Ngā Herenga

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.

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. 

Our courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. You'll be able to access the online course from 17 July,  but can choose to study when it suits you. We recommend completing around 6 hours of study a week during the 8-week study period (with a 2-week period for assessment review and feedback).

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
  
  

Karirā Allen (ia/he/him)

Teacher / Māori and Pasifika Student Transitions Advisor | University of Canterbury

Karirā Allen (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Pākehā) is a member of the Student Transitions and Engagement (STE) team at the University of Canterbury (UC). He is an educator within the Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) programme of TRNS002: The Peopling of Aotearoa, and the Student Advisor for all Māori and Pasifika students within the programme.

Karirā is an Academic Team Leader for STE and a member of the UC Library Committee. He gained his MA in 2013 and is currently completing his PhD on redefining what Māori and Pasifika academic success truly is.

He has also researched Māori pedagogical approaches for Ngāi Tahu and student attrition for UC’s former Assistant Vice Chancellor Māori. Karirā lives in Aranui, Christchurch, with his wife, Jaya, and their two daughters, Tapairu and Waiāri, and son, Tūmoana.