Kapa Haka Thailand Tour by PNBHS

Languages & Culture

Te Reo Māori; Māori Performing Arts; French; German; Japanese; Mau Rakau

Languages can bring people together. Learning a language can:

· Improve your cognitive skills and confidence

· Expand your way of thinking

· Improve the use of your mother tongue

· Boost brain power

· Enhance problem-solving skills and memory

· Broaden horizons and give greater employment and study opportunities world-wide

· Develop transferable skills to use in other subjects and areas

· Promote a wider understanding, open-mindedness, tolerance and empathy for others

· Raise cultural sensitivity.

Year 10 French - 10FRE

This is a FULL-YEAR option.

French is widely used for communicating in many parts of the world, including our close Pacific neighbour, New Caledonia. People who know French can share in the rich traditions and history of France, a country that continues to fascinate the rest of the world, be it on the rugby field, in the arts or in its culinary reputation. In turn, the ability to speak French can help with travel, business and political interactions around the world.

This course provides an introduction to the French language and culture. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and interaction skills are developed, with the aim of providing a solid foundation for future study. Students are encouraged to use the target language as much as possible in the classroom and to make connections between the French culture and their own culture.

The following topics are studied: Houses and homes, Daily routines, Past events, Leisure and social activities, Shopping for food, Visiting towns, Narrating a series of events, Sports and injuries, Personal relationships, How things used to be, The environment, The future, Health, and People in the French-speaking world.

DELF Scolaire examinations, an internationally recognised and accredited qualification, can be sat in the middle of Term 3.

Prerequisites: At least 50% in the Year 9 end-of-year French examination, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker.

Subject Cost Donation: $30

Year 10 German - 10GER

This is a FULL-YEAR option.

German is closely related to English and is more similar to English than any other language. With over 100 million German speakers throughout Europe, from Austria to Switzerland, it is also a popular language in New Zealand. In turn, there are numerous close links between this country and Germany through trade, tourism and exchanges, making knowledge of the language and people and incredibly useful skill across many areas.

This course provides an introduction to the German language and culture. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and interaction skills are developed, with the aim of providing a solid foundation for future study. Students are encouraged to use the target language as much as possible in the classroom and to make connections between the German culture and their own culture.

The following topics are studied: Asking for and giving permission, Eating out, Sport, Health, At home, Shopping for clothes, School rules, Holidays, Getting around town, The environment, Going out, Jobs and future careers, and People in the German-speaking world.

Prerequisites: At least 50% in the Year 9 end-of-year German examination, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker.

Subject Cost Donation: $30

Year 10 Japanese - 10JAP

This is a FULL-YEAR option.

Japan is a beautiful country with a long history and many fascinating cultural sights to see. Japan has also given the world cars, motorbikes, electrical appliances and more recently anime, manga and J-pop. Learning Japanese gives an insight into the culture of this important trading partner of New Zealand and makes travel there easier and more satisfying. Japan shares some of cultural and linguistic traits of China and Korea, and the knowledge of the Japanese script can make access to other Asian languages easier.

This course provides an introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and interaction skills are developed, with the aim of providing a solid foundation for future study. Students are encouraged to use the target language as much as possible in the classroom and to make connections between the Japanese culture and their own culture.

The following topics are studied: Katakana and Kanji script, Time, Daily routines, School, Dates, months and seasons, Hobbies and sports, Holidays, Describing people, Birthdays and festivals, and Manga and anime.

Prerequisites: At least 50% in the Year 9 end-of-year Japanese examination, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker.

Subject Cost Donation: $25

Materials: $5 (Katakana cards)

Year 10 Te Reo Māori - 10MAO

This is a FULL YEAR option.

Experience a unique opportunity to learn Te Reo Māori in both the written and oral forms. Karakia, (prayers), Waiata, (songs), and Haka form an integral role in this subject. The intensive study of the Marae is brought to reality when those studying Te Reo Māori experience the East Coast lifestyle at Anaura Bay for those who choose this Year 10 outdoor education option. If you have not had any previous experience in Te Reo Māori, please speak to Mr Strickland.

