Maori arts degree comes to NorthTec

Kura Te Waru, Rewiri said it is a good chance to nurture artists. On either side of her are fellow tutors Te Hemoata Henare and Lorraine King. Photo / Supplied

Course focuses on region’s knowledge

Northlanders with a passion for Maori art now have a home where they can study it.

In March NorthTec is launching the first Bachelor of Maori Arts programme, Maunga Kura Toi, in Northland.

The three-year undergraduate degree will give Northlanders the chance to study Raranga (weaving), Rauangi (Maori visual arts) and Whakairo (carving).

Tutor and painter Kura Te Waru-Rewiri said the hapu-iwi focus of the qualification will give artists the chance to learn more about Te Taitokerau.

"Because it's based in Northland they will be able to learn the knowledge of Northland hapu and iwi."

Ms Te Waru-Rewiri said the course was a koha from Te Wananga O Aotearoa, a Maori-focused tertiary education provider. "They got in touch with me about putting the programme further north and acknowledged NorthTec would be that tertiary centre of Ngapuhi."

Ms Te Waru-Rewiri said the course will allow up-and-coming artists to be nurtured and mentored.

"It's about that sense of well-being. For me, I had a teacher who believed in me so I believed in myself, it's so important to have good mentors," she said.

The Maunga Kura Toi, will be taught by leading Maori artists and Maori art educators and aims to develop students who are passionate about Toi Maori (Maori arts) and its place within Te Ao Maori (the world of Maori).

Ms Te Waru-Rewiri said the degree is not just for Maori students: "It's for anyone who would like to learn about Maori art, anyone who has a passion."

For information visit www.northtec.ac.nz or call 0800 162 100.