders and organisations seeking to strengthen the practical application of Māori cultural capability within their workplace, community and leadership practice.

Through critical reflection, workplace-based learning and practical implementation, learners develop the confidence and capability to apply mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori and Māori values in ways that support organisational effectiveness, meaningful engagement and equitable outcomes.

The programme equips participants to strengthen relationships with Māori, contribute to culturally responsive systems and services, and support organisational change informed by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives.

Learn through a kaupapa Māori approach

Learners engage in a kaupapa Māori learning environment grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, tikanga Māori and reflective practice. Learning is practical, relational and focused on real-world application.

Apply learning directly to your workplace

Tū Kaha emphasises workplace implementation, enabling participants to critically reflect on current practice, identify opportunities for improvement, and apply learning within professional, organisational and community settings.

Strengthen culturally responsive leadership and practice

Participants develop practical strategies to embed Māori values, frameworks and ways of working into leadership, decision-making, service delivery, relationship management and organisational development.

Gain a recognised qualification in Māori cultural capability

As a Level 6 micro-credential, Tū Kaha provides an academically recognised pathway for learners seeking to deepen and apply Māori cultural capability. It also supports progression into further undergraduate and postgraduate study.

What you'll learn from Tū Kaha

Explore Māori worldviews, values and tikanga, and their application within contemporary organisational settings to strengthen relationships, engagement and workplace practice.
Examine Māori approaches to wellbeing and equity, and develop strategies that contribute to culturally responsive systems, services and outcomes.
Explore the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori values and culturally centred frameworks in shaping leadership, decision-making and organisational change.

Who should apply?

Tū Kaha is designed for professionals, leaders and practitioners who are ready to move beyond cultural awareness and strengthen the application of Māori cultural capability within their work.

It is particularly relevant for:

Public sector professionals
Local government staff
Organisational leaders and managers
Policy, strategy and advisory roles
Community development practitioners
Health and social service professionals
Human resources and people leaders
Education and workforce development professionals
Māori engagement, partnership and relationship managers
Professionals working alongside Māori communities, whānau, hapū and iwi

Organisations may also choose to enrol groups or teams as part of broader workforce capability, leadership development and organisational transformation initiatives.

Entry requirements

While not mandatory, applicants who have completed Tū Māia - Building Māori Cultural Capability or equivalent professional development in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori or related fields may be better prepared for success in this programme.

Delivery format

Tū Kaha is delivered through a blend of noho wānanga, online learning and guided independent study.

Learning experiences are designed to support critical reflection, workplace application and the practical implementation of Māori values, knowledge systems and culturally responsive approaches within organisational settings.

Learners are supported through a collaborative learning environment grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and shared inquiry.

Learning areas: