New Zealand Diploma in Te Reo (Rumaki) Level 6
LEVEL 6 Diploma | 120 Credits | 1 Year Full-Time
Level 6 Diploma
Find out more information about the application process here.
Te Reo Maruata is aimed at students who want to think, write and speak in te reo with ease and eloquence. Classes are based onsite at our Henderson campus, within a full immersion environment. Every week will be packed with a variety of classes, individual and group work, kapa haka, karakia, guest speakers and the occasional off-campus haerenga. By joining this programme, you will become a tuakana of Te Wānanga Ihorangi and will be expected to act as a mentor and role model to other students.
- Think and speak in te reo with clarity and certainty;
- Develop real-world Māori/English and English/Māori translation skills;
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of advanced grammar;
- Share their own unique and personalised research;
- Lead karakia, karanga and whaikōrero;
- Advance language revitalisation efforts within their own whānau, hapū, iwi, and hāhi.
| LEVEL | 6, 120 credits |
| DURATION | One year full-time (there is only one intake per year in Feb) |
| TIMETABLE |
9 Feb – 13 Nov, 2026 There are also two compulsory noho-marae for this programme (dates TBC) |
| HOLIDAYS | Our study breaks follow the school holidays |
| PLACES | Expressions of Interest open |
| LOCATION | Henderson Campus |
| CLASS TIMES |
Monday to Thursday, 9:00am – 3:00pm Friday – No classes (although one-on-one tutorials are available with your kaiako) |
| Topic 1: Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Reo 1 – Taumata 6 (Linguistic Elements) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 2: Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Reo 2 – Taumata 6 (Linguistic Elements) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 3: Ngā Poropiti Māori (Māori Prophets) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 4: Te Paipera ki Aotearoa (The Bible in Aotearoa) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 5: Whakamāori/Whakapākehā (Translations) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 6: Ngā Kōrero Whakarākei (Linguistic Embellishments) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 7: Rautaki Reo (Revitalisation strategies) | 15 Credits |
| Topic 8: Waiata/Haka (Māori Performing Arts) | 15 Credits |
To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:
- be at least 16 years of age
- be a New Zealand citizen (or a citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, or the Cook Islands) or a permanent resident
- reside in New Zealand
- have successfully completed a te reo Māori qualification at Level 4
- meet with a kaiako to discuss course workload and commitment
OR
- successfully complete the pre-entry assessment
- meet with a kaiako to discuss course workload and commitment
How do I know if Level 6 is right for me?
Our students tend to do really well—across all our programmes, we have a pass rate of over 93%. Those who have found it challenging often faced unexpected whānau circumstances or began the programme without a strong enough foundation in te reo to stay confident in their learning.
For Level 6, it’s important that you already have a solid grasp of te reo Māori. You’ll need to be comfortable with listening, speaking, reading, and writing at an intermediate level, as this programme builds on that foundation. If you’ve completed a Level 5 programme or can demonstrate equivalent language comprehension, you’re in a strong position to thrive (see our entry criteria for more info).
Does everyone get accepted?
Unfortunately not. Because spaces are limited and we prioritise wrap-around support, we can’t offer a place to everyone who applies. We take time with each application to make sure the fit is right for both you and us—we want to set you up to succeed.
How can I give myself the best shot at an interview?
Your Expression of Interest is your first chance to introduce yourself. Put care into what you share—be open, thoughtful, and honest. It helps us understand your journey, what draws you to the wānanga, and how we can support you in your learning.
Te Wānanga Ihorangi is working in partnership with Te Wānanga Amorangi (Laidlaw College) to deliver these programmes. Both Diplomas in Te Reo Māori are held and administered through Te Wānanga Amorangi, and our students will be formally enrolled at both institutions.
Students will experience a distinctive Māori-led kaupapa in Te Wānanga Ihorangi’s immersive learning community and campus. However, one of the great benefits of the partnership is that our students will also have access to the support and systems of Te Wānanga Amorangi as well. Te Wānanga Amorangi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest Christian tertiary college, it is a Category 1 Private Training Establishment, and teaches programmes from Certificate to Doctoral level.
More information can be found on them here, and more details about our partnership can be read in our faqs here.
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