heke ahunga tikanga
diploma in māori laws and philosophy
Become entrenched in tikanga Māori and open up your philosophical mind as you take a journey back to the origins of tikanga itself, how it related to us then and its relevance in today’s ever changing world.
This one year diploma will introduce you to the presence of tikanga Māori as a highly successful and self-contained system of law. You will explore whakapapa and the beginnings of Māori law, Ranginui, Papatūānuku, Tāne and Tangaroa. In addition, analyse the impact of of Pākehā values on Māori legal systems, and critique legal processes encountered in contemporary times.
This is an excellent tohu for mainstream law graduates who want to enhance existing kete, skills and knowledge. Also those looking to enter into the legal sector, policy and research, or anyone involved in iwi, hapū, marae affairs.
The Heke (Diploma) begins with the concept of whakapapa which is regarded as the foundation of Māori law, and which leads to a consideration of the fundamental principles of tikanga Māori such as whanaungatanga, utu, tapu and noa.
Heke Ahunga Tikanga is the first year of the Poutuarongo Ahunga Tikanga degree.
TE REO AND IWI AND HAPŪ STUDIES
Over the year, you will complete weekly tutorials and activities in Te Reo via our online learning space, Mūrau. These not only prepare you to attend two hui rumaki reo on campus at the end of each semester; but will further enhance your Ahunga Tikanga journey as you learn the value and mana our language holds in the legal space. Yes, it can be scary, but you will not be taking the journey alone nor do need to have any reo to begin! You will be guided every step of the way with tutor support.
You will also study two papers in Iwi and Hapū studies to compliment your learning, these are often the most rewarding part of study for the majority of our students as they gain a deep connection back to their roots. Your Iwi and Hapū papers will be online with excellent tutor support to help you through, week by week activities. The assignments that you complete will become a taonga and resource for your whānau, marae, iwi and will be treasured for years to come.
Te Reo and Iwi and Hapū studies begin in the first week of the academic year, so you can begin your studies before your first specialisation noho. You will also get the opportunity to meet your reo and iwi and hapū pūkenga during your first noho on campus.
Code:
HAT
Credits:
120
Duration:
1 year
Level:
NZQA Level 5
Delivery:
Blended learning via residential seminars, self-directed and online
Location:
Mode:
Bilingual (Māori/English)
Next Intake:
17 Feb - 26 Oct 2025
Tuition Fees:
$3,273.88 (approximately)
Entry Requirements:
Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required.
Curriculum
Marautanga
Year One
After Graduation
Ka puta te ihu
- Independent researcher
- Project researcher
why te wānanga o raukawa
Distinctively Māori
Te Wānanga o Raukawa is a unique centre for higher learning and development, dedicated to the dissemination of Māori knowledge.
Higher Level Māori Learning
With a strong wish to see Māori achieving at the highest levels of education, Te Wānanga o Raukawa has positioned itself to cater specifically to higher level undergraduate, graduate and post graduate Māori students.
Pioneering Māori Education
Te Wānanga o Raukawa was established in 1981 as the first contemporary wānanga of Aotearoa, pioneering the application of kaupapa, tikanga, kawa to the advancement of Māori within a contemporary education context.