Level One French - 11FRE

French is widely used for communicating in many parts of the world, including our close Pacific neighbour, New Caledonia. People who know French can share in the rich traditions and history of France, a country that continues to fascinate the rest of the world, be it on the rugby field, in the arts or in its culinary reputation. In turn, the ability to speak French can help with travel, business and political interactions around the world.

This course is a full academic programme. It builds on the four basic skills acquired in Years 9 and 10. There is an emphasis on interacting and making meaning, in line with Levels 1-6 of the National Curriculum. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in French to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written French, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the French culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Daily routines, School and future plans, Home town, region and country, Enjoying time with family and friends, Holidays and travel, Geography and weather, Describing people, places and things, Making social arrangements, Entertainment, Personal relationships, Health, and Customs and traditions in France and French-speaking countries.

DELF Scolaire examinations, an internationally recognised and accredited qualification, can be sat in the middle of Term 3.

Prerequisites: At least 50% in the Year 10 end-of-year French examination, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker.

Available Credits: 5 credits (internal); 5 credits (external)

Subject Cost Donation: $40

Level One German – 11GER

German is closely related to English and is more similar to English than any other language. With over 100 million German speakers throughout Europe, from Austria to Switzerland, it is also a popular language in New Zealand. In turn, there are numerous close links between this country and Germany through trade, tourism and exchanges, making knowledge of the language and people an incredibly useful skill across many areas.

This course is a full academic programme. It builds on the four basic skills acquired in Years 9 and 10. There is an emphasis on interacting and making meaning, in line with Levels 1-6 of the National Curriculum. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in German to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written German, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the German culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Daily routines, School and future plans, Home town, region and country, Enjoying time with family and friends, Holidays and travel, Geography and weather, Describing people, places and things, Making social arrangements, Entertainment, Personal relationships, Health, and Customs and traditions in Germany and German-speaking countries.

Prerequisites: At least 50% in the Year 10 end-of-year German examination, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker.

Available Credits: 5 credits (internal); 5 credits (external)

Subject Cost Donation: $40

Level One Japanese - 11JAP

Japan is a beautiful country with a long history and many fascinating cultural sights to see. Japan has also given the world cars, motorbikes, electrical appliances and more recently anime, manga and J-pop. Learning Japanese gives an insight into the culture of this important trading partner of New Zealand and makes travel there easier and more satisfying. Japan shares some of cultural and linguistic traits of China and Korea, and the knowledge of the Japanese script can make access to other Asian languages easier.

This course is a full academic programme. It builds on the four basic skills acquired in Years 9 and 10. There is an emphasis on interacting and making meaning, in line with Levels 1-6 of the National Curriculum. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in Japanese to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their Japanese script, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the Japanese culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Time and activities, Invitations, School, Houses and location of objects, Seasons and seasonal activities, Shopping, Appearance and clothing, Food and drink, Getting around town, and Homestays.

Prerequisites: At least 50% in the Year 10 end-of-year Japanese examination, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker.

Available Credits: 5 credits (internal); 5 credits (external)

Subject Cost Donation: $30

Materials: $5 (Kanji cards)

Level One Te Reo Māori - 11MAO

Te Reo Māori is one of three official languages of the nation. The language itself is central to Māori culture, identity and forms part of the heritage of our country. We commit to exposing students who are eager in taking this pathway into the Māori world. 

Te Reo Māori provides an overview to Kaupapa Māori and Māori Language in Education. It gives the student the opportunities to succeed in a mainstream setting through Te Reo Māori.
Subject costs: $25.00

Level One Māori Performing Arts - 11MPF

Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka is the term used for the Traditional Maori Performing Arts.
Unlike other indigenous dance forms, kapa haka is unique in the fact that the performers must sing, dance, have expression as well as movement all combined into each item. Kapa haka is a form of entertainment to attract the audience into the Māori world. It is another means to portray current issues or to celebrate success through actions and song.

