This programme is intended for proficient speakers of te reo Māori and provides an opportunity for people to learn te reo Māori in a safe and supported learning environment based upon the legacy of nga matua tupuna. Tikanga Māori is integrated throughout the programme in a manner that is conducive; to enhance learning; to provide meaning; to create understanding and awareness; and above all to apply respectfully. In addition to the acquisition of te reo, graduates will have developed skills and knowledge of associated lexis in a specialised area. They will also have specialised technical and theoretical knowledge to conduct research.

Graduates of this diploma will have the skills and knowledge to participate in the maintenance and development of te reo amongst whanau, hapu, iwi, and community. They will have an advanced- understanding and awareness of te reo that can be utilised to support and complement current skills and knowledge in their area of employment, in the public and private sectors, such as:

senior administration roles;
senior policy analysts;
liaison person, team leader;
senior Māori Cultural advisors;
senior teachers/educators – general and reo Māori; kaiawhina, kaiarahi i te reo in Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori, Primary Schools, or in the workplace;
script writers, or broadcasters in Māori Radio;
health advocates, or healthcare support workers;
lead roles in the arts sector – singers, composers, writers, artists, actors;
senior roles as tour guides, instructors, or kaitiaki in the Tourism sector;
senior hospitality positions;
senior Māori liaison or Cultural Advisor positions in Government Departments;
Politics – Liaison, Advisors, or Speakers on Hospital Boards, Regional Boards, Local Council and in Parliament;
speakers of advisors in Museums
advisors at Foreign Embassies in New Zealand, or overseas.