Learn what’s involved in developing Māori land
Gain in-depth understanding in mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori and how this cultural knowledge influences construction techniques and practices.
This subject builds on your existing background and knowledge. Work with key concepts such as kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, and whanaungatanga—based in both practice and theory—to prepare for a construction industry career.
As Māori-Crown relationships evolve, your knowledge and skills in mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori will be sought after in the construction and infrastructure industries.
Choose your study path
You can study Māori Land and Development through three postgraduate qualifications:
- Master of Construction (180 points)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (120 points)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science (60 points).
The Master’s degree is the most comprehensive qualification with the highest academic and professional recognition.
The Diploma is a solid middle-ground option, with substantial postgraduate study. It’s shorter than the Master’s but more achievable if you’re balancing work and study.
The Certificate is the most accessible entry point. Compared with the Master’s or the Diploma, it’s narrower in scope but it’s ideal if you’re looking to boost skills in a particular area.
Staircasing
If you complete the Diploma or Certificate with a major in Māori Land and Development, you may be able to continue studying this subject at Master’s level. The courses you’ve done will count towards the higher qualification.
Who can study this subject
To study this subject at postgraduate level, you don’t need experience in studying Māori Land and Development. But you need one of these Bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Building Science
- Bachelor of Construction.
Many of our students are returning to university study from work to launch a new career.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Māori Land and Development at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington gives you direct access to construction firms, government agencies, and research institutes—with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research.
The city’s unique geography and rich cultural heritage make it an exciting place to study and apply your construction knowledge.
Resources and facilities
You’ll have access to workspaces and technologies at the School of Architecture. These include model-making facilities, and support for using ArcGIS and graphic design software.
Future careers
The Master of Construction can open up career opportunities across a wide range of organisations—from construction companies, project management consultancies, and property developers to government agencies, engineering companies, and offsite design and delivery firms.
Careers will increasingly combine construction expertise with digital innovation, sustainability leadership, and strategic management.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Māori Land and Development.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Keystone trust scholarships
You can also apply for a Keystone trust scholarship.
Scholarships for Architecture and Building Science
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Warren and Mahoney established this award in 2021 to support Māori and Pasifika students who have a passion for Architecture and Design. Warren and Mahoney wishes to support more diversity in the design profession, particularly Māori and Pasifika. In addition, this scholarship will provide opportunities for the student to build their skills and have closer ties to Warren and Mahoney...
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Keystone trust scholarships
You can also apply for a Keystone trust scholarship.
Scholarships for tertiary students
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture and Building Science
-
Warren and Mahoney established this award in 2021 to support Māori and Pasifika students who have a passion for Architecture and Design. Warren and Mahoney wishes to support more diversity in the design profession, particularly Māori and Pasifika. In addition, this scholarship will provide opportunities for the student to build their skills and have closer ties to Warren and Mahoney...
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To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Industry connections
We have industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations:
- Building Research Association of New Zealand
- Designers Institute of New Zealand
- New Zealand Institute of Architects
- New Zealand Institute of Building
- New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects
- New Zealand Registered Architects Board
- New Zealand Planning Institute
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
Atie Ahmadi
Lecturer in Project Management
Nilesh Bakshi
Lecturer in Architectural Science and Sustainable Systems Design
Pamela Bell
Professor of Practice, Construction
Andre Brown
Associate Dean, International
Elrond Burrell
Senior Lecturer
Fabricio Chicca
Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching
Michael Donn
Associate Professor
Wallace Enegbuma
Presenter
Professor Derek Kawiti
Professor in Maori Designed Environments
Adele Leah
Associate Professor (Teaching)
Guy Marriage
Associate Professor
Chitrakala Muthuveerappan
Lecturer in Architectural Science and Management
Antony Pelosi
Senior Lecturer
Emina Kristina Petrovic
Senior Lecturer in Sustainability in Design
Antony Pelosi, Programme director
Explore your options for postgraduate study—talk to someone from the School of Architecture.
Antony PelosiSenior Lecturer
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.