Ngai Tahu has launched a new Maori Farming Diploma which it hopes will produce the country's future leaders in agriculture.
Whenua Kura is a partnership between Te Tapuae o Rehua, Ngai Tahu Farming and Lincoln University.
The diploma course is the first of its kind where students will study in a Maori environment and learn how to apply critical Ngai Tahu values such kaitiakitanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (hospitality) and rangatiratanga (self-determination) to land use.
Whenua Kura programme manager Renata Hakiwai says the aim is to provide pathways into farm management.
He says the diploma programme will open up more opportunities for aspiring Maori farmers to become leaders in the sector, rather than being farm hands, dairy assistants or lower level jobs.
Mr Hakiwai says the course is open to all people who have a Maori whakapapa and although students will learn in a Ngai Tahu environment, it isn't tribally exclusive.
The Whenua Kura Farming Diploma starts in March next year.