Students will learn the following disciplines:
Waiata Tira - choral item
Whakaeke - entry onto the stage
Moteatea - traditional laments
Waiata-a-ringa - Action songs
Haka - challenging issues that affect Māori today
Whakawatea - exiting off stage and acknowledging the host

Whakaraka
Whakaraka are Māori exercises to develop the mental, physical, spiritual and social values of the individual. Games such as waewae nuku (foot movements), ringa paki (hand games) help the individual to develop their co-ordination skills.
Māori Performing Arts will benefit students at Palmerston North Boys' High School by:

  •  re-telling history, myths and legends pertaining to the item
  • demonstrating Māori customs and traditions
  •  while there is theory involved, more practical assessments prove more effective for the individual. This is a strategy that most students would excel in.
  •  gaining credits recognised by NZQA will allow students to pursue a career in Māori Performing Arts.
  •  giving opportunities for students to travel around the world to perform.
  •  teaching students the foundations of kapahaka within Māori Performing Arts.

Level One Mau Rakau - 11MRK

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa  Mau Rakau

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa was founded by Dr Pita Sharples in the 1980s due to the renaissance of the Māori language, tikanga and to offer the ancient art of mau rakau back to Māoridom as an innovative programme in physical fitness, Māori history, Māori Atua, whakapapa, confidence, leadership skills, self- discipline, respect and all uses of the Taiaha.

What are the benefits of taking mau rakau as a subject?
· To expose students to the traditions of the Māori culture
· Experience going to historical pa sites
· It will develop a sense of well-being (Hauora)
· To learn the art of Māori combat
· To establish relationships with students from other regions
· For the youth to contribute and participate
· To challenge the individual to his potential
· To continue to revive our culture through the art of Taiaha.
· Being marae based is always a great environment to learn and experience Māori traditions.

How will this be conducted and measured?
· Experienced facilitators will drive this course and monitor the goals set throughout the year such as group drills, exercises and individual testing.
· Throughout the year every individual will be tested by facilitators. It is up to the facilitators discretion whether he has achieved or not.

What will the outcome be?
The following values will be achieved during this
· Te Reo Māori
· Tikanga Māori
· Karakia
· The art of combat
· Confidence
· Fitness
· Self-discipline
· Determination
· Courage
· Pride

Grading:
· If the student passes all tests, he will gain a tipare to acknowledge his efforts.
· Students achievements will also be recognised in front of their whanau,hapu, and iwi.
· Students will be welcomed into a higher level of Te Whare Wananga o Aotearoa.

Level Two French - 12FRE

French is widely used for communicating in many parts of the world, including our close Pacific neighbour, New Caledonia. People who know French can share in the rich traditions and history of France, a country that continues to fascinate the rest of the world, be it on the rugby field, in the arts or in its culinary reputation. In turn, the ability to speak French can help with travel, business and political interactions around the world.

This course is a full academic programme. It is designed to extend all four language skills and cultural knowledge acquired at earlier levels. There is an emphasis on interacting and making meaning, in line with Levels 1-8 of the National Curriculum. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in French to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written French, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the French culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Personal relationships (family and friends), Fashion, Health and well-being, Leisure, Latest trends, Traditional stories, French Cinema and music, and A French-speaking community outside metropolitan France.

DELF Scolaire examinations, an internationally recognised and accredited qualification, can be sat in the middle of Term 3.

Prerequisites: At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 1, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker

Available Credits: 10 credits (internal); 10 credits (external); optional 4 credits (internal)

Subject Cost Donation: $40

Level Two German – 12GER

German is closely related to English and is more similar to English than any other language. With over 100 million German speakers throughout Europe, from Austria to Switzerland, it is also a popular language in New Zealand. In turn, there are numerous close links between this country and Germany through trade, tourism and exchanges, making knowledge of the language and people an incredibly useful skill across many areas.

