Tū Māia

Tū Māia - Build Māori Cultural Capability (Level 5)

Build confidence in te ao Māori. Strengthen cultural capability. Create meaningful change in your workplace.

Tū Māia is an NZQA-approved Level 5 micro-credential that helps organisations and professionals strengthen Māori cultural capability and confidently apply te ao Māori in workplace practice.

Grounded in te ao Māori, the programme supports learners to deepen their understanding of Māori worldviews, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga, te reo Māori, equity, anti-racism and effective engagement with Māori communities and stakeholders.

Through wānanga-based learning, online engagement and guided independent study, Tū Māia creates space for learners to apply learning in ways that support culturally authentic, inclusive and responsive workplaces.

Why study Tū Māia?

Tū Māia is designed for organisations seeking to move beyond cultural awareness towards culturally responsive practice and leadership.

Through critical reflection and practical application, learners explore te ao Māori, the impacts of colonisation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the role of equity and anti-racism in contemporary Aotearoa workplaces.

The programme aligns with the intent of Whāinga Amorangi, supporting the growth of a public service and workforce that is better equipped to improve services and outcomes for Māori and strengthen relationships between Māori and the Crown.

By building Māori cultural capability across teams, organisations can strengthen relationships with Māori, support more equitable outcomes, and create workplaces that are culturally responsive and inclusive.

Learn through a kaupapa Māori approach

Learners engage with te ao Māori through a kaupapa Māori learning environment that values whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, tikanga, te reo Māori and reflective practice. The programme is designed to support learning that is relational, practical, and connected to workplace application.

Flexible learning designed for working professionals

Tū Māia is delivered through a blend of noho or wānanga-based learning, online classes and self-directed study. Designed for working professionals, this flexible approach enables learners to balance work and personal commitments while benefiting from the experiential, and reflective learning that is central to a kaupapa Māori learning environment.

Gain a recognised qualification in Māori cultural capability

As an NZQA-approved micro-credential, Tū Māia provides an academically recognised pathway for learners and organisations seeking to strengthen Māori cultural capability. It may also support learners who wish to continue into further cultural capability, tikanga, te reo Māori or related study pathways.

What you’ll learn from Tū Māia

• Explore Māori worldviews and understand how diverse ways of knowing can support fair, inclusive and culturally responsive organisational practice.

• Develop a deeper understanding of systemic racism, equity and anti-racism, using reflective practice to strengthen cultural authenticity and awareness in workplace settings.

• Examine Aotearoa New Zealand's colonial history and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, identifying practical ways to uphold Te Tiriti within policies, services and organisational decision-making.

• Strengthen confidence in engaging with Māori communities, values, knowledge systems and perspectives.

• Apply learning directly to leadership, communication and workplace practice.

Who should apply?

Tū Māia is designed for professionals, leaders and teams seeking to strengthen Māori cultural capability within their organisations.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Public sector professionals

• Local government staff

• Organisational leaders and managers

• Policy, community and engagement teams

• Human resources and people leaders

• Professionals working alongside Māori communities, whānau and iwi

Organisations may also choose to enrol cohorts of learners as part of broader workforce capability and professional development initiatives.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed as part of the enrolment and application process. Applicants may be asked to demonstrate that they are able to participate in a Level 5 micro-credential and commit to blended learning requirements.

Delivery format

Tū Māia blends wānanga, online learning, and self-directed study with immersive marae and taiao-based experiences. Through engagement with iwi and hapū histories, narratives, and perspectives, learners deepen their understanding of Māori worldviews and the enduring impacts of colonisation, reflecting on how this knowledge can inform leadership, decision-making and professional practice.

Learners are supported by a learning environment grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and shared reflection.

Learning areas:

• Māori and world view knowledge systems

• Understanding systemic racism: exploring stereotypes, equity, and anti-racism in Aotearoa

• NZ colonial history and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Key Programme information

Qualification: NZQA-approved Micro-credential

Level: Level 5

Credits: 20

Focus: Māori cultural capability and workplace practice

Delivery: Blended learning

Suitable for: Public sector, local government, community organisations and businesses