Why Study Te Pokaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) Level 3 ?

This programme is designed for learners who already have foundational te reo Maori knowledge and want to develop their ability to communicate more confidently and naturally in Maori.

NMIT describes the programme as an opportunity to:

• improve conversational te reo Maori;
• build confidence communicating in different settings;
• extend existing reo knowledge;
• deepen understanding of Maori language and culture;
• practise pepeha;
• use te reo Maori in everyday situations;
• develop greater understanding of tikanga and kawa.

Programme Content

NMIT's current programme information highlights the following learning areas.

Te reo Maori communication

Students develop practical communication skills for different everyday and social contexts.

Pepeha

Students continue developing their ability to introduce themselves and express connections to people, places and identity.

Grammar

Students work with:

• A/O categories;
• active sentences;
• passive sentences;
• negating structures.

Tangata Rongonui

Students research Tangata Rongonui, or famous/notable people.

Waiata and moteatea

Students explore Maori:

• songs;
• waiata;
• mateatea;
• associated cultural meaning.

Purakau

Students learn about purakau, including Maori legends and traditional narratives.

Weather

Students learn vocabulary and communication relating to:

Nga tohu huarere – weather indicators/signs.

Tikanga and kawa

The programme explores the differences and relationship between:

• tikanga;
• kawa.

Karakia

Students develop understanding and use of karakia/prayer.

Whakatauki

Students learn Maori proverbs and sayings.

Kawaha

Students explore Maori idioms and expressions

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no separate majors or specialisations within this Level 3 certificate.

The programme's main areas can be grouped into:

• Te reo Maori language;
• Maori communication;
• Maori cultural knowledge;
• tikanga and kawa;
• Maori oral traditions;
• waiata and moteatea;
• purakau;
• conversational language;
• social and transactional communication.

Career Outcomes

NMIT says that learning te reo Maori is increasingly relevant at both local and national levels and can help learners stand out professionally.

Potential career areas include:

• Marketing
• Business management
• Health
• Sustainability
• Iwi development
• Communications
• Broadcasting
• Teaching
• Strategic advising
• Maori research
• Tourism
• Administration

Highlights for Students

1. Practical communication focus

The programme emphasises using te reo Maori in real communication rather than learning vocabulary in isolation.

2. Cultural immersion

Students explore waiata, mateatea, purakau, karakia, whakatauki and tikanga.

3. Multiple study patterns

Students can choose full-time daytime or part-time evening study.

4. Accessible fee structure

NMIT currently lists Zero Fees for tuition for 2026, subject to the applicable fee rules.

5. Strong progression

Students can continue to Level 4 and subsequently higher te reo study.

6. Career relevance

Te reo Maori can complement careers across business, health, tourism, communications, government/community work and other sectors.

7. Dedicated Maori learning environment

NMIT has a dedicated Matauranga Maori study area and programmes ranging from Level 1 through Level 5.

Is This Programme Suitable for International Students?

It can be attractive for an international student who:

• already has some te reo Maori knowledge;
• has a genuine academic/cultural interest in Maori language;
• wants to work in New Zealand sectors where Maori cultural competence is valued;
• is prepared for face-to-face study;
• meets the English-language requirement;
• can meet the prior-reo requirement;
• has a visa arrangement that permits the intended study.

It is not an ideal choice for an international applicant who:

• has never studied te reo Maori;
• wants an online programme;
• wants a conventional English-language qualification;
• requires automatic student work rights;
• wants a direct post-study work visa pathway;
• wants a degree-level qualification.