• Fundamentals of effective kaupapa Māori governance.

• Case studies of leading Māori organisations and how they achieve success and impact.

• Entrepreneurial principles and tools to create effective strategy, grow a Māori Trust or start your own enterprise.

• Weaving kaupapa Māori values and tikanga with mainstream business concepts.

• Stories and journeys of influential Māori governance leaders.

• Applying the learning to real-life projects and case studies.

• 100+ governance tools, templates, and resources that you can easily apply to different governance scenarios.

• We expect you to commit about 6-10 hours per week towards learning, sessions and projects.

• The programme runs over 4 months, and is manageable alongside full-time mahi, whānau duties and other responsibilities.

• There are three weekend wānanga that you must attend (one per month).

• You can complete most of the other work in your own time.

• Stronger confidence and mindset –around your ability to contribute to community and governance boards.

• Stronger strategic thinking skills.

• Deeper understanding of governance concepts –including how these apply in real life.

• Stronger networks –including with dozens of like-minded rangatahi, Māori leaders and organisations.

• Career progression –adding useful skills to your CV (such as risk management, strategy and communications)

Most of the programme can be completed in your own time, from wherever you are. We have participants join from all around Aotearoa.

Programme wānanga are typically held in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and so you would need to be able to travel to the wānanga.

• The market rate for the programme is $13,600.

• We work with a range of funders to support most of the costs to participate.

• There are participant fees to pay for the remaining 15-25% (of $2,000-$3,400).

• Participants often have a Māori Trust, employer or other funder support this Participant fee.

• You have to organise your own travel costs to get to wānanga.

• Yes you can.

• Roughly half of the participants do not have a background in governance.

• You just need to have an interest in it and an ability to commit to the learning.

• Āe mārika! Absolutely. It is best suited to those with a governance context to apply it to.

• You will learn a range of concepts and tools that you haven’t come across before that we apply with 100s of governance boards.

• Beyond the learning, you will benefit from a network of like-minded rangatahi leaders.

• Age is just a guideline.

• We regularly have those who are a bit older participate.

• Age is a factor considered when applying scholarships and selecting our cohorts.

• Ideally not – since this creates additional responsibilities for our team, and can be distracting for your learning and those around you.

• In every cohort there have been some exceptions, especially for babies.

• Between the others in your cohort, ideally you can organise a group childcare option.

• Often there are 100+ applicants per cohort, and we have to make tough decisions about who to select and the scholarships we can offer.

• We ensure a balance of ages, skill levels, and funder criteria are met (e.g. participants from certain regions).

We have now formally opened applications for 2026.

Applications close in March 2026.

Visit the ‘Apply Here’ button for the application form.