The academic study of M膩ori and indigenous language, politics, history and culture has become an increasingly popular degree option and is increasingly seen as central to education in New Zealand, both as the proportion of people with M膩ori ancestry grows and as the country strives to define its place in the world as a Pacific nation. Students majoring in other subject areas such as History, Sociology, Political Science, English, Education, Religious Studies and Social Work often take M膩ori courses to support their main field of study.
Through their Te Reo M膩ori degree, graduates develop a valuable set of transferable skills such as:
- Reading, writing, listening and speaking te reo M膩ori
- Understanding of tikanga M膩ori values
- Ability to implement kaupapa M膩ori perspectives
- Well-developed communication skills
- Interpretive and analytical thinking
- Understanding the global interactions which shape contemporary society
- Thinking critically and creatively, and challenging ideas
- Problem solving skills
- Research and computing skills.
Applied learning
Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available in this subject, such as:
- Arts internships
- Consulting projects (through the M膩ui Lab)
- Fieldtrips 鈥 Aotahi offers regular w膩nanga reo (language immersion field trips) to local marae for its language students.
These experiences deepen your skillset, awareness of others, working knowledge, and employability.
Graduates of Aotahi: School of M膩ori and Indigenous Studies are found all around the world. Examples of specific employment sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand are:
- Most professional career pathways want people to have had some exposure to te ao M膩ori
- The mini传媒 M膩ori sector, spanning private business, tribal organisations, M膩ori land incorporations and a raft of 鈥榯hird sector鈥 health, education and social services
- Central and local government organisations have roles dedicated to working with M膩ori communities and/or addressing M膩ori interests eg, Wh膩nau Ora
- Most professional service companies, such as lawyers, accountants, engineers, and clinicians are building their capability to engage with the M膩ori sector.
Te Reo M膩ori alumni are valued in such sectors as:
- Governance including public policy
- Education
- Criminal justice
- Health
- Social services
Graduates with this degree are employed in a range of jobs 鈥 see some examples below.
Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the 鈥楩urther study鈥 section.
Policy analyst / advisor | Kait膩tari kaupapa
- Identifies and investigates issues and opportunities eg, in society, law or governance
- Interprets existing policies and briefs leaders
- Prepares reports and recommends changes
Secondary school teacher | Kaiako kura tuarua
- Plans and delivers instructional lessons
- Evaluates performance and provides feedback
- Sets and marks assignments and tests
Primary school teacher | Kaiako kura tuatahi
- Prepares learning activities for 5鈥13 year olds
- Teaches and marks subjects including social studies, art and literacy
- Develops children鈥檚 social skills and behaviours
Reporter | Kaikawe k艒rero Broadcaster | Kaip膩ho
- Investigates and gathers information for items
- Prepares scripts
- Reports and presents stories to the public
Lecturer | P奴kenga whare w膩nanga
- Prepares and gives lectures and tutorials
- Sets and marks assignments and exams
- Conducts research, writes and publishes articles
Editor | 膾tita / kaiwhakatika
- Plans and commissions content for publication
- Evaluates, edits and organises material for multiple formats 鈥 online and in print
- Liaises with other staff to oversee production
Librarian | Kaitiaki
- Categorises and catalogues library materials
- Selects materials for library use
- Helps customers find and use materials
Student advisor | Kaitohotohu 膩konga
- Gives advice on academic processes, programmes or courses
- Helps students access resources and services
Guide / leader / mentor | Kai膩rahi
- Supports people to reflect biculturalism
- Identifies opportunities and reviews processes to achieve organisational M膩ori aspirations
- Connects with contributors, leaders and others
Research advisor / assistant | Kairangahau
- Organises and conducts research surveys
- Tests theories and interprets the results
- Writes reports and makes recommendations
Outreach officer | Kaiwh膩toro Liaison advisor | Kaitakawaenga
- Delivers outreach services within a community
- Provides information to individuals, wh膩nau, caregivers and professionals
- Organises events and delivers presentations
Interpreter, translator | Kaiwhaka M膩ori
- Translates conversations or rewrites text from one language to another
- Keeps up-to-date with language trends
- Proofreads translations
- Travels and presents
Entrepreneur and CEO | Rakahinonga me Tumu whakarae
- Develops an idea to form their own business
- Offers their services as a freelancer or consultant
Get started 聽Entrepreneurship here
As they progress, students and graduates often join organisations relevant to their area of interest. These can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others.
Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can keep you up-to-date with networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.
For more information
see the Te Reo M膩ori subject page
