This course is for those new or relatively new to Te Reo Māori and Māori culture. Read below the course dates for course commitments. Please register your interest in the link below and we'll email you when new courses are scheduled. Click on 'Show more' to see all upcoming dates. $60 - $155.
As courses fill, they are removed from the website. Tutors are confirmed several weeks before courses start, according to availability.
This course is designed for beginners and relative beginners to Te Reo Māori or Māori culture. There will be a small homework assignment each week and you will need to allocate few minutes for practise each day.
"Languages are inseparably linked to the social and cultural contexts in which they are used. Languages and cultures play a key role in developing our personal, group, national, and human identities. Every language has its own ways of expressing meanings; each has intrinsic value and special significance for its users." The New Zealand Curriculum, p.24
Kia ora. It is the intention of this course to deliver you a basic understanding of some language structures, grammar, pronunciation and concepts that are core of the indigenous people of Aotearoa, Ngā Iwi Māori - the Māori people. It is impossible to cover everything, but we hope this course will provide the foundation for your journey towards learning about the people, the language, and the beliefs of Ngā Iwi Māori.
To learn Te Reo Māori, it is essential to also learn Te Ao Māori (the world of Māori). Many words and phrases can only be understood when viewed through the lens of Te Ao Māori. For this reason, Tikanga Māori (values, beliefs and processes within Māori social structures) will be interwoven as an integral part of the course structure.
Course content includes:
By the end of the course you'll be able to:
You'll also participate in a ‘dress rehearsal’ marae visit on the last night.
Learning a new language can be difficult and requires effort in the classroom, with homework and with daily practice. Please enrol in this course only when you have the time resources to attend at least seven of the eight classes and to complete the modest homework and practise requirements. If you've already registered and you can no longer meet these obligations, please contact the office at least five days before the course starts and we'll do our best to transfer your registration to a future date.
You are welcome to repeat any level to consolidate learning before progressing to the next level.
We have a small fund available to assist NZ citizen and resident learners for whom our course fee is a barrier to accessing this course. If you would like to seek additional financial support to attend this course, please contact our Programme Director, Anne Cave, on 5219623 or cavea@selwyn.school.nz
This course offers a course fee subsidy through funding from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for NZ citizen and permanent migrant adults, their partners on work visas or visitor visas, and refugees. To qualify, registrants should be over the age of 16 years and not currently enrolled in a secondary school. We need to collect extra information such as age, ethnicity, educational achievement and gender for statistical purposes. You must also provide evidence of NZ citizenship, residency or refugee status if requested. A condition of accepting a course fee subsidy is that you commit to at least 80% attendance of your course. The subsidised course fee is $60.
The Level 1 course was absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed the content and our Tutor was just great. JM, April 2023.
Testimonial from Te Reo student in 2022: I have found Level One and now, Level Two, Te Reo Maori with our tutor, Kingi, to be a life-changing experience. After years of awkwardness and embarrassment, I can now attempt to join in when there is a Karakia or someone greets or farewells me. I see Maori written around our city and can try to pronounce it without reinventing it! Kingi is humble, highly sensitive, and manages to gently lead us forward as a group. There is laughter, warmth and respect as we experience manakitanga and learn from his cultural practice. I wish I had grown up experiencing this kind of holistic teaching. Selwyn has a gem in this tutor. I am also impressed with how Kingi manages the provided texts, which are in need of some sensitive corrections. He negotiates errors swiftly and without criticism which I find very gracious. As a past visiting lecturer, (not Maori by ethnicity) in Maori Art for the Auckland Teachers College many years ago, Kingi represents hope for to me. Thank you to Selwyn for making his skills available. I will be back for more.
From September 2021: I am writing to provide feedback to Selwyn College of my experience of Josh Wainui’s Levels 1 and 2 Beginners’ Te Reo Māori classes.Josh has a lovely way of teaching and imparting knowledge. He is relaxed in his approach and yet focused on delivering a rounded experience including a variety of learning styles; there was a good balance of him teaching and kinesthetic learning with us speaking/practising in groups. Josh never made anyone feel embarrassed or awkward. On the contrary, his style was very inclusive and brought everyone along with him; he made the experience fun and most worthwhile. We not only learned beginners’ Teo Reo Māori language but also some culture, values, traditions, and customs too – all of which was most interesting and useful. A big thanks to Josh for being himself, for sharing some personal experiences and insights, and for making learning Te Reo Māori so enjoyable. Liz.
From June 2021: The teachers were amazing and so enthusiastic, it was a privilege to learn from them.
From February 2021 ZOOM course: It was really fun, rewarding, educational and even a bit emotional- feeling more connected to my ancestors and my culture. I got to meet lots of great people and learned a heap. I’ve already recommended this course to several people. I also just enrolled in level 2 - can’t wait!
From October 2020: Anahera is an amazing, and inspirational lady, and I have really enjoyed her classes, not only learning Te Reo , but Anahera has given me a much deep understanding, beyond the words of the language. Emma
From May 2020:.... I have enjoyed the course and it was great to be able to zoom in and participate from Dunedin otherwise I would not have had the opportunity to do the course. I how have more confidence in Te Reo and look forward to continuing that and also learning more about the culture and values. Thanks so much. FG.
Te Reo Beginners Level 2
This course is taught in English. For students with English as a second language, we recommend that only those with Upper Intermediate or higher level English attend this course.
Open Hours
Term Time: Monday - Wednesday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
School Holidays: When courses are running the office is open 9:00am - 4:00pm