Course Advice
Why study Māori at Aotahi?
Learning to express who you are through the language that belongs in Aotearoa can increase your self-esteem and feeling of belonging. It can widen your career options as well.
The relationship between Māori and Pākehā gives New Zealand its unique identity. Courses in Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies reflect your history and experience, so Māori is a dynamic area of study with implications for every career, and for your future as part of New Zealand society. If you are from overseas, courses in Māori will give you an insight into local culture.
Why learn Māori language?
It is a huge advantage to you, whatever your major, to be able to pronounce words properly and to be comfortable with Māori-speaking people. It is a bigger advantage to be able to understand Māori-speaking people and speak to them in their own language. The language will also give you access to a past that can only be fully understood through iterature written in Māori.
Do I need to know anything before I start a language course?
No - Māori is taught from beginner level. If you have NCEA credits in Māori Language at Level two or above, or have learnt Māori before, you may be granted entry to courses above beginner level.
Is Māori studies for Māori people only?
No. It's for everyone, and an academic discipline that aims to increase your analytic and communication skills and develop your capacity for independent thought.
What does 'majoring in Māori' mean?
You need minimum total of 360 points to get a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree. You have to take 90 points at third year level in one subject in order to graduate. The subject in which you do those stage three points is your major. If you intend to go on to postgraduate study in Māori you need 56 points at Stage 3. You can find more degree structure information here.
Can I take Māori papers in support of other majors, or degrees outside the Arts faculty?
Yes. Our courses are taken by all students who need to understand more about New Zealand society, including students in faculties such as Law, Engineering, Science and Commerce. Māori is a popular course because of its broad application.
What courses can I take at Stage One?
MAOR 107 Aotearoa: Introduction to Traditional Māori Society (Semester 1)
MAOR 108 Aotearoa: Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society (Semester 2)
MAOR 114 Mahi-A-Ringa: Introducing Traditional Material Culture (Summer School)
MAOR 165 He Tīmatanga: Engaging with Māori (Summer School)
MAOR 171 Tuatahi: Introducing Indigenous Peoples (Semester 1)
MAOR 172 Science, Māori and Indigenous Studies (Semester 2)
TREO 110 Conversational Māori for Absolute Beginners (Semesters 1, 2 and Summer School)
TREO 111 Te Reo: Te Kākano: Introductory Language 1 (Semester 1)
TREO 112 Te Reo: Te Kākano: Introductory Language 2 (Semester 2)
TREO 180 Reo Rumaki - Immersion 1 (Summer School)
Where do these courses lead?
After your first year, you can decide whether to concentrate on Te Reo Māori or Māori and Indigenous Studies, or do a combination of both.
Majoring in Māori
Aotahi has two majors. You can major in either Te Reo Māori or Māori and Indigenous Studies. Please see the University Calendar for the requirements.
What courses in other departments are helpful for a Māori major?
It depends on what you want to do. Remember, courses about other places or languages in the world can put New Zealand in a world context and give you new ways of looking at things.
Does the School have a graduate programme?
Yes, in Te Reo Māori, and Māori and Indigenous Studies papers. Other departments offer courses with a New Zealand focus which you can take as part of a graduate degree in Māori - check out History, Geography, Fine Arts, Education and Sociology, for example.
What if I want more information?
Ring the School Administrator on 364-2597, and you will be transferred to one of the lecturing staff. Or come to Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies, situated in the Te Ao Mārama complex on Arts Road opposite Fine Arts.
Who will teach me at Stage One?
If you are a language student, at stage one you will be taught by a variety of Māori-speaking tutors.
How do I enrol?
Visit the Enrolment Website or call the Contact Centre on 0800 VARSITY (827 748), or email enrol@canterbury.ac.nz