Immersion Māori Language Courses 

For many years the Commission has supported intensive marae-based Māori language immersion courses. Currently courses are funded by the Mā Te Reo Community Language Fund. 

Courses target those who use the Māori language as an everyday medium of tuition and/or communication. The aim of the courses is to increase the use and competence of speakers in the Māori language.

Māori is the only language spoken and it's expected that participants will have a reasonable grasp of the language. Courses cater to between 60 - 120 people and are structured to assist participants to:

• use Māori confidently, effectively and appropriately;
• negotiate the subtleties of the Māori language such as the use of allusion and idiom.

Courses focus on intensive language development sessions although everyone is able to work at their own pace, supported by tutors. Groups are selected according to level of Māori fluency. Most class time involves small group sessions, concentrating on language-based activities in:

• grammar;
• comprehension;
• translation;
• finding alternative ways of expressing an idea in Māori;
• use of idioms;
• speaking exercises;
• widening knowledge on the meaning and application of proverbs.

Participants will sometimes work in large groups, giving them the opportunity to:

• listen to first-language speakers discuss familiar words/phrases;
• discuss and have clarified areas of language which may cause difficulty.

The pool of tutors include:

Prof. Tīmoti Kāretu - Ngāi Tūhoe
Waihoroi Shortland - Ngāti Hine, Te Aupōuri, Ngā Puhi
Anita Moke - Ngāti Hikairo
Rāhera Shortland - Ngā Puhi
Hīria Tūmoana - Ngāi Tūhoe
Wiha Malcom - Ngāti Awa
Scott Morrison - Ngāti Whakaue
Wayne Ngata - Ngāti Ira
Julian Wilcox - Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Puhi, Te Arawa
Pania Papa - Waikato

Wharehuia Milroy - Ngāi Tūhoe

Students move in class groups from tutor to tutor and complete a circuit, completing subjects in two two hour sessions. Evenings comprise large group sessions with speakers who discuss issues or teach waiata.

What to bring:

The courses are conducted on marae so participants need to bring appropriate personal belongings for a five day period. Pens, paper, Māori dictionaries and other resources to assist you are recommended.

Enrolment:

Application forms and payments need to arrive at least three weeks before the course starts. This enables marae to arrange catering and accommodation etc.

Course fees vary and include tutoring, accommodation & kai.

Course dates for 2008:

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