Entry to Kai Oranga (Kaupae Tuawhā) is open to applicants who meet the following requirements:
Minimum Age: Minimum age of 16 at the start date of the programme
Entry Criteria: In addition to meeting admission requirements, entry is open to applicants who are ;
- New Zealand citizens or those holding a relevant visa
- Have a desire to learn about maara kai and rongoā in a Māori context
- Have a desire to work in the health and horticulture industries
Specific Entry Criteria: In addition to meeting the entry criteria, entry is open to applicants who may have;
- Completed a level 3 Certificate at 60 credits or more; and
- Met the English Proficiency Outcomes as stated below in accordance with the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 if ones first language is not English or if applicants come from a country where the language of instruction is not English and are enrolling with the relevant visa:
| English Proficiency Outcomes | Diploma or Diploma at Level 6 |
| IELTS test | Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 |
| TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) | Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE) |
| TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) | Score of 46 (with a writing score of 20) |
| University of Cambridge ESOL examinations | FCE with a pass at Grade C or CAE with a score of 47 |
| NZCEL | Level 4 with the Academic endorsement |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PToE (Academic) score of 42 |
| City & Guilds IESOL | B2 Communicator with a score of 42 |
- Applicants may be required to attend an interview, or if one lives at some distance from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi campuses, complete a telephone interview.