Maunga Kura Toi - Bachelor of Māori Art

NorthTec’s Maunga Kura Toi (Bachelor of Māori Arts) is a unique opportunity to learn Whakairo (Carving), Rāranga (Weaving) or Rauangi (Visual arts), with ākonga (students) gaining a deeper understanding of Ngā Toi (Māori Arts). The degree equips students to contribute significantly to Toi Māori, Te Ao Māori, communities and industries.

Our ākonga are taught by Kaiako (tutors) who are passionate and skilled in their fields of expertise, and willing to impart knowledge to the next generation of artists.

With Tikanga, Mātauranga Māori and customary knowledge being the foundation of the degree, ākonga are supported and enabled to be culturally aware, critically analytical, reflective and responsive about Toi Māori, its challenges and potential.

Learning takes place through weekly tutorials, either in person or online. Monthly wānanga held at Te Puna o Te Mātauranga marae enable ākonga to study off-campus for much of the programme.

What you will learn 

Maunga Kura Toi - Bachelor of Māori Art aims to produce graduates who have an advanced portfolio of skills, knowledge and aptitudes. This includes conceptual and theoretical competencies as well as technical and procedural abilities appropriate to Toi Māori.

This programme embraces Māori philosophies, Māori principles and Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). It is further distinguished from other degrees in New Zealand because of its strong emphasis on rangahau and project management. Graduates will be culturally aware, responsive and reflective and demonstrate an ability to work honourably and collaboratively with whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori.
 
This is not an immersion Māori programme however Māori language and culture are woven through all aspects of the study programme.
 
The programme has a focus on

• Mātauranga Māori
• Principled practice and praxis
• Research and reflective practice
• Creating work

You will learn to analyse, select and apply techniques, processes and practices according to a kaupapa Māori context for the production of creative work.  You will become skilled in your chosen kaupapa toi and be able to work confidently as an individual and in collaborative projects.

You will be able to

• Explain your creative processes
• Articulate the meanings behind your work
• Research
• Use academic conventions to discuss your work
• Reflect critically on your work and the work of others.

Courses in this programme

The degree has three kaupapa toi, Raranga, Whakairo and Rauangi. You will enrol in your specific kaupapa toi.

• Taumata Atakura are papers that will integrate principle approaches to a kaupapa toi practice.
• Kaupapa toi are papers that concentrate or specialise in practical components.
• Electives allow you to select additional courses which currently cover either teaching or business skills.