This course is a full academic programme. It is designed to extend all four language skills and cultural knowledge acquired at earlier levels. There is an emphasis on interacting and making meaning, in line with Levels 1-8 of the National Curriculum. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in German to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written German, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the German culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Personal relationships (family and friends), Fashion, Health and well-being, Leisure, Latest trends, Traditional stories, German Cinema and music, and A German-speaking community outside metropolitan Germany.

Prerequisites: At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 1, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker

Available Credits: 10 credits (internal); 10 credits (external); optional 4 credits (internal)

Subject Cost Donation: $40

Level Two Japanese - 12JAP

Japan is a beautiful country with a long history and many fascinating cultural sights to see. Japan has also given the world cars, motorbikes, electrical appliances and more recently anime, manga and J-pop. Learning Japanese gives an insight into the culture of this important trading partner of New Zealand and makes travel there easier and more satisfying. Japan shares some of cultural and linguistic traits of China and Korea, and the knowledge of the Japanese script can make access to other Asian languages easier.

This course is a full academic programme. It is designed to extend all four language skills and cultural knowledge acquired at earlier levels. There is an emphasis on interacting and making meaning, in line with Levels 1-8 of the National Curriculum. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in Japanese to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written scripts, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the Japanese culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Family Life, City Life and Country Life, and Food, Fun and Fashion.

Prerequisites: At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 1, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker

Available Credits: 10 credits (internal); 10 credits (external); optional 4 credits (internal)

Subject Cost Donation: $30, plus Revision Guide (includes Kanji 2 cards)

Level Two Te Reo Māori - 12MAO

Te Reo Māori is relevant to the teaching and learning of Te Reo Māori in English-medium schools. It is designed for students to pursue this treasured possession, seize it and use it, so that you may tread confidently and with enjoyment on the paths of their own worlds and the wider world.  It emphasises the inseparable links between the Māori language, its culture and identity. As students learn te reo Māori, they also deepen their knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and develop their own personal, group and national identities.

Internal Assessments:
· Whakarongo - listening
· Korero - speaking
· Waihanga Tuhinga - creative writing

External Assessments:
· Tuhituhi - Writing
· Panui - Reading

Subject cost: $25.00

Level Two Māori Performing Arts - 12MPF

Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka is the term used for the Traditional Maori Performing Arts.
Unlike other indigenous dance forms, kapa haka is unique in the fact that the performers must sing, dance, have expression as well as movement all combined into each item. Kapa haka is a form of entertainment to attract the audience into the Māori world. It is another means to portray current issues or to celebrate success through actions and song.

Students will learn the following disciplines:
Waiata Tira - choral item
Whakaeke - entry onto the stage
Moteatea - traditional laments
Waiata-a-ringa - Action songs
Haka - challenging issues that affect Māori today
Whakawatea - exiting off stage and acknowledging the host

Whakaraka
Whakaraka are Māori exercises to develop the mental, physical, spiritual and social values of the individual. Games such as waewae nuku (foot movements), ringa paki (hand games) help the individual to develop their co-ordination skills.
Māori Performing Arts will benefit students at Palmerston North Boys' High School by:

  • re-telling history, myths and legends pertaining to the item
  • demonstrating Māori customs and traditions
  • while there is theory involved, more practical assessments prove more effective for the individual. This is a strategy that most students would excel in.
  • gaining credits recognised by NZQA will allow students to pursue a career in Māori Performing Arts.
  • giving opportunities for students to travel around the world to perform.
  • teaching students the foundations of kapahaka within Māori Performing Arts.

Level Two Mau Rakau - 12MRK

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa Mau Rakau

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa was founded by Dr Pita Sharples in the 1980s due to the renaissance of the Māori language, tikanga and to offer the ancient art of mau rakau back to Maoridom as an innovative programme in physical fitness, Māori history, Māori Atua, whakapapa, confidence, leadership skills, self- discipline, respect and all uses of the Taiaha.

