Te Aho Pūtaiao: Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Level 7) provides a balance of Māori and western knowledge, rangahau, theory and practice. It illustrates that mātauranga Māori and western knowledge have important roles within the environment field and can be complimentary to each other. Graduates of this qualification will be able to utilise their skills and knowledge to provide a range of solutions and processes for environmental concerns for the benefit of whānau, hapū and iwi.

The purpose of this programme and qualification is to provide whānau, hapū and iwi, with graduates who can:
- Fulfil kaupapa Māori based environmental positions within whānau, hapū and iwi;
- Fulfil kaupapa Māori based environmental positions within regional and national entities;
- Pursue a career in the fields of environment, environmental science and resource management;
- Progress to higher levels of qualifications.

The target tauira groups includes tauira direct from school with university entrance and mature tauira changing employment direction. Mature tauira who are interested in the environment and wish to gain an undergraduate qualification.

-Apply kaitiakitanga as an environmental custodian and caregiver for the environment;
-Apply mātauranga Māori and mātauranga taiao in environmental decision making in local, regional or national contexts
-Critically analyse environmental concerns and issues in local, regional or national contexts;
-Apply evidence-based research to environmental concerns and issues in local, regional or national contexts;
-Problem solve and develop solutions in environmental matters that benefit whānau, hapū, and iwi;
-Evaluate the impacts of local, regional, national and international government environmental legislation;
-Apply reflective practices in mātauranga Māori and mātauranga taiao contexts;
-Create and enhance relationships with individuals and groups in mātauranga Māori and mātauranga taiao contexts;
-Communicate and transfer knowledge to individuals or groups of people in mātauranga Māori and mātauranga taiao contexts;
-Demonstrate scientific methods and approaches using both mātauranga Māori and contemporary theories and principles;
-Critically analyse and form logical, well-reasoned and constructed arguments in mātauranga taiao contexts;
-Demonstrate critical knowledge and skills in te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā to create opportunities for whānau, hapū, and iwi in mātauranga taiao contexts
-Apply new skills, knowledge and understanding on how best to serve whānau, hapū, and iwi in matters pertaining to the environment.
-Exemplify the values, vision and mission of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Graduates of this qualification may undertake further study in mātauranga taiao or related disciplines at postgraduate level.

Entry criteria are as follows:
a. NCEA Level 3: as defined by NZQA at the time of enrolment,
OR
b. Successful completion of an approved Level 4 or higher programme from the New Zealand Qualifications Framework,
OR
c. Special Admission granted, where a tauira is over the age of 20 years and can show sufficient evidence of experience to successfully undertake the programme of study.
d. International tauira must meet NZQA English language requirements as defined by NZQA at the time of application.