The purpose of the Heke Rongoā is to provide whānau, hapū and iwi with rongoā advisors who are able to contribute to the reclamation, preservation, revitalisation and expansion of hapū and iwi health and wellbeing practices through the study and application of rongoā. This includes the principles and tikanga of rongoā; rongoā specific research techniques; Māori models of health and wellbeing, iwi and hapū knowledge and te reo Māori.
This qualification is intended for those with an interest in rongoā knowledge and application as well as te reo Māori and iwi and hapū studies. It is most suitable for those who wish to contribute to the health and wellbeing of their whānau, hapū and iwi.
Graduates will be able to advance the understanding and promotion of hapū and iwi rongoā practice, good health and long-term sustainable wellbeing for whānau, hapū and iwi. They will be suitable for rongoā advisor positions and other similar roles that seek to promote and enhance the wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi.
The combination of beginner to intermediate level rongoā knowledge and skills, te reo Māori ability and established relationships with kaumātua, marae and hapū will position the graduate to work effectively with whānau and hapū to contribute to the survival of Māori as a people.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Research and analyse the origin, principles and tikanga associated with rongoā to inform rongoā practice
- Apply mana enhancing behaviour in interactions with whānau and hapū in order to create safe environments
- Research and analyse the impact of legislation with respect to the practice of rongoā
- Express ūkaipōtanga through knowledge of marae, whakapapa, te reo Māori, iwi history and relationships with kaumatua
- Research and apply iwi and hapū practice in the preparation and application of rongoā to enhance the wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi
- Integrate manaakitanga and pūkengatanga effectively with whānau using Māori models of health to promote and enhance wellbeing
- Apply kaitiakitanga in the gathering and preservation of iwi and hapū knowledge and associated rongoā practice
- Use te reo Māori me ōna tikanga associated with rongoā practice

Graduates will be suitable for rongoā advisor positions and other similar roles that seek to promote and enhance the wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi. They will be prepared to contribute to the reclamation, preservation, revitalisation and expansion of iwi and hapū health and wellbeing practices through the expression of kaupapa to apply rongoā through Māori models of wellness.

Graduates will be prepared for study in undergraduate programmes in tikanga and rongoā. They may be suitable candidates for the Poutuarongo Mātauranga Māori at Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

If they have a special interest in wellness through the field of health promotion, sports and exercise they may be suitable to enter the Poutuarongo Kawa Oranga.

If they have an interest in kaitiakitanga pūtaiao or guardianship of the natural environs they may be suitable to enter the Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao or an environmental studies degree elsewhere.

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