Te Maori: Science ignites passion in tamariki

A week-long programme is encouraging Maori young people to take an interest in science. Photo/Supplied

An iwi trust is helping young people explore the wonders of science and how, as Maori, they are connected.

Matakokiri is a science and technology wananga based on matauranga Maori for ages 7-15. Organised by Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust, it will be based at Ohinemutu over five days next month.

Trust general manager Roana Bennett said this would be the fourth wananga they'd organised with demand always exceeding the 50 places available.

"We started Matakokiri because we wanted to inspire our tamariki and rangatahi to take science in schools. Maori students studying science is proportionally not that high. Seventy per cent of jobs now are science-based so we wanted to keep all options available to them," Ms Bennett said.

"We didn't want it to just be about science, we wanted to infuse the programme with Ngati Whakaue practices, tikanga and knowledge."

Day excursions, visits from scientists and hands-on activities are all part of the wananga which is finding success in sparking young people's interest in the world around them. Each participant is required to be accompanied by a whanau member as part of supporting family engagement. The week will also acknowledge and honour the late Mitai Rolleston, who was passionate about Ngati Whakaue and education.

"The interest has been fabulous. As soon as they attend the first day they are totally engaged, they're so busy enjoying the richness of knowledge that they just chew it up, and being able to meet and interact with scientists and those that have knowledge tikanga," Ms Bennett said.

Organisations that have been involved previously include Scion Crown Research Institute, Rotorua Hospital, Mighty River Power, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Mokoia Islands trustees, Lakeland Queen and there is a planned activity with the astronomy society.

"The feedback we get back is that tamariki go back to school really enthusiastic about a particular aspect of science.

"[Having the Maori aspect] makes it relevant for them, they know how they are connected and they become engaged and want to learn more and more."

The next Matakokiri will be held on July 14-18 and will be based on Matariki, the Maori New Year.

It will be held at Tunohopu marae and Te Ao Marama. Cost is by koha.

Registration can be made through Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust by calling (07) 348 8887 or by emailing eva@taumata.org.nz.