Wai Ora (Kaupae 4)

A level 4 certificate in water resource management and conservation

Advance your knowledge and skills to protect and conserve coastal and freshwater bodies with a mātauranga Māori perspective. Be an ‘eco champion’ and kaitiaki.

Wai Ora (Kaupae 4) is a level 4 certificate in marine and freshwater studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. A programme that empowers graduates to develop and apply strategies for water resource management, drawing on both mātauranga Māori and scientific approaches. Strengthen your ability to care for, enhance, and manage bodies of water for marae, whānau, hapū and iwi, ensuring long-term wellbeing and prosperity.

Building on the foundations of Wai Ora level 3, this programme develops skills in water conservation, resource planning and community-based environmental leadership.

Explore how Māori knowledge systems, tikanga and te reo connect with scientific practices to create holistic solutions for today’s environmental challenges.

 
Why study Wai Ora (Kaupae 4)?

Community focussed 
A programme designed with iwi, hapū, and community needs in mind where you can build leadership skills to guide water care initiatives in your rohe.

Bicultural approaches
Combination of mātauranga Māori with modern ecology and environmental knowledge with a focus on your local waterways.

Accessible learning
Nationwide delivery possible with a focus on your local area. Fees free with no tuition cost for learners over 17 years.

Blended learning model
Practical, hands-on learning in real environments along with online study and wānanga to connect theory to practice with supportive and culturally grounded teaching.

What you’ll learn in Wai Ora (Kaupae 4)

• Study of rawa wai, whakapapa and tikanga of wai in your area
• Apply contemporary and Māori theories to protect ecosystems
• Build leadership in environmental stewardship
• Mātauranga Māori and environmental management
• Water resource planning and sustainable use to support future generations
• Fieldwork, data collection, analysis and reporting
• Customary and commercial rights, interests, and responsibilities of marae, hapū and iwi 
• Leadership and community engagement in conservation projects

    
Who should apply?

• Graduates of Wai Ora Kaupae 3 (Level 3) or equivalent study
• Hapū, iwi, and marae members
• Environmental practitioners, rōpū, and community kaitiaki
• Those passionate about taiao and mātauranga Māori
• Those wanting to lead or contribute to local and regional water care initiatives
• Those considering further study in environmental or Māori studies