100-level

MAOR107
Te Ara o Tawhaki: Maori Thought, Beliefs and Practices
Description
This course provides an introduction to Maori knowledges and metaphysics through a study of topics such as voyaging, art and aesthetics, warfare, conflict and peace. We also look at how approaches to Maori knowledges and their impacts are critiqued.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PACS102
MAOR108
Te Patu a Maui : The Treaty of Waitangi - facing and overcoming colonisation
Description
Through focus on the themes of Power, Property and Citizenship, this course examines the historical realities of the Treaty, enabling an understanding of the modern colonial nation state and its processes with respect to Indigenous peoples. The course examines Maori responses, engagement with, and resistance to the colonial project leading to a critical understanding of colonialism.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025 (Distance)
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Special non-calendar-based One 2026 (UC Online)
Special non-calendar-based Three 2026 (UC Online)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
CULT114, MAOR113 (prior to 2006)
MAOR130
Maori Storytelling
Description
This course introduces students to a wide range of texts by Maori authors writing in English, and situates these works within a vast and vibrant whakapapa of Maori creative production in Aotearoa and beyond. Key themes within the course include: purakau and their contemporary retellings, representations of nonhuman perspectives, the relationship between writing and other forms of narrative, and Maori futurism.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
ENGL110, TITO101
MAOR165
Tuakiri : Culture and Identity
Description
What does it mean to live in Aotearoa/New Zealand in the 21st century? This course examines identity as a lived experience for Maori and non-Maori and how it shapes our thinking at individual, organisation and systemic levels in this country. The course also focusses on contemporary issues arising from identity tensions, enabling students to apply insights to effect positive social change in order to work effectively in a bicultural manner.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
MAOR172
Science, Maori and Indigenous Knowledge
Description
This is an integrated multi-disciplinary course between Aotahi: School of Maori and Indigenous Studies and the College of Science. This course provides a basic understanding of Maori and indigenous peoples’ knowledge in such fields as astronomy, physics, conservation biology, aquaculture, resource management and health sciences. The course provides unique perspectives in indigenous knowledge, western science and their overlap. The course will provide an essential background in cultural awareness and its relationship with today’s New Zealand scientific community.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
SCIM101

200-level

MAOR207
Indigilit - Indigenous Literature in Aotearoa and Beyond
Description
This course is a survey of Indigenous literature which presents Indigenous creative production in Aotearoa in relation to Indigenous literatures around the globe. Students are encouraged to consider various forms of narrative which constitute 'literature' in Indigenous contexts, to critically engage with representations of and ideas about Indigenous peoples within a range of texts, and to read Indigenous texts comparatively.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
TITO201, ENGL250
MAOR212
Maori and Indigenous Development
Description
This course will examine Maori and Indigenous development. Students will explore both historical and contemporary developments and the factors which have affected Maori and Indigenous engagement with globalisation. For example the course will look at areas such as economic development, education and health, amongst others.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from HIST, MAOR, SOWK, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
HIST262, HIST379
MAOR214
Te Ao Marama: Maori Thought
Description
The paper explores key aspects of Maori thought, philosophies and ideas through Maori history and culture. Topics include: oral traditions and iwi traditions, tikanga, customs and social life, whakaaro rapunga, philosophies and Maori thought leaders, gender and sexuality, identity and Maori art and writing, conservation, natural lore of land, ocean, taniwha, kaitiakitanga and resource management.
Occurrences
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from HIST, MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
HIST259
MAOR219
Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
Description
This course uses the Treaty of Waitangi to frame examinations of contemporary New Zealand society. We ask questions designed to highlight and emphasise the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi to everyday New Zealanders. In addition, the course looks at the importance of this document in the maintenance of Crown and Maori relations. Topics covered range from the signing of the Treaty, and historical developments, to the protest movements and activism of the continuing Maori renaissance period, race relations and one law-for-all.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from CULT, HIST, HSRV, MAOR, POLS, SOCI, SOWK, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
POLS218, POLS258, HIST268, SOCI209, HSRV207, CULT219
MAOR268
Kiriata: Maori film and Media
Description
This course examines the intersection of Maori identity in film, media and other creative works. It considers the political, historical, social, cultural and ideological influences that have shaped dominant mainstream constructions and counter-hegemonic representations of Maori and indigenous peoples in film, media and creative works. It also highlights the roles of artist, director and industry to produce Maori stories and aesthetics. A number of films will be screened throughout the course.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from CINE, MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
CINE213
MAOR282
Kapa Haka - Introducing Maori Performing Arts
Description
Designed for Maori and non-Maori, performance competent and new learners, language and non-language students this course takes the class on a journey of exploration to a high level of performance. Course content includes study of the mythological and traditional origins and customs of performing arts from moteatea (traditional song), poi (ball dance), waiata a-ringa (action song), haka and the art of warfare and mau rakau (weaponry - ti rakau, titi torea, hapai rakau, taiaha, patu). The course also covers the role of male and female leaders, biographies of important composers and the renaissance of kapa haka and its place in Maori culture and society. Students learn a full performance bracket which includes a distinctive Ngai Tahu component as well as a selection of historical and sacred classic tribal anthems.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from MAOR or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
TREO282, MAOR265, MAOR382, TREO382, MUSA252
MAOR285
Modern Histories of Ngai Tahu
Description
The story of Ngai Tahu is a fascinating example of a small impoverished community of tribal members who by the 1970s had been reduced to a membership of less than 400. Within two decades this tribe had emerged as one of the largest corporations in the South Island with a tribal membership of over 40,000. It is the largest land-owner in the South Island with significant interests in fisheries and tourism. Explaining how and why this happened will be one of the core themes of this course. The first part of this course will look at some of the early history of Ngai Tahu through to their movement from its pre-contact era to initial contact with early explorers, the settler government and the subsequent land transactions that ran from 1844 to 1864. The second part of this course will trace Ngai Tahu’s claim over nearly 150 years and the concurrent development and implementation of corporate structures. It will then turn to an overview of how Ngai Tahu and the Crown negotiated one of the largest Treaty settlement packages in the nation's history, but also what opportunities and challenges that brings today.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from HIST, MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
HIST292

