Mihingare Studies at Awanuiārangi Explore Faith, Culture, and History

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi offers Mihingare (Anglican) Studies within its Bachelor of Humanities (BHUM) programme, providing tauira with opportunities to explore the historical, cultural and community dimensions of Mihingare in Aotearoa.  

Lecturer and graduate of the Mihingare studies, Reverend Canon Arthur Hokianga, says the BHUM programme creates space for students to engage with both history and lived experience.  

“Mihingare studies, combined with the BHUM programme, provide an opportunity for tauira to both examine and explore their faith, culture and history. 

“The programme helps tauira gain a deep, informed understanding of the encounters between Māori and Anglican missionaries, and how these interactions shaped Mihingare development in Aotearoa.  

“This demonstrates how Māori adapted, negotiated and revitalised Mihingare pratice as part of their ongoing cultural and spiritual journey.” 

Tauira are encouraged to engage critically with a range of perspectives. 

“Humanities-based approaches invite tauira, through critical reading, discussions, and reflections, to engage with a range of viewpoints, to grapple with the complexities of colonisation, and to appreciate the resilience and creativity of Māori communities in shaping Te Hāhi Mihingare.” 

The programme also examines key concepts and considers how these are understood and practiced within contemporary Māori contexts. 

“Our courses encourage tauira to explore critically the role of Christ, karakia, and kauwhau by treating them not only as religious concepts, but as cultural, social, and political realities that continue to shape Māori communities today.  

“Tauira are guided to see these elements as living practices that continue to evolve rather than as fixed religious forms. 

“Karakia is understood as both a cultural and spiritual practice in marae life, community gatherings, healing, education, and political spaces. 

“Kauwhau is a platform through which Māori voice, leadership, and authority are expressed and affirmed.” 

Arthur says this approach positions Mihingare as part of a wider cultural landscape.    

“This presents Mihingare as something beyond a purely religious institution but rather as a dynamic cultural guide that continues to influence Māori identity and community practice.”