Kaiako Unite for Mātauranga Māori and Science Design Fair 2026

On Wednesday 10 September, Bay Science held our most popular cluster hui yet at Mount Maunganui College, with over thirty kaiako and education organisations coming together from across the rohe, and even beyond the Bay of Plenty. If you weren’t able to join us in person, this post brings you the highlights from the hui as well as a link to the resources (below).

The hui was an opportunity to learn more about Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā — the Mātauranga Māori and Science Design Fair that empowers rangatahi to explore their taiao, investigate environmental challenges, and design solutions through a Te Ao Māori lens.

The energy in the room reflected the enthusiasm and passion teachers bring to creating authentic learning opportunities for their ākonga. Images supplied © Keeley Granthan, Janie Stevenson, Lian Soh

We were fortunate to hear from Keeley Grantham, who shared the vision for Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā, highlighting the growth of the event, the benefits for tamariki, and practical steps for getting started in kura. Janie Stevenson, from Bay Conservation Alliance and one of the long-standing judges, also offered valuable insights into what makes a student project shine, alongside practical tips to support kaiako in guiding their ākonga.

Janie Stevenson (left) and Keeley Grantham (right) presenting at the Bay Science Cluster hui on 10 September, sharing insights on Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā 2026. Images supplied; © Keeley Grantham.

The hui also drew a number of prominent guests, reflecting the wide interest in — and support for — Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā and the interface of Mātauranga Māori and Science across the science education community.

Notable organisation attendees included:

• The team from Science Learning Hub (Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao)

• Meschka Seifritz, Tauranga’s representative for Pūhoro STEMM Academy

• Christine Laycock, a key organiser for the Bay of Plenty Regional Science Fair

• Local and regional representatives from:

  • Te Kīkini o te Rehutai (Tauranga Moana Māori Teachers Association)

  • Earth and Space Science Educators New Zealand (ESSENZ)

  • Biology Educators Aotearoa New Zealand (BEANZ)

  • New Zealand Institute of Physics (NZIP)

  • New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE)

  • Secondary Chemistry Educators New Zealand (SCENZ)
    

The involvement of multiple science associations also signalled a growing recognition that mātauranga Māori offers a holistic lens — encouraging multidisciplinary approaches towards problem solving. Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā provides a platform where multiple ways of knowing can converge, giving space for rangatahi to design solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and deeply connected to their cultural and environmental contexts.

"This hui was an incredible opportunity to connect with passionate teachers and educational institutes from across the rohe, and to share our vision for Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā; how this event empowers our rangatahi to explore their taiao, investigate environmental challenges and design solutions through a Te Ao Māori lens"

-- Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair Facebook Page

Kaiako and education leaders connect over kai and kōrero during the Bay Science Cluster hui at Mount Maunganui College on 10 September. Images supplied; © Keeley Grantham

Alongside the kōrero, attendees also enjoyed our usual spread of nibbles and freebies provided by LearnWell, including a limited-edition Chemical Reactions book for NCEA Level 1 that was quickly snapped up. Guests were also treated to freshly made fry bread from Eze Feedz, paired with butter, jam, and golden syrup — a clear favourite. Guests also had the chance to win spot prizes, ranging from harakeke kono planters and a set of Paku tools, to hue (gourd) seeds from Koanga Gardens, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori stickers, LearnWell goodies such as Bluetooth speakers and stationary, as well as a copy of Mātauranga Māori by Hirini Moko Mead.

Questions and Answers from the Hui

How much does it cost to participate?

Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science Fair is FREE.

What age groups is this fair for? Does it include secondary students?

Years 1 through to Year 13.

Note: the age of the students will also be taken into consideration during the judging process. Age group categories could make an appearance when more high schools also participate.

Is there financial support for equipment/tools for participants?

This is something which is being explored.

What modes of entry are there? Do we have to use a display board?

Students can enter in the following ways:

• Science

  • Investigation

  • Research

  • Prototype
    

• Art

  • Poster

  • Drawing

  • Painting

  • ...and more.
    

• Both Science and Art

A display board is not required.

Do entries have to be from the Bay of Plenty?

No. One of the goals moving forward is to gain wider rohe/nationwide representation.

Additional Notices from the Hui

Janie Stevenson is also based at Maketū Wetland Society (MOWS); there is an education programme which kaiako can access.

If you are keen to find out more about Pūhoro STEMM, get in touch with Meschka Seifritz m.seifritz@puhoro.org.nz

Jim Critchley also shared the Earth and Space Science Educators conference which is coming up these school holidays. Find out more here. You can also email Jim directly: jimc@mmc.school.nz

Image suppled; © Jim Critchley.

Keen to get started for the Mātauranga Māori and Science Design Fair in 2026?

1. Reach out to Keeley Grantham with any questions and to find out if she, or a colleague, can run a session at your school: keeley@tearawa.iwi.nz or sciencefair@tearawa.iwi.nz If you are based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Ōtautahi (Christchurch), sit tight — we are seeing if we can get a hui in your region soon!

2. Find out more information at their Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tetukohungawha

3. Stay up to date with their latest news here:

   • Instagram: te_tukohu_ngawha

   • Facebook: Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair

4. Check out Keeley Grantham's slides here.

Over the next few weeks, Bay Science will also be creating a new page to help kaiako and caregivers get started.

Vicki, Mat and Lian present Te Taka Pūmotu to one the guest speakers as koha for their time and availability. The accompanying korero acknowledged the whakapapa of this poster, and all the conversations and consultations which took place over time, for this be produced. This version of Te Taka Pūmotu is a gesture, symbol and reminder of the importance of genuine honesty, collaboration and patience when engaging with key stakeholders. Image Source; © Keeley Grantham

Ngā Mihi – Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt mihi to everyone who made this hui possible:

• Mount Maunganui College — for providing the wāhi, space, and setup.

• Matua Khan — for helping to open and close the hui.

• Our presenters, Janie Stevenson and Keeley Grantham — for preparing such an inspiring kōrero with beautifully crafted slides.

• Whaea Tania Jackson — for sharing this kaupapa with Te Kīkini o te Rehutai and supporting the background organisation.

• Jim Critchley — for I.T tautoko and support.

• Alisha Grimmer and Mat Synge — for preparing the space, kai, and welcoming manuhiri.

• Vicki Alderson-Wallace — for visiting Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā 2025 earlier this term to help lay the groundwork for this rōpū hui.

• Eze Feedz — for the delivery of freshly made paraoa parai (fry bread).

• LearnWell — for the provision of free pukapuka mahi, nibbles, and prizes.

• All of our guests — for making the haerenga and joining in the whanaungatanga.
  

We also acknowledge those who registered but were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances — your aroha and support are appreciated, and we look forward to connecting again soon.