Pūhoro STEMM Academy has officially launched in Taranaki, marking a significant milestone in the kaupapa’s mission to accelerate Māori success in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and mātauranga Māori.

This expansion into Taranaki was made possible through a strategic collaboration with Why Ora, an organisation with a rich history of serving rangatahi Māori in the region. With deep, trusted relationships in local kura and a long-standing commitment to building pathways for Māori into health and STEMM careers, Why Ora has played a pivotal role in opening the door for Pūhoro into the rohe. United by a shared vision to see rangatahi Māori thrive, Pūhoro and Why Ora have come together to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Held at the historic Ōwae Marae in Whaitara, the launch celebrated the region’s inclusion in Pūhoro’s growing national network. The day acknowledged the strength of collective effort and the commitment of local kura, iwi, whānau and partners to the success of Māori in STEMM.

Tanya Anaha, Pou Whakahaere of Why Ora, spoke to the importance of this moment:
“This has been a long time coming and it is significant for us to be bringing this relationship together here under Tā Māui Pōmare, here at Ōwae Marae. Imagine what we could do when we come together to meet the aspirations of our rangatahi and Taranaki whānau.”
She added, “The main reason we are all here today—Pūhoro, Why Ora, your kura and whānau—is because we all want you to succeed, and today is a right step in that direction.”

The event brought together tauira and kaiako from five local kura: New Plymouth Boys’ High School, New Plymouth Girls’ High School, Stratford High School, Waitara High School and Te Paepae o Aotea. Rangatahi took part in a hands-on coding activity using microbits to map the journey of Taranaki Maunga through pūrākau, and a waiata session to learn Pūhoro’s anthem, Ngā Ihorei o Āpōpō.

Kemp Reweti, Pūhoro’s Manahautū, addressed rangatahi and whānau during the event, underscoring the driving force behind Pūhoro’s kaupapa:
“The reason Pūhoro exists is because we know that Māori are underrepresented in STEM industry across the board. As we look to the future and the exponential growth of STEM career pathways, we must find ways for our rangatahi to fill those spaces with their leadership, mātauranga and vision now and in the future.”

‍Pūhoro’s regional Kaihautū in Taranaki, Liahna Smith (Te Āti Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi), expressed her excitement about what lies ahead:

“It’s such a buzz to see the kaupapa live here in Taranaki. The energy today has been unreal, and it’s only the beginning. I’m proud to be supporting our rangatahi to dream big and back themselves.”

The launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for STEMM education in the region—one grounded in te ao Māori, driven by collaboration, and shaped by the aspirations of Taranaki whānau.

‍