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Expressions of Interest for our 2025 enrolments have now closed.

If you would like to be considered for our 2026 cohort, please sign up to our social accounts and our online newsletter for news and updates. Please note, our enrolment process for 2026 classes will likely run between May-August 2025.

We aim to be as transparent as possible about our application process, here is a document that outlines the various criteria we have when considering potential candidates. To strengthen your chances of entry into our programmes, here are some things you can do before the application process:

  • Learn as much te reo Māori as possible (completing L1-4 minimum)
  • Participating in Te Wānanga Ihorangi community events
  • Preparing your world to engage in study (what is your plan to pay the bills?)

During the 2025 recruitment drive, there were three formal applicants for every seat in class. Considering this reality, we encourage potential applicants to apply for positions in other institutes as well as a backup for 2026.

I’m not Māori, can I still apply?
Yeah, of course. We are excited about a future that sees diverse communities appreciating, speaking, and treasuring te reo Māori. We also recognise the important role Pākehā family members play in supporting the flourishing of te reo Māori within the home. However, please note that our programmes are primarily geared towards supporting tangata whenua to reclaim te reo Māori. What we teach, and how we teach it, will reflect Māori ways of learning and seeing the world.
Is this a Christian kaupapa?
Our Christian faith is foundational and informs all aspects of Te Wānanga Ihorangi. Similar to marae that identify with Mihinare, Katorika, or Ringatū roots: it is just a part of who we are and how we roll. Technically speaking though, our programmes exist as te reo Māori qualifications and they are open to all people who are interested in attaining a high level of fluency. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Why have you partnered with Te Wānanga Amorangi (Laidlaw College)?
Typically when a new organisation wants to start delivering NZQA accredited programmes, they must become a recognised Private Training Establishment (PTE). The process of becoming and maintaining a PTE is a time and resource-intensive exercise. Rather than transforming Te Wānanga Ihorangi into a PTE, we have partnered with Te Wānanga Amorangi (who are already a PTE) to help develop and deliver our qualifications together. They hold and administer the qualifications, and we are able to facilitate the delivery of the programmes.

“My mum was the first ancestor since Hawaiki who wasn’t able to speak Māori on her side. That weighs on me yeah but I’m committed to keep going and to make sure that isn’t my story. Nah, for sure that is definitely not going to be my story.”

Christian Gallen (Ngāti Kahungunu),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate

“I needed the push to go further from our kaiako. They were gentle but firm, and met me where I was at. All of a sudden I was doing a karanga, and calling out from a deep place. Reclamation of identity and culture can be tough, but the amazing way the kaiako walked alongside us made a big difference.”

Irene Farnham (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate

“As a Samoan woman helping to raise a Māori son, these wānanga have been awesome. I walk away from class every time more determined to make our house a place where te reo lives and breathes.”

Niā Tomo (Ngāti Hāmoa, Pākehā),
Kura Reo student

“I loved my time there. The kaiako were incredibly skilled, and really kind and encouraging of all students, no matter what skill level. It was also great to be able to study in a space where our whakapono was not only accepted but encouraged, and a central part of expressing our Māoritanga.”

REV’D Hamish Dobbie (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate

“He huia kaimanawa te kura nei a Te Wānanga Ihorangi. He kura hirahira mō ngā tāngata katoa, Māori mai, tauiwi mai, arā, te iwi whakapono. Nau mai whakatau mai ki tēnei hapori, ki tēnei kura.”

Charles Williams (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Whakatōhea, Ngāpuhi), Kura Reo student

“Learning te reo Māori was beyond transformational for me. It was like being given a new set of eyes that allowed me to see the world in a completely different way. I felt closer to my tūpuna, to my kids, to the natural world around me. I should have done it earlier, but no regrets now … I’m just enjoying the ride.”

REV’D Te Karere Scarborough (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hauā),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate and Tumuaki | Co-Principal

“Sometimes I look back and can’t believe how far I’ve come. I’m not the guy who will automatically jump up to the front or anything but if we are in a pinch then I will stand and speak. That makes me feel so proud.”

Scott Parekowhai (Te Aitanga a Mahaki),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate

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