A new partnership between Pūhoro STEMM Academy and UCOL is opening doors for Māori ākonga entering tertiary STEMM study.

As part of Pūhoro’ Te Ara You strategy, the initiative focuses on supporting Māori tauira as they transition from secondary school into tertiary education—ensuring they remain connected to their cultural identity while thriving academically.

“This partnership with UCOL marks a powerful next step in strengthening our Māori STEMM pipeline,” says Pūhoro Manahautū, Kemp Reweti. “We are building spaces where ākonga Māori are seen, supported, and empowered to excel.”

The pilot programme, based at UCOL, is designed to provide wrap-around support for first-year STEMM students, including:

• Tuakana-Teina mentoring
• Monthly kai and kōrero sessions
• Academic workshops and tutoring
• Internship and career support

Third-year Bachelor of Nursing student Davis Ferguson has experienced the value of Pūhoro firsthand.

A proud member of the Pūhoro whānau since secondary school, Davis credits the kaupapa with transforming his study journey—providing international STEMM opportunities, study-related pūtea, and connections that helped him feel grounded in a new learning environment.

“The scholarships and internships through Pūhoro helped break down the financial barriers of study,” says Davis. “It’s also helped having Pūhoro friends from high school with me at UCOL—those connections made the transition way less lonely.”

From internships in the hauora space to international trips exploring STEMM innovation in Singapore and Malaysia, Davis says Pūhoro’s support has helped shape his aspirations to become a nurse practitioner and improve Māori health outcomes.

“For many of us, we’re the first in our whānau to step into tertiary spaces. Pūhoro helps you feel like you belong here—and reminds you that your voice matters.”

The Pūhoro x UCOL pilot will be closely monitored for its impact, with a view to expanding the model across other Te Pūkenga sites in the future.

For Davis, the advice to other rangatahi Māori considering STEMM pathways is simple:
“Go for it. Hold your ‘why’ close. Surround yourself with people who lift you. And don’t forget to have fun—your joy matters too.”

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