Manaaki Tāpoi Cultural Tourism 

Take a journey through the cultural history of Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui (the Top of the South). Learn from expert tutors and kaumatua, visit and stay on marae across the region and interact with Māori business leaders of the region.

This programme is designed to be experiential and active whilst embedding and reinforcing pride in Aotearoa’s cultural heritage. You will learn the importance of strong connections to Te Ao Māori and the value these connections can bring to a wide range of career paths.

Manaaki Tāpoi (Introduction) at Level 2 focuses on whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, serving of kai and te reo greetings and farewells used in tourism. On completion of Manaaki Tāpoi (Introduction), students can pathway onto the Manaaki Tāpoi (Advanced) programme at Level 3. This course focuses on kaitiaki practices in Māori Tourism and the history of natural attractions and significant sites in our region.

Students who complete Manaaki Tāpoi Level 2 or Level 3 may be invited to enrol in the Manaaki Tāpoi Level 3 Extension programme. This programme builds on previous skills and experience. Tauira will interpret aspects of their culture and model tikanga whilst participating in noho marae and in workplace and school settings. Learning will focus on the effective and appropriate interpretation of key elements of the Māori culture through the facilitation and delivery of workshops.

This is a unique programme option within New Zealand.

Level 2

• Explain kaitiakitanga in terms of how Māori interact with te taiao.
• Explain the use of tikanga Māori as part of exercising kaitiakitanga.
• Describe whanaungatanga in relation to the way Māori interact with the natural world.
• Describe whanaungatanga in relation to a local Māori environmental management system.
• Prepare wharekai for service, as part of a team, in accordance with kawa and tikanga.
• Serve kai, as part of a team, in accordance with kawa and tikanga.
• Clear tables, as part of a team, in accordance with kawa and tikanga.
• Clear wharakai after service, as part of team, in accordance with kawa and tikanga.
• Explain the importance of Māori place names in tourism.
• Present a short mihi and poroporoaki in te reo Māori with local tikanga.

Level 3:

• Explain kaitiaki practices in a Tourism Māori context.
• Participate in a noho marae.
• Apply marae tikanga in the workplace.
• Identify and explain the cultural significance of natural attractions in tourism Māori.
• Identify and explain the cultural significance of man-made attractions in tourism Māori.
• Contribute within a team or group which has an objective.