Learn Tongan
“I wanted to know more about who I was and where I came from. Both my parents have passed away and none of us knew the language. So, one of my younger sisters and I, decided it was time to take up the challenge. I needed to understand more about who I was, not just the language, but the culture behind the language. I needed to grow my own knowledge about the language, the culture, and the identity of my own background, to be able to share that and grow others.
I heard so much about the lecturers at MIT and the way in which they approached the languages was more from a family whānau perspective and that is what I wanted, I wanted to be part of it. It is a bit like having a group of brothers and sisters that you did not know existed. We have become quite close, learnt more about ourselves, and we have been able to connect with our culture, our language, our identities and grow more.
A lot of our class was focused on talking, sharing, listening, and then practicing our language. Then from that, once you grow that knowledge and understanding, the reading and the writing becomes a part of it, it is like a natural progression because to be able to read and write, you must be able to speak.
We connect more meaningfully when we have a language that we can share. Language is how we communicate with each other. It is how we share ideas. Learning a new language grows you."
Helen Varney
MIT graduate
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^The specified programmes will be free in 2025 for New Zealand citizens, residents entitled to reside in New Zealand indefinitely, and refugees and protected persons (under the Immigration Act 2009), of all ages, that are eligible for tertiary study. Proof of residency status required. This offer is subject to availability within MIT’s maximum permitted class sizes. Entry criteria apply, and some costs may also apply.
Information is correct as at 5 March 2025. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.