In November, Pūhoro was proud to attend and present at the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE), hosted in Tāmaki Makaurau by Auckland University of Technology. Returning to Aotearoa for the first time in 20 years, WIPCE 2025 was the largest academic conference ever held in New Zealand, welcoming more than 3,800 Indigenous educators, researchers and leaders from over 25 countries.

Pūhoro was represented by kairangahau Margaret Forster and Felicity Ware, alongside kaimahi Sina Leilua and Meschka Seifritz. Together, they showcased Pūhoro’s kaupapa and research on advancing Māori participation and success in STEMM education on an international stage.

Pūhoro also had the privilege to deliver two presentations, sharing our decade-long journey of building a Māori STEMM capability pipeline across secondary, tertiary and industry pathways. Presentations highlighted Pūhoro’s growth from supporting 174 rangatahi in eight schools in 2017 to more than 3,500 rangatahi across 85 schools and 11 regions today, alongside evidence demonstrating improved NCEA achievement and stronger transitions into tertiary education.

A second presentation focused on Pūhoro’s integration of Mātauranga Māori within STEMM education, guided by tikanga and Māori research methodologies such as whakapapa, pūrākau, mahi toi and wānanga. This mahi positions rangatahi as researchers, innovators and future leaders who are deeply connected to their culture, communities and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Beyond presenting, the Pūhoro team engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions and wānanga exploring Indigenous sovereignty, decolonisation in education, youth leadership and climate resilience. Being surrounded by Indigenous excellence from across the globe reaffirmed the strength and relevance of Pūhoro’s kaupapa and strengthened our commitment to transforming STEMM pathways for Māori at home.

Being surrounded by Indigenous excellence on a global scale was an incredible experience, showcasing the depth, creativity, and strength of Indigenous-led education worldwide.

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