He Korowai Ākonga
Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching)
About the programme
He Korowai Ākonga is a teacher education degree that is sure to prepare you for work as a kaiako in primary or intermediate schools.
This programme involves 3 years of full-time study in the theory and practice of primary school teaching. Tauira will learn the New Zealand school curriculum, theories, innovative Māori teaching practice, research and rangahau skills, and the expertise and attitude required to be excellent kaiako (teachers).
By enrolling with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, tauira (students) will experience the best of bi-cultural partnership, small class sizes, a whānau-like environment, and be taught by kaiako who are masters in their practice. They will feel safe and supported, and build strong relationships with their kaiako and fellow tauira. These relationships are what sets this programme apart from others.
Each year, our tauira study 8 kōnae (modules), including 2 practice-based modules where they are in schools. Kōnae will equip tauira with skills that are sure to benefit them when they become kaiako.
Our tauira-centred environment allows for flexible learning practices to ensure that all tauira are given the best chance to succeed.
Our unique qualification embraces Māori philosophies, principles and mātauranga Māori, all of which is demonstrated through collaborative workshop-style tuition, one-day wānanga and noho, instruction in the art and craft of teaching, purposeful assessments, and relationships with stakeholder school leaders and communities.
Primary school teaching is a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the lives of our tamariki. Study He Korowai Ākonga with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to get the skills you need to help your students succeed.
Meet our Kaiako
All of our He Korowai Ākonga kaiako are seasoned educators with years of expertise.
Wendy Mack
Waiwhero Campus – Rotorua
Wendy has over 30 years of experience as a secondary school teacher as well as 5 years as a RTLB (Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour). She joined Te Wānanga o Aotearoa as a He Korowai Ākonga kaiako after her daughter, who was also a tauira in the programme encouraged her to apply. “My daughter knew the course would suit me as my teaching philosophy is, relationships are the most important thing. I know that teachers have a very important role and being able to share this passion with tauira on this programme has been incredible.”
A former kaiako in a Teen Parent Unit, Wendy would often encourage her tauira to enrol in He Korowai Ākonga as she knew they would be looked after and supported. Wendy says she has been a long-time supporter of the degree programme and believes tauira will have a positive study experience at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. “Tauira get to experience actual teaching and learning in kura where they can practice what they learn. We’ll encourage them to discover their strengths and find out what challenges them to help them become teachers who understand the needs of the tauira in their classroom.”
Katherine Harvey
Māngere Campus - Auckland
Katherine joined Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2019 as a kaiako for He Korowai Ākonga and brought with her 17 years of teaching experience. “I became a kaiako because my values and practice align with the mission and kaupapa of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and I wanted a new way to impact education through my unique set of skills and experience.”
Passionate about Aotearoa, teaching, and New Zealand primary schools, Katherine aims to create stimulating learning environments that inspire all tauira. “I want to inspire potential teachers to be confident, resilient, and knowledgeable practitioners so that in turn, they will create learning experiences and environments for New Zealand’s children to find belonging and success within education.”
Katherine’s goal is to provide as many opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom as possible, taking classes on trips into the ngahere, farms, and oceans to add depth and meaning to classroom theory. “My teaching style is creative and relational, I establish rapport with both students and their whānau quickly and can generate a positive and engaged collaboration to achieve learning outcomes. It’s an investment to realise their potential and to realise whānau transformation through education.”
Moana Woods
Mangakōtukutuku Campus – Hamilton
Moana has been a kaiako for He Korowai Ākonga since 2010, joining the programme with a clear goal of making a difference in the teaching profession. “I became a kaiako to support tauira who saw being Māori as positive and reinforce the idea that te reo Māori and kaupapa Māori values are a strength and should be applied in all aspects of English medium and reo rua classrooms.”
Moana emphasises that He Korowai Ākonga is open to people from all walks of life, no matter their background, ethnicity or age. If you meet the entry criteria and are open to learning and understanding the New Zealand Education Curriculum through a kaupapa Māori and te ao Māori lens, then she believes this is the perfect programme of study for you. “Kaupapa Māori values and te reo enhance connection and success in learning. Whanaungatanga and a strong identity is good for all learners.”
Creating a whānau-like learning environment is something that is important to Moana and she makes sure that tauira aren’t treated like just another number. “Students will experience authentic learning contexts in a safe, respectful, and holistic learning environment. They’ll be taught by experienced and qualified kaiako who are passionate about training teachers."
Ngā Amo Tiatia
Student Support
Get support for your educational and personal needs.
We offer a range of core services designed to support your educational and personal needs in the areas of academic achievement, careers, disability, enrolment, financial assistance, and pastoral care.
We’ll work with you to develop your potential so you can successfully complete your studies. Our services are free and we treat all information with discretion.
Te Kōpuretanga Scholarships
Te Kōpuretanga scholarships are offered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
- Te Tumuaki Rongo H Wetere Scholarship: Named after our esteemed Tumuaki, who was passionate about education being accessible for all. This scholarship celebrates first-generation tauira pursuing tertiary education across any of our programmes. Te Hiringa Teaching Scholarship: The Te Hiringa Teaching Scholarship is available to any tauira (student) enrolled in He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).
TeachNZ Scholarships
TeachNZ scholarships can cover the cost of your course fees and pay you an allowance while you study.
- Te Huarau Scholarship: A Te Huarau Scholarship can financially support you on your journey to becoming a teacher. Te Tipu Whakarito Scholarship: Embark on your journey to becoming a kaiako and nurture your passion for te reo Māori with the financial support of a Te Tipu Whakarito Scholarship. Te Huawhiti Career-Changer Scholarship: If you're looking to change careers and become a teacher, a Te Huawhiti Career-Changer Scholarship can financially support you in your journey. Te Waka Whakarei Career-Changer Scholarship: If you want to change careers and follow your passion for te reo Māori, a Te Waka Whakarei Career-Changer Scholarship can financially support you on your journey. Kupe Scholarship for Māori and Pacific high achievers: If you're of Māori or Pacific descent and can see yourself becoming an outstanding role model in education, a Kupe Scholarship can financially support you on your journey.
Scholarships for Māori and Pacific Students
Several scholarships are available specifically for Māori and Pacific tauira.
- Ngarimu Scholarships: The Ngarimu scholarships are designed to inspire, reward and support Māori achievement and success in education. Māori Education Trust scholarships: The Māori Education Trust lists several scholarships available for Māori tertiary students. Pacific Education Foundation scholarship: The Pacific Education Foundation was established in 1972 to encourage Pacific students into further education. Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards (PMPYA): The Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards celebrate success and reward outstanding achievements by Pacific young people in Aotearoa.
If you are a Māori tauira, you might also consider checking your iwi website to see if any scholarships are on offer.
Scholarship Databases
Check out these databases to find additional scholarships.
- Generosity NZ givME: Log on for free (no password required) at your local Te Wānanga o Aotearoa campus. StudySpy: Explore Aotearoa's largest database of scholarships. Public Trust: Find a grant or scholarship among public trusts.
Are you eligible for fees-free study?
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards. You will still need to pay programme fees to the tertiary provider, but you may be able to claim them back from IRD once you have completed your qualification.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit the Fees Free website linked below.