300-level

MAOR301
Ngati Apopo: Maori Futures
Description
This course explores the local, national and global trends that will materially impact on the future trajectory of Maori self determination and futures making. Students will investigate how Maori navigate such shifts and trends to advance self-determination as change agents.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from CULT, MAOR, POLS, or TREO, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
POLS331, POLS358, CULT319, MAOR425
MAOR317
Takahi: Colonisation
Description
Colonisation has significantly shaped contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand society. This course will cover key events in Aotearoa New Zealand's colonial history. Students will choose their kaupapa related to colonisation for their research project, which they will complete throughout the semester. In addition to the course content, weekly workshops will cover practical research and writing skills.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from CULT, HIST, MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
RELS322, HIST366, CULT302
MAOR329
Myth and History
Description
The myths we create are part of the fabric that makes up our past and how we understand it. This course will examine the interactions between history and myth. We will explore mythic narratives from Te Ao Maori, Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa, the Classical world, and medieval Europe. We will look at how myths have been studied, interpreted, and misinterpreted and consider some of the dangers of the misappropriation of myths. Students will engage with a range of texts, critically analysing them. They will become familiar with mythic archetypes and motifs and learn to interpret myth narratives.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from HIST, MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA
Restrictions
HIST276, HIST353
MAOR330
Indigenous Stories, Digital Realms
Description
This course considers the representation of Indigenous narratives within the digital world. By closely analysing a series of case studies from various media including gaming and VR (virtual realities), as well as trends in film, television, and other media, we discuss thematic and stylistic trends in Indigenous texts as well as production methods and ethics utilised in their creation and development.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
15 points from TITO201, ENGL250, MAOR207; or TITO202
Restrictions
TITO301

Not Offered Courses in 2026

100-level

MAOR120
He takere waka nui
Description
This course will be delivered as part of the UC Takere programme through a series of workshops, tutorials, PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Sessions) and haerenga (field trips). The course introduces students to a pre and post-colonial history of Maori and Pacific society and innovation and provides a basic understanding of concepts that comprise a Maori and Pacific worldview of cultural similarities and differences shared across the Pacific. This course will cover: - Cultural narratives and navigation - European settlement and colonisation of the Pacific - Biculturalism in Aotearoa - Understanding identity as a lived experience - Influences of Maori and Pacific identities in historical and contemporary contexts.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2024
For further information see MAOR120 course details
Points
15 points
MAOR170
Indigenous Peoples, Development and Anthropology
Description
An introduction to a broad range of issues related to the social circumstances and survival of the world's indigenous peoples
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MAOR170 course details
Points
15 points

200-level

MAOR214
Te Ao Marama: Maori Thought
Description
The paper explores key aspects of Maori thought, philosophies and ideas through Maori history and culture. Topics include: oral traditions and iwi traditions, tikanga, customs and social life, whakaaro rapunga, philosophies and Maori thought leaders, gender and sexuality, identity and Maori art and writing, conservation, natural lore of land, ocean, taniwha, kaitiakitanga and resource management.
Occurrences
MAOR214-26SU1 (C)
Summer Jan 2026 - Not offered
For further information see MAOR214 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from HIST, MAOR, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
HIST259

300-level

MAOR323
Research Essay
Description
Independent research essay for students with a demonstrated ability to progress to postgraduate research study and thesis writing. Enrolling students must have a B+ grade average. They are expected to see a lecturer in the School to develop a project with a supervisor and proposal.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2024
For further information see MAOR323 course details
Points
30 points
MAOR365
Mana Wahine: Maori and Indigenous Women
Description
This course aims to provide an analysis of Maori and indigenous women in historical, political, cultural and social contexts. Topics include: Maori women, dominant interpretations in theorizing Maori women, mythology, historical accounts, social organization, leadership, Maori women in contemporary society. Both historical and contemporary influences on how Maori women are represented will be a feature of this course.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MAOR365 course details
Points
30 points
MAOR373
Whakaaro Wairua: Maori Spiritual Beliefs and Philosophies
Description
This course explores Maori philosophies, thought and, what has been described in the literature as, "spiritual beliefs" across time. The course will look at Maori concepts such as tapu, mana, mauri, ihi, wehi, wana and others, how these concepts have changed and the factors that have given rise to new understandings of these. We will also explore the ongoing maintenance of these concepts in the face of Christianity and modernity.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2024 , 2025
For further information see MAOR373 course details
Points
30 points