TE TŪKOHU NGĀWHĀ
Mātauranga Māori & Science Design Fair
What is Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā?
Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair is a 3-day event where ākonga (students) from Years 0–13 share their projects, ideas, and creativity with kaiako, whānau, kura, industry experts, and the wider community.
It’s more than a science fair. Tamariki and rangatahi explore solutions to pressing environmental challenges — such as biodiversity loss, water health, climate change, and sustainability — through both te ao Māori and western science. By weaving these knowledges together, Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā creates a platform to celebrate ways of thinking about Te Taiao (the environment).
"Science is not just about lab coats and bunsen burners. We aspire for tamariki to understand that science is everywhere: in our ngāhere (forests), in our wai (waters), in kōrero (stories), and in the histories of their tūpuna.
Through Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā, we aim to empower ākonga to discover these diverse knowledges and to express their ideas in ways that matter to them. By doing so they build confidence, deepen their understanding, and ignite a passion for te taiao"
Keeley Grantham
Key event organiser, 2025
Hei Tīmatanga
Taking part in Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā is simple, and you don’t need a lab or special equipment to get underway. Projects can be small or large, science or art, individual or group — the most important thing is getting involved and sharing ideas.
Choose a Category
Six award categories are available:
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Biosecurity
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Biodiversity and Conservation
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Water Environments (frewater and marine)
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Mātauranga Māori
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Sustainability
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Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience
Design and Carry Out
Students can enter projects under Science, Art or a combination of Science & Art.
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Science might include: investigating, researching, prototyping.
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Art might include: posters, drawings, paintings.
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Students can also enter different projects under both Science and Art
Looking for a bit of inspiration? Check out some past examples.
© Keeley Grantham.
Possible Timeline for Kaiako
Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā is for everyone — it’s all about creativity, learning, and whanaungatanga, with prizes as a bonus!
2025 | Term Four
Introduce the idea to tamariki and staff. Discuss the various categories and topics. Emphasise Science and Art components.
2026 | Term One
Revisit and brainstorm ideas as a class or group. Organise students into groups or individuals. Confirm project focus and connect it to the local environment. Check the judging rubric and draft a research plan.
2026 | Term Two
Start documentation. This is the research and project-building and data collection phase which could involve trips, kōrero and check-ins with students. Revisit the judging rubric while encouraging individual creativity.
2026 | Term Three
Event term! Ensure registrations/consents have been completed. Organise support to assist with transport. Students could practice presenting to kaiako and parents. Kura could also run their own mini science fair.
Extra Information
Never Miss an Update
Media Coverage
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RNZ: Mātauranga Māori Science Fair Applies Traditional Thinking to Modern-Day Problems.
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RNZ: Getting hands on with science creating 'good scientific citizens'
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RNZ: Floating marae among designs by rangatahi showcased at science fair
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NZH: Te Arawa Lakes Trust’s Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair
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Fish Futures: Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair
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RNZ: Real or myth? Young scientists seek truth in legendary love story
Questions and Answers
This section will be updated as questions come in.
How much does it cost to participate?
Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science Fair is FREE.
What age groups is this event 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 participants to put towards equipment/tools?
This is something which is being explored.
What modes of entry are there?
Students can enter in the following ways:
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Science
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Investigation
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Research
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Prototype
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Art
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Poster
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Drawing
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Painting
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...and more.
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Both Science and Art
Do we have to use a display board?
No.
Do entries have to be from the Bay of Plenty?
No. One of the goals moving forward is to gain wider rohe/nationwide representation.
NGĀ MIHI | ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This guide has been created to support kaiako who were unable to attend Bay Science’s Term 3 hui in 2025. It is intended to help kaiako and whānau across Aotearoa access the key information needed for tamariki and rangatahi to take part in Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā.
Unless otherwise indicated, photos and information has been kindly provided by Keeley Grantham, Te Arawa Lakes Trust.