Te Puna Wānaka
Māori and Pacific
Ko wai te whare nei? Ko Te Mātauranga Māori
Mō wai te whare nei? Mō tātou katoa
What is the name of this place? It is the place of evolved knowledge
For whom does it provide? For all that seek it.
Nau Mai Ki Te Mātāpuna o te Mātauraka - Welcome to Te Puna Wānaka at Ara.
We invite you to place your story in the midst of this exciting chapter of Māori and Pacific self-determination, language revitalisation and community success. Our proud tradition of Māori and Pacific engagement includes a formal relationship with local iwi Ngāi Tahu, commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
Te Puna Wānaka is located at our City campus in Christchurch.
NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.
When you join the Te Puna Wānaka family you join an extended network that connects you to both the traditions of the past and the dreams of the future. Your individual journey becomes part of a wider journey supported by and inspired by the elders, the local iwi community, businesses and your dedicated tutors.
Designed to enhance your learning experience, ours is a stimulating and supportive whānau environment at Te Puna Wānaka. The building itself carries all the symbolism of a traditional wharenui Te Mātauranga Māori although it is highly stylised using modern materials and design. The Te Puna Wānaka values of manaakitanga, aroha, rangatiratanga and whanaungatanga exist easily within such a facility.
We offer a range of full time and part time courses in Māori and Pacific Studies, Sports Training (TOA Sports) and Indigenous Culture and Māori language. Māori language qualifications are offered from entry level foundation studies through to programmes at certificate, diploma and degree level and are grounded in te reo and tikanga at all levels.
Workforce restrictions apply for those employed in sectors working with children. See the full workforce restrictions.
Related programmes & courses
Advanced-Elementary Te Reo Māori - Te Kaupae 4
Take your te reo journey to the next level.
Elementary Te Reo Maori - Te Kaupae 3
Gain beginner Te Reo skills for everyday life and work.
Beginners Te Reo Maori - Te Kaupae 2
Start your te reo journey of discovery.
Gagana Samoa
This 10-hour short course will give you a solid foundation in the basics of Samoan language.
Te Hoe 2
This course provides an environment in which learners will build on basic skills and knowledge of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori acquired in Te Hoe 1
Introduction to Te Reo Māori and Tikanga
Gain an understanding of basic Te Reo and Māori culture for the workplace and other settings.
Te Hoe 1
This course is a 10-hour introductory Māori language course for students with no knowledge of Te Reo Māori or Tikanga Māori, where you'll acquire very basic skills in pronunciation and introductory phrases.
Everyday Te Reo Workshop
Start your Te Reo journey with a friendly introduction.
Gagana Samoa 2
This intermediate level short course follows on from Gagana Sāmoa 1 and provides further skills in reading and speaking in Samoan.
Introduction to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Build your organisation’s understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and learn how to create a partnership of respect and trust.