Learn Cook Islands Māori
-
Duration and study methods
Part-time for 1 year (32 teaching weeks), evenings plus two Saturdays.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 4 years. -
Start dates
February
-
Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Pacific Language (Cook Islands Māori) (Level 3)Programme code: NZ3770 -
Credits
60 -
Locations
MIT ?tara
-
Entry requirements
Open entry
-
Domestic fees
Free~
-
International fees
Not available to international students
-
Free* study
Programme highlights
Learn to speak Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘?irani (the Cook Islands Māori language) and develop your understanding of Cook Islands Māori culture.
This qualification is for anyone who works with Pacific-nations people and wants to improve their communication skills.
If you're of Cook Islands Māori descent raised in New Zealand, this is your chance to reconnect to your language and culture.
You will learn skills in:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading and writing
- Understanding cultural practices.
Kia pukuru o vaevae, kia mokora o kaki.
That your legs may stand firm and upright like the breadfruit tree and your neck to stand tall like the duck moving and seeking for opportunities.
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic students
There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.
International students: English language entry requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below four courses (60 credits):
830.315 My surroundings (Cook Islands Māori) (15 credits)
Gain basic language skills and vocabulary as an introduction to Cook Islands Māori.
830.316 My family (Cook Islands Māori) (15 credits)
Gain language skills and vocabulary for communicating within a Cook Islands Māori family.
830.317 My community (Cook Islands Māori) (15 credits)
Gain skills and vocabulary for communicating within a Cook Islands Māori community.
830.318 Cultural practices (Cook Islands Māori) (15 credits)
Gain skills, knowledge and vocabulary to demonstrate knowledge of Cook Islands Māori culture.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
New Zealand Certificate in Pacific Language (Cook Islands Māori) (Level 4)
“I wanted to know more about who I was and where I came from. Both my parents have passed away and none of us knew the language. So, one of my younger sisters and I, decided it was time to take up the challenge. I needed to understand more about who I was, not just the language, but the culture behind the language. I needed to grow my own knowledge about the language, the culture, and the identity of my own background, to be able to share that and grow others.
I heard so much about the lecturers at MIT and the way in which they approached the languages was more from a family whānau perspective and that is what I wanted, I wanted to be part of it. It is a bit like having a group of brothers and sisters that you did not know existed. We have become quite close, learnt more about ourselves, and we have been able to connect with our culture, our language, our identities and grow more.
A lot of our class was focused on talking, sharing, listening, and then practicing our language. Then from that, once you grow that knowledge and understanding, the reading and the writing becomes a part of it, it is like a natural progression because to be able to read and write, you must be able to speak.
We connect more meaningfully when we have a language that we can share. Language is how we communicate with each other. It is how we share ideas. Learning a new language grows you."
Helen Varney
MIT graduate
“I chose to learn the Tongan language because I grew up around Tongan all my life being half Tongan. I heard it spoken. I've seen it written down, I've sung songs but never really knew the language, and so I wanted to study it.
Opportunities where I've used my Pacific language skills are mostly in the classroom learning the speeches. I intend to do a speech at my father's upcoming 75th birthday.
I enjoyed learning the culture and what things mean, I've grown up around terms and things that I didn't really understand, and now I have an understanding of those.
I think it's important to learn a language, if that is your culture, because it does teach you a lot about the culture, beyond the language. I think it's also good to learn it if it's not your culture too, because it gives you a broader understanding of other people.
I like studying at MIT – the facilities are awesome. MIT make it very easy to enrol and apply. The lecturers are really good and it’s local, which is great."
Karena Maka
MIT graduate
“Gagana Samoa is pretty much embedded into my life. I am a proud Samoan.
I chose MIT because it is in the Heart of South Auckland, but also closer for me to attend, and the times suited my schedule. A bonus that it is fees free.
If it is your dream to continue learning your language, then I guarantee you will love this course. Do something for yourself, I took this for me and it supports and assists me in being a legit Gagana Samoa teacher.
Since the first lockdown happened, I started getting involved in learning how to folafola mea’ai (chant for food), simple greetings (fa’afeiloa’iga) and sula toga (chants of appreciation for fine mats). This drew me closer to my parents in wanting to learn the culture. The decision to take this awesome course was from my sister. She thought it would be awesome to take this together and I couldn’t say no.
I teach Gagana Samoa to Level 1 students. It is important for me to upskill, to be fluent, to make the most of the opportunities we have to learn, that no matter where I am in life and how many roles I have, language (Gagana) is important and we are learners for life. I don’t know everything so being able to relearn, and to be reminded of Samoan protocols, the Samoan history etc. I am able to hold on to this new knowledge and share this with my students.
I love the environment and the staff at MIT. I remember the warm and comfortable environment, the relationships we build with our peers, the awesome lectures and the opportunity to share what we learned with one another. I loved that our lecturer was resourceful and adapted to our needs and learning. We had online classes that were suitable for us.?The resources that were given to me, I have asked if I can use it in my classes.
Just do it. This is about you. Value yourself and your time to learn.”
Sharlene Malaeimi
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
~The specified programmes will be free in 2024 for New Zealand citizens, residents entitled to reside in New Zealand indefinitely, and refugees and protected persons (under the Immigration Act 2009), of all ages, and dependent children of people eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa, that are eligible for tertiary study. Proof of residency status required. This offer is subject to availability within MIT’s maximum permitted class sizes. Entry criteria apply, and some costs may also apply.
Information is correct as at 6 December 2023. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2024 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2024 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2024 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2024 are based on the 2023 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2024. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.