Ngā Herenga Course

Bridging the divide between the Crown and iwi Māori

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.

 

Overview

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.

Testimonials 

  • "Reading other people's perspectives on the modules has been incredibly interesting and thought-provoking. Knowing the names of key figures in the 1800's and understanding the history leading up to the signing of the treaty has been an essential element of the course. The course content empowers you to have well-informed, evidence-based conversations with others."

    Rowena 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."

    Carol Ngā Herenga learner

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

    Sharon Ngā Herenga

  • "This was such a brilliant course and experience. I liked how it covered all the issues I was unclear of in such a methodical way. The content was easy to work through with a good mix of text, video and quizzes."

    Learner Ngā Herenga

  • "Good balance of delivering the content eg. text, images, video, puzzles and quizzes. The detail wasn't too heavy for someone trying to get their head around a lot of history."

    Learner 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."

    Sue 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."

    N. Nicholson Ngā Herenga

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

    Caroline Ngā Herenga

  • "Very informative. This course that 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."

    Peter Ngā Herenga

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.

Course outline

Our courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. You can choose to study when it suits you during the learning period (7 October – 8 December, with a one-week study break from 4-10 November), followed by a 2-week review period for marking and feedback (9 –22 December).

We recommend completing around 6 hours of study a week during the learning period (excluding the study break) – you can view the course overview here for more details on assessment timings. 

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
  • Quizzes
  • Reflective assignments

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.  

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course – it is open to anyone who has confidence listening, reading and writing in English.  

Technology requirements 

We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection. For most courses you'll need to download and populate assignments. These are usually available as Microsoft Word documents. 

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 Partnerships Manager to learn more and enquire now.

Minimum enrolment threshold

Please note: Tuihono UC | UC Online has a minimum enrolment threshold that must be met to enable opportunities for interaction, discussion, and feedback. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course is not met, enrolled students will be given the option to defer their enrolment to the next course date, or receive a refund.