The programme is designed to develop students' intermediate-level te reo Maori communication skills, particularly their ability to understand and communicate in a variety of everyday and more formal situations.

Why Study This Programme?

1. Develop intermediate te reo Maori skills

The programme is specifically designed for learners who already have a foundation in te reo M?ori and want to progress to a more confident, intermediate level.

NMIT says that by the end of the programme, students should be able to listen to and speak te reo M?ori most of the time, enabling them to communicate effectively in different settings.

Programme Structure / Subjects

The current programme contains four compulsory courses.

1. REO411 – Te Kukunetanga: Whakarapopoto me te Whakaatu Parongo

Summarising and Presenting Information

This develops advanced-intermediate vocabulary and grammatical structures for summarising and presenting familiar information. 

2- REO412 – Te Kukunetanga: Te Arotake me te Whakautu Huatau

Evaluating and Responding to Ideas

Students develop the ability to evaluate ideas and respond appropriately using te reo Maori.

3- REO413 – Te Kukunetanga: Reo manga Whainga Ringa

Reo for Practical Purposes

Focuses on applying te reo M?ori for practical purposes and real-life communication.

4- REO414 – Te Kukunetanga: Te Katui me te Arotake Tohenga

Synthesising and Evaluating Arguments

Develops skills in bringing together information and evaluating arguments in te reo Maori.

Disciplines / Specialisation

The programme sits within:

Matauranga Maori / Maori Studies

The specific focus is:

Te Reo Maori – Reo Rua

The term Reo Rua indicates a bilingual approach/context rather than a generic Maori Studies programme.

This is not a broad humanities qualification. It is specifically focused on developing intermediate te reo Maori language capability and associated cultural understanding.

Skills Students Develop

Graduates develop skills in:

• Spoken te reo Maori
• Listening comprehension
• Formal language
• Informal language
• Maori vocabulary and grammar
• Presenting information
• Evaluating ideas
• Responding to ideas
• Practical communication
• Synthesising information
• Evaluating arguments
• Maori cultural understanding
• Tikanga-related communication
• Traditional forms such as waiata and mateatea.

Career Outcomes

This programme is useful for people entering or developing careers where knowledge of te reo Maori is valued or required.

NMIT identifies potential employment areas including:

Administration

• Administration support roles in M?ori organisations
• Administration roles in organisations supporting te reo M?ori
• Community organisations.

Maori media

• Maori radio trainees
• Maori television trainees.

Education

Potential roles include:

• Educator/teacher pathways
• Reo Maori education
• Kaiawhina in kahanga reo
• Kura Kaupapa Maori support
• Primary-school support
• Workplace language/cultural support.

Tourism

Potential roles include:

• Tourism operators
• Tour guides
• Cultural tourism support.

Transport

Te reo Maori skills can also enhance opportunities in transport-sector roles where communication with Maori communities/customers is relevant.

International Student Support

NMIT provides dedicated support for international students, including:

• Accommodation guidance
• Financial/budgeting support
• Assistance with culture shock and homesickness
• Doctor/medical appointment assistance
• Insurance support
• Academic support
• Visa-related assistance
• Orientation
• Enrolment assistance.

Visa Requirements

For an international student travelling to New Zealand specifically to study this programme, the appropriate visa will depend on the applicant's circumstances and duration of study.

For a typical full-time international student, this would generally involve a Fee Paying Student Visa if the student is paying international tuition fees.

The application generally requires evidence such as:

• Offer of Place
• Tuition-fee arrangements
• Living-fund evidence
• Passport/travel documents
• Health/character information where required
• Appropriate insurance arrangements.

Highlights for International Students

60-credit Level 4 qualification

A nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate.

Two study formats

Students can choose between full-time daytime and part-time evening study.

Cultural immersion

Noho experiences connect language learning with Maori culture and tikanga.

Practical language development

The emphasis is on using te reo in real-life communication rather than simply studying grammar.

Pathway to Level 5

Successful completion can lead into the Level 5 Te Pukairua Reo programme.

Career relevance

Te reo Maori can enhance employment opportunities in education, tourism, Maori organisations, media, transport and community-focused roles.

Zero-fee listing

NMIT currently lists the programme as Zero Fees for 2026, although 2027 applicants must verify their actual fee status.

Nelson location

Students study in one of New Zealand's scenic South Island regions, with access to a diverse cultural and outdoor environment.