Pūhoro STEMM Academy has expanded into Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika Greater Wellington through a new partnership with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, marking an exciting step forward in its mission to support more rangatahi Māori into STEMM pathways.

The official launch event, held on Friday 24 April at Te Herenga Waka Marae, brought together rangatahi, iwi, educators, and partners to celebrate the arrival of the kaupapa in the region.

Pūhoro will begin working with eight partner schools across Wellington and Wairarapa, (Newlands College, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Porirua, Wairarapa College, Wainuiomata College, Tawa College, Kuranui College, and Hutt Valley High School) with strong growth anticipated over the next two to three years.

Pūhoro Manahautū Kemp Reweti says the move into Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika is an important step in ensuring more rangatahi Māori can access opportunities in STEMM.

“This expansion is about creating pathways and opportunities for our rangatahi in a region that holds huge potential. We know there is incredible talent across Wellington and Wairarapa, and our role is to help unlock that potential through access, exposure, and support.”

“Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika is a significant region for us, not just because of its size, but because of the depth of opportunity it presents for our rangatahi to connect with education, industry, and future careers in STEMM.”

The launch gave rangatahi their first introduction to the Pūhoro kaupapa ahead of in-school visits beginning this term. During the event, students explored the local pūrākau of Ngake and Whātaitai through a hands-on STEMM activity, using Maqueen robots and micro:bits (small programmable robotics and coding tools) to bring key moments of the story to life.

A key part of the expansion is Pūhoro’s partnership with Te Herenga Waka, which will support delivery of the programme in the region, strengthen pathways into tertiary education, and provide new on-campus spaces for wānanga and engagement.

Dean of Te Wāhanga a Manaia - Faculty of Science and Engineering at Te Herenga Waka, Nicola Nelson, says the University is excited to be part of the Pūhoro STEMM kaupapa.

“We are really excited to be joining the Pūhoro whānau. The opportunity this brings Te Herenga Waka includes supporting Māori students to expand their opportunities and the enormous potential for more Māori students to bring their perspectives to STEMM disciplines, which enriches opportunities for all.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing Māori participation and success in STEMM, and to creating long-term opportunities for rangatahi across the region.

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