Why Study / Key Benefits

The Graduate Certificate in Maori Language and Pedagogies: Aumiri Pounamu is designed primarily for current and future kaiako teachers who want to strengthen their knowledge, confidence and capability in Maori language, culture and educational practices.

Key benefits include:

• Develop greater confidence using te reo Maori.
• Build knowledge of M?ori history, culture and indigenous perspectives.
• Develop understanding of m?tauranga M?ori.
• Learn approaches for incorporating M?ori knowledge and culture into educational settings.
• Strengthen culturally responsive teaching practice.
• Develop capability to support tamariki in learning about Aotearoa New Zealand's bicultural heritage.
• Prepare for potential leadership and mentoring roles in M?ori education.
• Provide a pathway toward the Graduate Diploma in M?ori Language and Pedagogies: Aumiri Pounamu.
• The certificate is particularly suited as preparation for the Master of Hoaka Pounamu | Maori Bilingual and Immersion Teaching and Learning.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The certificate consists of 60 points:

Compulsory course:

• EDMI311 Whakapiki te Reo – 15 points

Students then choose three 15-point courses from:

• EDMI312 Matauraka Maori
• EDMI313 Te Marau a-iwi
• EDMI315 Kaupapa Maori Pedagogies
• EDMI316 Whakapiki i te Reo 2
• EDMI317 Rangahau Maori
• EDMI324 Te Reo o te Whenua Tahi
• EDMI325 Te Reo o te Whenua Rua

This provides study in areas including:

• Te reo Maori proficiency.
• Matauranga M?ori.
• Maori curriculum and local iwi contexts.
• Maori pedagogies.
• Maori research approaches.
• Place-based Maori language and knowledge.
• Indigenous educational practice.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors, minors or endorsements for this qualification.

The certificate itself is specialised in:

• Maori language.
• M?ori pedagogies.
• Matauranga Maori.
• Maori education.
• Indigenous knowledge and cultural practice.

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 graduate qualification.
• 60 points.
• Two-year part-time structure.
• January start when the programme is available.
• Specifically designed for practising/provisionally certified teachers.
• Includes te reo M?ori language development.
• Includes Maori pedagogies and matauranga Maori.
• Includes noho marae, w?nanga and other culturally grounded learning experiences.
• Includes a formal te reo M?ori competency assessment.
• No majors, minors or endorsements.
• Completed courses may be transferable into the Graduate Diploma in Maori Language and Pedagogies, subject to approval.
• Designed as preparation for the Master of Hoaka Pounamu.
• Current programme status: not open to new enrolments.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is primarily intended to strengthen the professional capabilities of teachers rather than provide a standalone entry-level teaching qualification.

Potential professional outcomes include:

• Practising kaiako with stronger Maori-language capability.
• Maori education mentor.
• Maori education leadership roles.
• Culturally responsive teaching roles.
• Education advocacy.
• Education policy and community roles.
• Supporting te reo Maori and tikanga M?ori within schools and learning environments.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current update is:

• Enrolments are currently closed.
• UC explicitly states that the qualification is not currently open to new enrolments.
• The 2026 UC regulations also state that the Graduate Certificate is not open to new enrolments in 2026.

Additional special requirements include:

• Teacher education qualification from New Zealand or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Appropriate teacher certification/practising status.
• Te reo Maori competency assessment.
• Hui with the Programme Coordinator.
• Selection requirements.
• Approval by the Executive Dean of Education or delegate.
• Maximum qualification timeframe of 24 months.
• A student cannot fail more than 30 points.
• A course may only be attempted twice.
• Honours, Distinction and Merit are not awarded.

International Student Visa Requirements

If UC reopens the programme to international students and a student is offered full-time study that satisfies Immigration New Zealand's student-visa requirements, the relevant visa would generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funds or an accepted scholarship/financial arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase onward travel.
• Compliance with study and attendance/progress requirements.