Te Reo Māori for Beginners
Language & Literature
A course by
UCOL
A beginner-friendly, free part-time course to build a foundation in Te Reo Māori, covering basic language, vocabulary, pronunciation, and tikanga in an inclusive environment.
FREE COURSE
NZ$0
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Develop foundational Te Reo Māori vocabulary
Learn key everyday words and phrases for basic communication.
Understand pronunciation and basic grammar
Gain confidence in correct pronunciation and learning simple sentence structures.
About This Course
Te Reo Māori for Beginners at UCOL is designed for those eager to enhance their cultural understanding or start their journey with Te Reo Māori. Over 9-10 weeks, students will be introduced to key aspects of the language, including greetings, farewells, numbers, sentences, and Marae rules in a supportive and inclusive environment. Participants can expect practical learning with 2 hours of weekly class time, access to UCOL facilities, and open-entry enrolment. The programme is offered at multiple UCOL campuses and is fees-free, making it an ideal first step in learning Te Reo Māori and Māori culture. Graduates will be prepared to further their studies in intermediate-level programmes.
Course Content
- Everyday Te Reo Māori vocabulary
- Pronunciation
- Tikanga (cultural customs)
- Basic sentence structures
- Greetings and farewells
- Numbers
- Asking and saying how you are
- Basic mihimihi
- Marae rules (dos and don’ts)
Entry Requirements
Open entry. Diagnostic English language test may be required for domestic learners whose first language is not English.
Build towards these roles
Support roles in community and language-focused organisationsEnhanced cultural competency in workplace and community environments
Build skills in these industries
Languages and cultureEducationCommunity services
UCOL is a polytechnic built around the kind of learning that actually sticks — hands-on, practical, and grounded in the real world. With campuses across the lower North Island and a programme range that stretches from trades and health to creative arts and IT, it's a strong fit for learners who want a clear path into work without unnecessary detours. Whether you're fresh out of school, changing direction, or building on what you already know, UCOL is set up to meet you where you are.
