bachelor of applied counselling
te taupuatanga o te whānau
level 7
“Mārama i roto tiaho ki waho”
Our future comes from within us
A professional counselling qualification set within a Māori world view. Develop iwi/Māori focused counselling practices at a professional level designed to prepare you for registration as a practicing counsellor.
The focus on Māori/indigenous methodologies provides a unique opportunity to develop strong foundational knowledge about the intergenerational influences of colonisation, and associated impacts, on whānau and hauora.
Overview
“Mārama i roto tiaho ki waho”
Our future comes from within us
A professional counselling qualification set within a Māori world view. Develop iwi/Māori focused counselling practices at a professional level designed to prepare you for registration as a practicing counsellor.
The focus on Māori/indigenous methodologies provides a unique opportunity to develop strong foundational knowledge about the intergenerational influences of colonisation, and associated impacts, on whānau and hauora.
Start Date
February 2026
Level
7
Duration
3 years, Full Time
Location
What you will learn
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Knowledge, skills and strategies to support your professional practice as a counsellor
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A greater understanding of how to engage with Māori, providing more opportunities for positive change
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Roles and responsibilities of tangata and whānau in the wider context of hapū, iwi and New Zealand society through whakapapa and whanaungatanga
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About the psychological and cultural impacts of whānau violence through the lens of whakapapa and cultural constructs
Entry Criteria
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A minimum age of 19 is required
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Capability to undertake academic study at tertiary level
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Commited to living and role modelling health and wellbeing with a clear intention to be of service to others
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Cross credit and recognition of prior professional/practical experience will be considered
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Subject to a NZ Police check
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English language competency (IELTS 6.5)
Fees
$8000.00
Programme Leader
Huhana Pene
Mixed Delivery Mode: 10 x 3 day Wānanga classroom teaching, plus online learning, work placement and tutorials.
Costs of external supervision and personal counselling are the student’s responsibility.
Course Content Year 1
Te Ira Tangata
To be a successful counsellor, one has to know who they are within their own whānau and culture.
Whakawātea
Examines Māori knowledge as a conceptual framework to guide ways of working with Māori.
Tikanga
Māori counsellors working with Māori clients requires recognition of tikanga-ā-iwi in professional practice.
Tohutohu
Theories and practices of counselling including Māori cultural strategies.
PIA-Counselling Practice 1
Integrate theory and practice, and reflect on your experience in an agency (limited practice under supervision).
Course Content Year 2
Aromatawai
Functions and tools of assessment according to various circumstances and cultural implications.
Takirua Tohutohu-Counselling Couples
Examine the therapeutic relationship and process when working with couples.
Whakamaui-Group Facilitation Whānau
Engage in counselling families and whānau; be conversant with Māori counselling practice concepts.
Taura-Counselling Practice 2
Integrate and apply learning under supervision within an agency, in a role similar to an employed counsellor.
Course Content Year 3
Whānau Violence (Victims)
Contextual and historical issues leading to whānau violence, including normalisation and inter-generational transfer of power and control.
Whānau Violence (Perpetrators)
The dual role of victim and abuser; harmful behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse; restorative justice processes within cultural frameworks.