Rangatahi Māori in Te Tairāwhiti will have new opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics and mātauranga Māori (STEMM), following the launch of Pūhoro STEMM in the region.

Rich in talent, mātauranga and opportunity, Te Tairāwhiti has significant potential to grow the next generation of Māori innovators, scientists, engineers and environmental leaders.  The region's strong sense of community, connection to te taiao and established industries provide a unique foundation for rangatahi to explore STEMM pathways.

The expansion reflects a shared aspiration to ensure rangatahi can build successful futures while having the choice to remain in, or return to, Te Tairāwhiti and contribute to the communities that have raised them.

Pūhoro Manahautū Kemp Reweti says the launch is about connecting the potential that already exists within the region to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

"Te Tairāwhiti has incredible talent, knowledge and potential,  and through Pūhoro we want to open doors for rangatahi to explore what's possible while remaining grounded in who they are and where they come from.

"Importantly, we want rangatahi to have the choice to bring those skills and experiences back home, contributing to the future of their own whenua and communities."

The expansion into Te Tairāwhiti has been made possible through the generous support of The Tindall Foundation, Eastern & Central Community Trust and the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT). The programme will initially engage around 100 Year 10 students from seven schools: Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui, Tolaga Bay Area School, Campion College, Gisborne Girls' High School, Te Waha o Rerekohu, Lytton High School and Gisborne Boys' High School. In-school delivery will begin in Term 1, 2027.

To mark the launch, rangatahi participated in a two-day noho at Te Poho o Rāwiri Marae. The noho began with a formal launch on Monday, bringing together iwi, kura and industry representatives to celebrate the arrival of Pūhoro in Te Tairāwhiti.

Across the two days, rangatahi explored the connections between mātauranga Māori and STEMM through a range of hands-on experiences, including VEX Robotics, codinf microbits, weaving inspired by Te Ika-a-Māui, a Purapura Whetū astronomy session, teams challenges, whale-focused learning and rocket launching. Grounded in pūrākau, these experiences were designed to strengthen the connections between mātauranga Māori and STEM, spark curiosity and build excitement for what is to come.  

Leading the programme locally is Pūhoro Kaihautū Lara Gillies, who was born and raised in Gisborne and brings a background in education, whānau development and community engagement.

"The talent is already here. Every day in our classrooms, we see future leaders, innovators, problem-solvers, scientists and kaitiaki of our whenua. Sometimes our rangatahi don't yet recognise that potential in themselves, but we see it.

"One of the things I love most about Te Tairāwhiti is that despite being geographically isolated, we're incredibly connected to one another. Our people know each other, support each other and celebrate each other. Our smallness is actually our strength.

"Through Pūhoro, we can build on those strengths and open doors to opportunities our rangatahi may never have imagined possible. We want them to dream big, knowing their culture, identity and mātauranga are strengths they can carry into whatever future they choose."

The launch marks the beginning of Pūhoro’s long-term commitment to rangatahi in Te Tairāwhiti, creating opportunities for them to realise their potential, pursue their aspirations and use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the future of the rohe and its communities.

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