Short Course

Ngā Herenga Course

01 October 2024

Gain a foundational knowledge on the history of Aotearoa New Zealand by analysing various forms of media and text. Explore the political connections between the Crown and iwi Māori, and how these relationships have moulded our culture, politics and society.

HOW TO APPLY

Price

Domestic learners

$295 NZD incl GST where applicable

International learners

$627 NZD incl GST where applicable

Qualification

Short course

Duration

50 hours over 9 weeks*

*Around 6 hours of study per week, with a one-week study break

Entry times

2 February - 5 April 2026
27 April - 28 June 2026
13 July - 13 September 2026
28 September - 29 November 2026

Enrolments open for February

Enrol now

Stay updated

Overview

Bridging the divide between the Crown and iwi Māori

Gain a deeper understanding of Aotearoa history and the political connections between Māori tribal groupings and the Crown. You’ll explore the complexities of the relationships between these groups and how they have shaped the culture, politics, and society of this country.

Key topics covered include Pacific migration and European settlement, Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tirene (the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand) and Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa (the New Zealand Wars).

By examining the past, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation of the present and how Aotearoa New Zealand has become the country it is today. This course aims to foster bicultural competency, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage effectively with the diverse cultures and communities of present-day Aotearoa and understand biculturalism in New Zealand.

Ngā Herenga is designed to be accessible and practical for learners of all backgrounds. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply interested in learning more about Aotearoa history, this course will provide you with a rich and informative experience. Join us as we explore the history and politics of New Zealand and examine how these factors continue to shape our society and biculturalism in New Zealand today.

Curious about the course name? ‘Ngā’ indicates plural or more than one of something and ‘Herenga’ has meanings of obligations, commitments, or ties that bind. Together these words represent the connections between the Crown and Māori and how they are entwined.

What you'll learn

An understanding of the migration, movement and settlement of societies within the Pacific.
A basic understanding of the historical texts connected to Aotearoa and the political implications that followed.
How to examine Aotearoa through a present-day Te Tiriti o Waitangi based lens.
Develop basic knowledge of te reo Māori language including words, phrases, and greetings.

Achievement of this short course shows you can:

Interpret and analyze the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tirene (the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand), and Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa (the New Zealand Wars) in shaping Aotearoa New Zealand's political landscape and cultural identity.
Develop bicultural competency, including the ability to engage effectively with diverse cultures and communities in present-day Aotearoa.
Appreciate the value of historical understanding in navigating contemporary societal challenges and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable Aotearoa New Zealand.

Testimonials

Si

Ngā Herenga

"It was an excellent online course: I very much enjoyed the approach incorporating past and present and I will carry the mahi with me. I feel it allows me to better participate in contemporary discussions, even just about stories in the media."

Rowena

Ngā Herenga

"Reading other people's perspectives on the modules has been incredibly interesting and thought-provoking. The course content empowers you to have well-informed, evidence-based conversations with others. The course is relevant and connects our past to the present day."

Mike

Ngā Herenga

"Really enjoyed the haerenga | journey."

Haki

Ngā Herenga

"I love how relevant the course learning and objectives are in relation to what is currently happening in todays local, national and international political, socio-cultural situation."

Carol

Ngā Herenga

"I loved that this course filled in so many of the gaps I had in my knowledge of the history of Aotearoa. I can't think of any other available ways that I could have accessed that would have taught me so much. I wish that I had done a course like this years ago."

Sharon

Ngā Herenga

"The content was interesting and easy to understand. I found the quizzes to be achievable alongside my normal workload."

Peter

Ngā Herenga

"Very well laid out content, and variety of presentations. Re-inforcement via quizzes was very beneficial."

Sue

Ngā Herenga

"I enjoyed the course. Because I have been exposed to new information and have examined my previous knowledge (sometimes lack of!) and assumptions I have ended up having lots of discussions around my wonderings. It has been a meaningful journey for me."

N. Nicholson

Ngā Herenga

"[I enjoyed] all the information. It was also presented very well on the online programme. The tutor was engaged with us and I always felt he was there if needed help."

Caroline

Ngā Herenga

"I liked the logical progression, the openness and the supportive and kind approach from those guiding us through."

Peter

Ngā Herenga

"Very informative. This course should be completed by anyone that wishes to have a more realistic understanding of the background of Aotearoa. Highly recommended to anyone that emigrates to NZ."

Margaret

Ngā Herenga

"I learnt a lot and it has whetted my appetite to learn more."

Caroline

Ngā Herenga

"Thanks very much for this adventure. Some of the new knowledge is sad and horrible, but it is a voyage of discovery New Zealanders ought to consider. I want to do it again!"

How it works

Ngā Herenga is flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments – provided you meet assessment deadlines. You can choose to study online when it suits you during the nine-week learning period, with a one-week study break in the middle of your course to take a break, or catch up.

We recommend completing around 6 hours of study a week during the learning period (excluding the study break). After the course ends, there will be a two-week period for marking and feedback.

Study anywhere online and feel supported everywhere

Nervous about studying online?
You'll start your course with an optional UC Online Essentials course, giving you a chance to get familiar with the learning management system (LMS). Learn more about how online study with us really works.

Online, not alone
Study anywhere, feel supported everywhere. Our courses have been designed to enable a cohort community so you can learn and grow from each other's experience. We also have a facilitator for this course who is there to offer support as you work through your learning, in addition to our Enrolment Support and Learner Support teams.

Qualification
This is a standalone course that recognises the achievement of specific skills, experience, or knowledge. There are no academic points associated with this course.

Recognition
Upon successful completion of the course you will be issued a digital badge to recognise your learning achievements. This can take up to 2 months to be delivered after the marking and feedback period.

Course outline

The course is divided into three modules that you'll work your way through over the nine weeks of learning. Each module includes specific learning objectives, educational content across a range of media, activities to apply what you've learnt, plus a 'temperature check' survey to make sure you're getting what you need as a learner.

Module 1: Migration and settlement
Learn about Pacific migration to Aotearoa. Explore what changed upon European exodus into the Pacific.

Module 2: Meaning and aftermath
Learn about He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tirene (the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand) and what this meant for Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).

Module 3: Legacy and impact
Explore Māori protest movements and the subsequent Māori and Crown settlement process. Explore present day injustices Māori face, and opportunities for future empowerment.

Assessments

3 quizzes (one for each module) worth 20% each
1 final written assessment worth 40%

Your course total grade is calculated based on the weighting of each assessment. To pass the course you need a course total of over 50 out of 100. You may attempt each assessment up to two times. You do not need a passing grade for every single assessment, but you do need to engage with/complete all assessments.

Ready to start learning?

Enrol now for February, or sign up for enrolment updates.

Enrol now

Stay updated

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course – it is open to anyone who has confidence listening, reading and writing in English. It’s recommended for anyone who wants to explore foundational knowledge on the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, and improve bicultural competence.

Technology requirements

We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection.
A PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC) to download PDFs with assessment instructions.
Word processing software (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) to complete your assignments.

Course fees
Course fees must be paid before learning can begin, either via online credit-card payment, or by contacting info@uconline.ac.nz to request an invoice. Please note: fixed invoice payment dates apply, so we recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible to request an invoice, as this option is subject to availability.

Group discounts
Get your colleagues together to take advantage of our group discounts:

10% for 3 - 6 learners
15% for 7+ learners

Contact our Enrolment Support Team to learn more and enquire now.

Withdrawals and refunds
Once learning begins, you are eligible for a withdrawal with refund up until the end of week 2. After this date, refunds may be available if your circumstances are exceptional, for example if you've experienced a serious medical event.

Cap & minimum enrolment threshold
A minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.

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