What is Tapatoru?

The Tapatoru Ako Professional Practice Award is a structured, whole-organisation professional development programme designed to recognise and enhance the skills of educators, trainers, and learning support professionals who work with adult learners in a range of settings, including foundation-level, vocational, trades, and higher education.

Free, self-directed courses are available for individual practitioners. Organisations can register for the facilitated professional development programme.

The programme is built on a values-led framework, ensuring practitioners develop cultural capability, learner-centred approaches, and reflective practice skills.

Who is Tapatoru for?

Tapatoru is for anyone who is hands-on with adult learners, including:

✅ Adult educators and vocational trainers.

✅ Learning support professionals.

✅ Workplace trainers supporting language, literacy & numeracy.

✅ Tutors in community and tertiary education settings.

✅ Foundation learning practitioners.

✅ Higher education or university lecturers/tutors.

Eligibility criteria:

• You work with ākonga (learners) in post-secondary education, including foundation-level, vocational and trades, and other adult education settings.
• Your work involves teaching, training, or learner support.
• You are able to demonstrate your impact and practice through reflection and assessment.

What do I need to do to complete Tapatoru?

Tapatoru is a three-phase journey:

Learning & Growth

• Engage with relevant collections (online via Pathways Awarua) and facilitated sessions.
• Develop reflective practice skills using the PLD Planner.

Applied Practice & Reflection

• Implement learning in your professional role.
• Document insights and development.

Portfolio Assessment & Certification

• One-hour professional conversation (kōrero/talanoa) with assessors.
• Submit supporting evidence (CV + two references).
• Achieve formal recognition with the Tapatoru Award!

What does the assessment process involve?

To complete Tapatoru, you will:

✅ participate in a structured conversation/kōrero/talanoa (discussion-based assessment).

✅ provide two professional references which can validate your experience.

✅ submit a CV outlining your work with learners.

✅ demonstrate your understanding and application of Tapatoru principles.

The assessment is practitioner-focused—it’s not about tests or exams, but about how you apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.

How do I get started?

1. Sign up on Pathways Awarua to access free Tapatoru content.
2. Use the PLD Planner to map your learning journey.
3. Once your organisation has registered for Tapatoru, join the online sessions to deepen your knowledge and connect with facilitators.
4. Start applying what you learn in your teaching or support role.

How much does Tapatoru cost?

Free, self-directed courses are available on the Tapatoru Educator Pathway. This can help you prepare for the facilitated Tapatoru process, which is needed to apply for the award. 

TEOs can register for Tapatoru through a subscription model. Subscription is $275 + GST per month for a group of up to 10 staff. The subscription includes:

• facilitator support.
• fortnightly webinars.
• one free Manako course or workshop per year for each registered participant.
• coaching and mentoring of a team of in-house trainers.
• the awarding of Tapatoru Ako Professional Practice Awards, in the form of a digital badge, to qualifying participants.

How long does it take?

• The facilitated programme typically takes around 24 weeks.
• 12 modules delivered over two phases (with a break in between).
• Flexible, self-paced learning with facilitated support.

What happens if I miss a session?

No worries! Sessions are designed to be flexible.

• Facilitators offer support and catch-up options.
• The Pathways Awarua platform allows you to work through content at your own pace. 
• Facilitators send weekly emails.

Who can I contact for support?

For any questions or guidance, reach out to the Ako Aotearoa Tapatoru facilitators. They will work with you through each part of the process and support you to achieve the award.

Ka pai! We look forward to supporting you on your Tapatoru journey!