What are the benefits of taking mau rakau as a subject?
· To expose students to the traditions of the Māori culture
· Experience going to historical pa sites
· It will develop a sense of well-being (Hauora)
· To learn the art of Māori combat
· To establish relationships with students from other regions
· For the youth to contribute and participate
· To challenge the individual to his potential
· To continue to revive our culture through the art of Taiaha.
· Being marae-based is always a great environment to learn and experience Māori traditions.

How will this be conducted and measured?
· Experienced facilitators will drive this course and monitor the goals set throughout the year such as group drills, exercises and individual testing.

· Throughout the year every individual will be tested by facilitators. It is up to the facilitators discretion whether he has achieved or not.

What will the outcome be?
The following values will be achieved during this
· Te Reo Māori
· Tikanga Māori
· Karakia
· The art of combat
· Confidence
· Fitness
· Self-discipline
· Determination
· Courage
· Pride

Grading:
· If the student passes all tests, he will gain a tipare to acknowledge his efforts.
· Students achievements will also be recognised in front of their whanau,hapu, and iwi.
· Students will be welcomed into a higher level of Te Whare Wananga o Aotearoa.

Level Three French - 13FRE

French is widely used for communicating in many parts of the world, including our close Pacific neighbour, New Caledonia. People who know French can share in the rich traditions and history of France, a country that continues to fascinate the rest of the world, be it on the rugby field, in the arts or in its culinary reputation. In turn, the ability to speak French can help with travel, business and political interactions around the world.

This course is a full academic programme. Based on Level 8 of the National Curriculum, this course aims to enhance listening, reading skills, speaking and writing skills, as well as to encourage an understanding of the way of life in France. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in French to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written French, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the French culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Personal relationships (family and friends), Fashion, Health and well-being, Leisure, Latest trends, Traditional stories, French Cinema and music, and A French-speaking community outside metropolitan France.

DELF Scolaire examinations, an internationally recognised and accredited qualification, can be sat in the middle of Term 3. The Scholarship Standard is available.

Prerequisites: At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 2, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker

Available Credits: 10 credits (internal); 10 credits (external); optional 4 credits (internal)

Subject Cost Donation: $40

Level Three German – 13GER

German is closely related to English and is more similar to English than any other language. With over 100 million German speakers throughout Europe, from Austria to Switzerland, it is also a popular language in New Zealand. In turn, there are numerous close links between this country and Germany through trade, tourism and exchanges, making knowledge of the language and people an incredibly useful skill across many areas.

This course is a full academic programme. Based on Level 8 of the National Curriculum, this course aims to enhance listening, reading skills, speaking and writing skills, as well as to encourage an understanding of the way of life in Germany. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in German to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written German, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the German culture as well as their own.

The following topics are studied: Personal relationships (family and friends), Fashion, Health and well-being, Leisure, Latest trends, Traditional stories, German Cinema and music, and A German-speaking community outside metropolitan Germany.

The Scholarship Standard is available.

Prerequisites: At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 1, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker

Available Credits: 10 credits (internal); 10 credits (external); optional 4 credits (internal)

Subject Cost Donation: $40

Level Three Japanese - 13JAP

Japan is a beautiful country with a long history and many fascinating cultural sights to see. Japan has also given the world cars, motorbikes, electrical appliances and more recently anime, manga and J-pop. Learning Japanese gives an insight into the culture of this important trading partner of New Zealand and makes travel there easier and more satisfying. Japan shares some of cultural and linguistic traits of China and Korea, and the knowledge of the Japanese script can make access to other Asian languages easier.

This course is a full academic programme. Based on Level 8 of the National Curriculum, this course aims to enhance listening, reading skills, speaking and writing skills, as well as to encourage an understanding of the way of life in Japan. Listening and reading skills are assessed in the external NCEA examinations, while interaction and writing skills are assessed throughout the year. Students are encouraged to listen to and read in Japanese to consolidate and extend listening and reading comprehension skills and their written script, to refine their understanding of grammar and vocabulary and to reflect upon the Japanese culture as well as their own.

The Scholarship Standard is available.

The following topics are studied: Changing Lifestyles, Going on Exchange to Japan, Education and Work.

