Pūhoro STEM Academy

in flight

About us

Pūhoro was launched in 2016 and is an exciting transformative programme aimed at advancing Māori leadership and capability to deliver a world class science community. The programme works directly with secondary school students and their whānau across the country. It provides students and whānau with mentoring, tutoring, wānanga (experiential learning/field trips) within culturally appropriate settings to help them navigate career pathways into science and technology related industries.

about us

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"Pūhoro helped spark an interest in science in a fun way. Highlight of the programme”

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Palmerston North Boys’ High School student

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“I am more aware of science around me and my Māori culture. I have a much better understanding of science and all the jobs and opportunities that can be available to Māori students in Pūhoro”

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Feilding High School student

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“It has given me the confidence and knowledge of science and to have faith that I’ll be able to pass. It has broadened my social circle because of interaction with the other schools. It has given me knowledge for how to apply skills in a practical way”

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Awatapu College student

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"Getting that extra help and understanding in science and maths. The importance of being Māori in today’s world and not having to do anything to be Māori”

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Palmerston North Girls’ High School student

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“It has definitely helped with my biology subject this year. It also, has helped me identify who I am as a Māori, that I don’t have to do anything to do to be Māori but be myself. It has helped get out of my comfort zone and meet new people and work together”

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Manukura High School student

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“Pūhoro has had a massive impact on my well-being. My perspective on science has definitely been expanded. I’ve not only learnt so much but I’ve also made so many friends over the course of this programme. I’ve enjoyed my time in this environment and I’m looking forward to my future with Pūhoro. KIA ORA!”

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Rotorua Boys’ High School student

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“The impact the wānanga has had for me this year is being able to spend time on campus so I have an idea of what uni is like. And being able to experiment with new things and meet new people”

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Otaki College student

NEWS

The latest

Stay up to date with the latest events, workshops and STEM-related news.

Āmua Ao

Āmua Ao is an initiative to raise Māori participation and achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths, collectively known as STEM.

Programme Features

Everyday the Pūhoro team are learning new things and the programme features improve.

Māori students put chemistry theory into practice

As part of the University’s Pūhoro Academy Programme, students had the opportunity to extract and identify the pigments in either blueberries or cabbage by dissolving them in solvents over a bunsen burner. The Institute of Fundamental Sciences provided the lab space, equipment and supervisors to oversee the experiments.

Explore

WHAT IS

S.T.E.M

STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
We are developing rangatahi to be active participants in the STEM economy of tomorrow. We are working to develop a community of future Māori technologists, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators and thought-pioneers.

PŪHORO
STEM ACADEMY

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