Course Overview

Do you wish to contribute to your whānau and your iwi through trust participation?

Transform your previous experience into qualifications and build first level management skills with this course which is delivered on week nights and occasional weekend wānanga to allow you to continue working while you upskill. 

This course contributes to professional, ethical, social and culturally responsive Māori leadership. You’ll learn through wānanga to build the skills you need to contribute to Māori cultural, educational and economic aspirations.

As a graduate of this course you’ll be equipped to fulfil a range of kaupapa Māori based governance roles.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • Manu Taiko - Toro Parirau (Kaupae 4) - New Zealand Certificate in Māori Governance (Level 4)
Locations Rotorua, Taupō, Tauranga, Whakatāne
Next intake Feb 2025 View more details
Study options

2 semesters part-time
Total credits 60
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees No tuition fees for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

The main outcome of this course is to provide skills for trustees on various Māori trusts and committee. The majority of these roles are unpaid or given a small meeting fee, but the skills that are learnt can be used across a number of business interests and/or in management roles.

Potential employers include:

  • Māori governance entities
  • Governance entities
  • Māori Land Court governance roles such as administrator, secretary, treasurer, trust chair, trustee, committee member, kaitiaki

Topics you'll cover

Apiti Hono Tātai Hono

  • Explores the concepts of kotahitanga (unity of a single particular purpose) and whānaungatanga (the acts of maintaining and growing relationships) as they relate to effective governance, planning, relationship management, communication strategies and cultural, social and environmental sustainability.

He Āhuru Mōwai

  • Explores the concept of Kaitiakitanga (active guardianship and protection) as it relates to effective financial management systems, risk and asset management and implementation, fiduciary responsibilities, financial obligation and sustainability.

Mana Tangata, Mana Mauri

  • Explores the concepts of pono and tika (correct, true, valid) as they relate to Governance systems, processes and procedures, legal frameworks, trust deeds/orders, employment matters, conflicts of interest, nepotism and risk mitigation.

He Taniwha Hiku Roa

  • Explores the concept of Rangatiratanga (active leadership) through active leadership characteristics, responsibilities and principles, governance versus management and strategic planning.

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * No tuition fees for domestic students

Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.

Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.

Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

For courses at Level 4, domestic students will normally be required to have:

NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2; OR

Evidence of ability to complete academic and any other programme requirements.

English language requirements

Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.

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Course Locations and Intake Information

Part-time (2 semesters) for all 2025 intakes

Location Campus Start Date
Rotorua Mokoia Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now
Taupō Taupō Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now
Tauranga Windermere Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now
Whakatāne Whakatāne Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 2 semesters part-time

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions

  • Diploma in Māori Governance and Leadership (Level 6) (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa)
  • Te Tohu Toi Tangata - Bachelor of Humanities (Indigenous Studies and Business) (Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi)