Certificate in Bicultural Competency (Level 4)
Society
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain knowledge and practical skills in te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to improve cultural competency within organisations and the workplace in Aotearoa.
NZ$1,831
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Apply te reo Māori in the workplace
Accurately pronounce introductions, greetings, and farewells; use basic te reo Māori in workplace correspondence and relevant professional contexts.
Demonstrate understanding of tikanga Māori
Describe and apply a range of tikanga Māori concepts, understanding their influence on behaviour and organisational practices.
About This Course
This part-time certificate develops practical bicultural competency for New Zealand workplaces and communities, including te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its historical and contemporary impacts. Designed for both public and private sector workers, the programme explores learners’ own positions in Aotearoa’s bicultural society. The course uses wānanga principles and incorporates local iwi perspectives, focusing on workplace relevance and real-world application.
Course Content
- Te Reo Māori for the Workplace: Pronunciation, greetings, farewells, workplace correspondence, industry/profession-specific language.
- Tikanga Māori in the Organisation: Tikanga concepts, their importance, influence on behaviour, application in organisations.
- Introduction to Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Historical context, articles and principles, related legislation, contemporary effects of colonisation, application to professional practice.
- Bi-cultural Competency: Cultural construct, comparing perspectives, understanding narratives, cultural bias, group membership, privilege, reflection barriers.
Entry Requirements
Open entry. All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to study at this level.
Build towards these roles
Cultural AdvisorCommunity Development WorkerDiversity and Inclusion CoordinatorPublic Sector Employee
Build skills in these industries
Public SectorEducationCommunity Services
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
