Kai Oranga Level 3

A level 3 certificate in Māori food sovereignty 

Ready to plant the seeds of change? Reclaim traditional knowledge and grow whānau wellbeing. 

Grow your knowledge of traditional Māori kai practices with Kai Oranga (Kaupae Tuatoru), a level 3 qualification focused on kaupapa Māori approaches to sustainable food systems.  

Kai is more than food – it is about hononga (relationships), kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whānau rongoā (wellbeing). The course introduces you to traditional and contemporary Māori food practices, maara kai, sustainability, and nutrition designed for beginners who are passionate about reconnecting with whenua, growing kai, and learning the foundations of kai Māori.

Help your whānau grow healthy kai using Māori knowledge, looking at healthy and sustainable food production, cultural practice, and kaitiakitanga. Experience learning where whānau, marae, and communities embrace both traditional and modern ways to support food sovereignty and wellbeing. 

Why study Kai Oranga (Kaupae Tuatoru)? 

Mātauranga Māori centered 

Gain foundational knowledge in maara kai (Māori gardening) and rongoā (traditional healing) using Hua Parakore principles—a kaupapa Māori system that promotes growing kai free from synthetic inputs and aligned with tikanga Māori. 

Empower whānau and marae 

The course is designed to benefit whānau, marae, and communities by enhancing their wellness and food sovereignty. Graduates are equipped to work independently or as part of a team to support local food systems. 

Promote food sovereignty and sustainability 

Support the revitalisation of traditional food practices to reclaim control over the food we grow, eat, and share. This contributes to healthier lifestyles and community resilience. 

Practical skills for everyday life 

Learn to design, prepare, and maintain maara kai and/or get practical experience in community gardens, kitchens or on marae. 

Accessible and supportive learning 

Delivered through blended learning including noho, wānanga, and online study. The course is tuition-free for eligible learners and supported by experienced Kaiako. 

What you’ll learn in Kai Oranga (Kaupae Tuatoru) 

• Foundations of māra kai and sustainable food practices 
• Basic rongoā and traditional kai knowledge 
• Whakapapa of kai – understanding cultural and spiritual connections 
• Food preparation, nutrition, and kai safety practices 
• Developing confidence to contribute to whānau and community kai projects 
• Principles of Hua Parakore 
• Practical skills in maara kai design, planting, and harvest 
• Cultural foundations: manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and marae-based food traditions 
• Community impact and the role of kai in wellbeing 

Who should apply? 

• Those with interest in traditional Māori food systems, practices, and traditional healing - rongoā 
• Those passionate about tikanga Māori centred māra kai (garden/horticulture) 
• Those wanting to support their whānau or marae with healthy kai 
• People interested in horticulture, environmental sustainability, or health. 
• Community members interested in food sovereignty and māra kai projects