This qualification is intended for those who wish to begin the journey of reclaiming, preserving and revitalising hapū and iwi kaitiakitanga pūtaiao practices that will contribute to the health and wellbeing of te taiao, whānau, hapū and iwi.
The purpose of the Heke Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao is to provide whānau, hapū, iwi and the wider community with graduates who are able to identify and support environmental practices underpinned by mātauranga Māori.
Graduates will be able to apply their skills and knowledge of kaitiakitanga pūtaiao principles and practises in a support role to promote and improve the wellbeing of te taiao.
Study of their marae, iwi, whakapapa links and a basic conversational level of te reo Māori will enhance their ability to assist in projects that contribute to whānau, hapū and iwi aspirations.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Investigate and analyse concepts, principles and tikanga associated with kaitiakitanga pūtaiao practice underpinned by mātauranga Māori.
- Use te reo me ōna tikanga associated with kaitiakitanga putaiao concepts and principles as a rich knowledge base to support whānau, hapū and iwi to express kaitiakitanga.
- Demonstrate skills and techniques, under broad guidance, to compile and analyse whānau, hapū and iwi environmental knowledge.
- Investigate current and historical issues and relevant legislation that impacts on their marae, hapū and iwi kaitiakitanga putaiao practices.
- Assist with strategic planning and implementation of activities that contribute to sustainable hapū development.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills, under broad guidance, to identify and assess the health and wellbeing of eco systems and biodiversity to support restoration and conservation practices.
- Interact using simple te reo Māori in a variety of settings including participation in immersion environments, pōwhiri, mihimihi and other formal and informal interactions.
- Express ūkaipōtanga through the investigation of marae, whakapapa links, te reo Māori, iwi history and through kaumātua relationships to ground their kaitiakitanga pūtaiao practice.

This heke (diploma) is the first year of the three year Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Putaiao, an undergraduate degree that focusses on restoration and environmental practices underpinned by mātauranga Māori. Graduates of the heke will be prepared to continue on to year two of the degree.
Graduates of the Poutuarongo Kāitiaki Putaiao will be suitable to enter year one of the Poutuarongo Ahunga Tikanga degree which focusses on Māori Law and Philosophy and is complimentary to environmental studies and associated legal aspects from a Māori world view.

Not applicable.