Prerequisites: At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 2, in consultation with the Head of Department, or be a native speaker

Available Credits: 11 credits (internal); 10 credits (external); optional 3 credits (internal)

Subject Cost Donation: $30

Materials: $5 (Kanji 3 cards)

Level Three Te Reo Māori - 13MAO

As students learn te reo Māori, they also deepen their knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and develop their own personal, group and national identities.
We commit to exposing students who are eager in taking this pathway into the Māori world. It describes, in broad terms, the knowledge and understandings that students need to acquire and the levels of proficiency that they are expected to achieve as they progress through the eight levels of the curriculum. It includes proficiency target statements for levels 7 - 8 of the curriculum. Other features, at each of these curriculum levels, include:
· possible socio-cultural themes, topics, and text types
· descriptions of what students will learn in the receptive language modes (listening, reading, and viewing) and the productive language modes (speaking, writing, and presenting).

Internal Assessments:
· Whakarongo - listening
· Korero - speaking
· Waihanga Tuhinga -creative writing

External Assessments:
· Tuhituhi - Writing
· Panui -Reading

Subject costs: $25.00


Level Three Māori Performing Arts - 13MPF

Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka is the term used for the Traditional Maori Performing Arts.
Unlike other indigenous dance forms, kapa haka is unique in the fact that the performers must sing, dance, have expression as well as movement all combined into each item. Kapa haka is a form of entertainment to attract the audience into the Māori world. It is another means to portray current issues or to celebrate success through actions and song.

Students will learn the following disciplines:
Waiata Tira - choral item
Whakaeke - entry onto the stage
Moteatea - traditional laments
Waiata-a-ringa - Action songs
Haka - challenging issues that affect Māori today
Whakawatea - exiting off stage and acknowledging the host

Whakaraka
Whakaraka are Māori exercises to develop the mental, physical, spiritual and social values of the individual. Games such as waewae nuku (foot movements), ringa paki (hand games) help the individual to develop their co-ordination skills.
Māori Performing Arts will benefit students at Palmerston North Boys' High School by:

  • re-telling history, myths and legends pertaining to the item
  • demonstrating Māori customs and traditions
  • while there is theory involved, more practical assessments prove more effective for the individual. This is a strategy that most students would excel in.
  • gaining credits recognised by NZQA will allow students to pursue a career in Māori Performing Arts.
  • giving opportunities for students to travel around the world to perform.
  • teaching students the foundations of kapahaka within Māori Performing Arts.

Level Three Mau Rakau - 13MRK

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa Mau Rakau

Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa was founded by Dr Pita Sharples in the 1980s due to the renaissance of the Māori language, tikanga and to offer the ancient art of mau rakau back to Maoridom as an innovative programme in physical fitness, Māori history, Māori Atua, whakapapa, confidence, leadership skills, self-discipline, respect and all uses of the Taiaha.

What are the benefits of taking mau rakau as a subject?
· To expose students to the traditions of the Māori culture
· Experience going to historical pa sites
· It will develop a sense of well-being (Hauora)
· To learn the art of Māori combat
· To establish relationships with students from other regions
· For the youth to contribute and participate
· To challenge the individual to his potential
· To continue to revive our culture through the art of Taiaha.
· Being marae-based is always a great environment to learn and experience Māori traditions.

How will this be conducted and measured?
· Experienced facilitators will drive this course and monitor the goals set throughout the year such as group drills, exercises and individual testing.
· Throughout the year every individual will be tested by facilitators. It is up to the facilitators discretion whether he has achieved or not.

What will the outcome be?
The following values will be achieved during this
· Te Reo Māori
· Tikanga Māori
· Karakia
· The art of combat
· Confidence
· Fitness
· Self-discipline
· Determination
· Courage
· Pride

Grading:
· If the student passes all tests, he will gain a tipare to acknowledge his efforts.
· Students achievements will also be recognised in front of their whanau,hapu, and iwi.
· Students will be welcomed into a higher level of Te Whare Wananga o Aotearoa.