Powering Potential ki Tāmakimakaurau 2024
Over 50 curious students from across Tāmakimakaurau attended a three-day wānanga at Te Mahurehure Marae where they were grouped with researchers to investigate topical issues.
Powering Potential ki Tāmakimakaurau 2024 was the first of our new locally delivered programme. It enables students to learn more about their local environment, connect with local experts and visit the workplaces of scientists and researchers in their backyard.
Powering Potential ki Tāmakimakaurau brought together 51 rangatahi (youth) to connect with each other and with mentors, investigate important issues, and learn about different career pathways in the research, science and innovation sectors.
Participants had the privilege of staying at Te Mahurehure Marae for the duration of the programme under the manaakitanga (hospitality) of Ngāpuhi. There, they also learned about the marae's unique history and the establishment of Te Taumata o Kupe, the new learning centre that embodies mātauranga Māori.
Rangatahi were placed into eight teams where they were mentored by 13 inspiring scientists and researchers from various backgrounds. In addition to providing research tips and expertise, mentors shared advice on how to navigate a career path as a scientist and researcher, and exposed their teams to research in the field – some teams explored life as a researcher at the University of Auckland, while others trudged streams at Te Atatū Peninsula.
Each team investigated and presented on an important issue, they were:
- How can Kaupapa Māori research help us understand kainga? What is your dream kāinga as a rangatahi Māori?
- What is the purpose of university?
- How are recent advancements in generative AI technologies, such as large language models, impacting teaching, learning, and assessment in secondary education?
- Poor sleep leads to poor mental health: How can we improve sleep and mental health for young people in Aotearoa?
- How can embedding science in mātauranga help communities overcome environmental challenges?
- How can we design a simple spectrometer that is able to assist whānau who are interested in studying taonga (high-value) plant species in their rohe?
- How can we create a psychology workforce that is well-prepared to work with the increasing diversity of Aotearoa's population?
- The 2023 New Zealand census results highlight shifts in New Zealand's population culture. How could these changes affect a New Zealand specific architecture?
The programme was well supported by kaiako (teachers), including three kaiako from the Science Teaching Leadership Programme, who played a pivotal role in amplifying rangatahi learning experiences and providing supervision throughout the programme.
On the final evening, rangatahi presented their findings to their peers, kaiako and whānau. All were impressed by what they achieved in only three days! The presentations were followed by shared kai to celebrate the rangatahi achievements.
Whakapā mai – Contact us
Updates about future Powering Potential programmes will be posted on our website and social media platforms. If you have any pātai (questions), please contact EducationTeam@royalsociety.org.nz.