New partnership bolsters STEMM opportunities

03 August 2023

Career pathways are set to grow for rangatahi Māori in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Mātauranga (STEMM) subjects through a new partnership between crown research institute AgResearch and the Pūhoro Charitable Trust.

An agreement signed recently by AgResearch and Pūhoro has enhanced an existing relationship built on a shared interest in more Māori youth participating in STEMM subjects and carrying through to careers as scientists or other roles needed by Aotearoa.

“It’s been great for us over the last few years to offer science internships to some of those rangatahi from Pūhoro’s STEMM Academy, and to see them thrive in that environment,” says AgResearch’s Director of Māori Research and Partnerships, Ariana Estoras.

“As a research institute working with farmers, businesses and communities on tackling some tough issues they are facing, we really need those fresh young minds coming through and bringing new ideas and energy, especially from a Te Ao Māori perspective.”

AgResearch’s Director of Māori Research and Partnerships, Ariana Estoras, signing the agreement with Pūhoro

“Through AgResearch’s own Te Puāwaitanga internship programme, we have been able to create opportunities for talented students that matches them to our science programmes or initiatives based on their background, skills, and future aspirations."

"With our new formalised partnership with Pūhoro, including funding for a new AgResearch scholarship, I can see us continuing to build on those opportunities for rangatahi across Aotearoa. Ultimately, we are talking about ensuring a more diverse workforce for Aotearoa that taps into many sources of knowledge, including that which has been built and passed on by Māori over many generations.”

The Pūhoro STEMM Academy has over the years successfully mentored and supported hundreds of Māori high school students to build towards careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or mātauranga Māori.

Pūhoro’s acting Manahautū (chief executive) Kemp Reweti says the formalised partnership with AgResearch is a culmination of many years working together for the benefit of rangatahi.

Pūhoro’s acting Manahautū (chief executive) Kemp Reweti signing the agreement with AgResearch

“It is an important recognition that the work we do has meaning for our rangatahi, their whānau, and by extension their hapū and iwi."

"We are a by Māori, for Māori and with Māori kaupapa, and this three-year partnership will further support us to deliver and serve our Māori community so that they can create their own STEMM futures and be an integral part of what is to come.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner this way with AgResearch.”