Pūhoro (STEM) Programme

Ōtaki College joined the Pūhoro STEM programme at the start of 2018, with our level 1 Science students. In 2020, the programme now includes students at all levels of NCEA in science, biology, chemistry, physics and earth and space science.

The programme aims to encourage and nurture Māori students studying the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), so students may feel inspired to enter careers in these sectors. This is done through a range of different activities that have an overarching appropriate Māori cultural setting.

Students attend weekly tutoring sessions with Ōtaki College’s kaihautu, Jordan Housiaux-Dustin. These sessions are aimed at supporting students on a weekly basis with their science studies, as well as having the opportunities to meet and hear from Māori who are currently working in science based fields.

During terms 2, 3 and 4, students attend Pou Herenga, at which a range of tutors are available for 1 1/2 days of intense revision and study, in preparation for external exams. These are held as a noho at a local marae.

Once a term students attend wānanga at Massey University. These full day trips contain a range of laboratory based activities such as: water testing, mechanics practicals, veterinary science and marine biology. These days also involve sessions that are aimed at giving the students time to hear from Māori scientists and engineers. Other speakers cover topics such as: preparing for the future, transitioning from secondary school, student debt, scholarships and Q and A sessions with Massey scientists.

The final part of the programme is, Āmua Ao. This part of the programme consists of two main parts: an overseas trip for selected students, to various places like NASA, Silicon valley and Hawaii with second being a year 10 technology challenge day once a year.

Students taking part in this programme have indicated that they probably would not have continued with science subjects, if they had not been part of the Pūhoro programme.

More information is available on the Pūhoro website or by contacting the Science department at Ōtaki College.