Te Rākau Taumatua

Te Rākau Taumatua is an advanced online professional learning programme of proficient te reo Māori kaiako. It supports kaiako to deepen their te reo Māori knowledge and strengthen their teaching practice, creating more opportunities for mokopuna to learn and grow their reo.   

The programme is delivered over 10 Weeks through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Mumu Reo, led by esteemed reo Māori educators Pānia Papa and Leon Blake. 

Te Rākau Taumatua is designed for:  

• Kaiako in Māori medium kura and settings teaching years 1-13  
• Kaiako who teach te reo Māori as a subject for at least 3 hours per week  
• Kaiako and tumuaki who are advanced‑intermediate to highly proficient in te reo Māori and who meet the relevant criteria outlined above (L1, L2, L4b).  
• Support staff working directly with mokopuna and are advanced‑intermediate to highly proficient in te reo Māori  

This initiative supports kaiako in:  

• Level 1 and 2 Kaupapa Māori and Māori medium settings  
• Kaiako who are in a Level 4b setting where they teach te reo Māori as a separate subject for 3+ hours per week  

This programme may be right for you if:  

• You are confident using te reo Māori in your teaching  
• You want to deepen your language knowledge and teaching practice  
• You can commit to regular weekly participation  

If you are unsure about your language level, use the Level Finding Tool before registering.  

Te Rākau Taumatua is an advanced programme. It is best suited to kaiako who are advanced intermediate to highly proficient in te reo Māori and who are already using te reo Māori regularly in their teaching.  

If you are still developing confidence with everyday classroom reo, this programme has not been designed for your needs. Support for less proficient kaiako is available through Te Kura Raunui. 

Participants will develop:  

• Strengthen their  te reo Māori and wetereo (grammar) at an advanced level  
• Develop a deeper understanding of how learners acquire languages, both as heritage and additional languages  
• Learn practical strategies for teaching a knowledge- rich curriculum in te reo Māori  
• Build confidence applying new learning directly into classroom practice  
• Improve the quality and consistency of reo Māori across their kura  

Kia tipu te mātau. Kia pakari te toro o ngā peka. Kia puāwai ngā rautaki whakaako.  

Te Rākau Taumatua offers:  

• Two intakes every year in Term 2 and 3 
• 300 places per intake  
• A 10‑week online programme with an additional 2 weeks’ of extended access to the online portal  
• A printed workbook with 10 modules and consolidation activities  
• Weekly two‑hour Zoom tutorials, delivered in small groups for personalised support  

• 3:30–5:30pm  
• 5:30–7:30pm  
• 7:30–9:30pm  

Participants select preferred times when completing their expression of interest. Ffacilitators will allocate groups based on availability and preference where possible.  

Yes. The programme is designed for kaiako working full time. Learning is completed online, with:  

• One two-hour Zoom tutorial per week  
• Independent learning using the online portal and workbook  

You will need to set aside regular time each week to engage fully with the programme.  

In addition to the weekly two-hour Zoom tutorial, participants should expect to spend time 4-6 hours per week engaging with the workbook and online materials.  

The exact time will vary, but participants should plan for ongoing weekly commitment across the 10 weeks.  

Yes. Zoom tutorials are a key part of the programme and provide opportunities for:  

• Guided learning  
• Discussion with facilitators  
• Support in applying learning to classroom practice  

Participants select preferred tutorial times when completing their Expression of Interest.  

We know that life is busy and should you not be able to attend one of the online sessions for whatever reason please contact Mumu Reo [email protected]. 

You will need to complete at least 80% of the course content to meet completion requirements. The course is made up of a total of 100 credits and you must achieve at least 80 credits to successfully complete the programme. The credits allocated to each task will be visible in the Syllabus content. If you do not meet completion requirements, this may affect your future eligibility.   

An expression of interest helps us understand demand for Term 3 and supports us with our planning. It is not a confirmed place or a formal enrolment. 

All expressions of interest will be reviewed. You will receive an email with to confirm whether your application was successful or not.   

Term 3 delivery will include Level 5, 6 and 7. 

Yes. Expressions of interests will only be accepted from those who have an ESL.  

No. Places are limited.  

Places are generally allocated on a first in, first served basis, however a prioritisation process applies. Priority is given in the following order:  

1. Kaiako  
2. Tumuaki and leaders  
3. Part‑time kaiako and LATs  
4. Support staff  

The expression of interest link will be available on Tāhūrangi and via Mumu Reo channels.  

You will need an active Education Sector Login (ESL) to complete your expression of interest.  

If you need to activate or reset your ESL, please visit: Applications & Online Systems (ESL support) or contact the N4L Service Desk on 0800 422 599 or at [email protected].  

No. Te Rākau Taumatua is funded by the Ministry of Education. There is no cost to participants.  

Yes. Multiple kaiako from the same kura may apply. Each person must submit their own Expression of Interest, and places are allocated based on availability and the prioritisation process.