Excited ākonga from Te Kura o Wairau in their graduation robes before their 2024 Whakapōtaetanga Graduation Ceremony hosted at the Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North.
Through the Children’s University programme, tamariki aged 7–14 are given the opportunity to engage with university environments and take part in hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a love of lifelong learning. Massey University has supported more than 1350 children through the programme since 2021.
Andrea Flavel, Director of Te Tumu Whakatipu at Massey University, says the partnership strengthens Children’s University’s ability to inspire young learners and support their journey from curiosity to capability.
“Te Wānanga Nohinohi ki Te Kunenga Children’s University is about opening doors early, helping tamariki imagine what is possible and supporting them to believe they belong in places like Massey. This work is critical to building the skilled, confident workforce our region needs in the future, and we are so glad to be partnered with a local organisation that shares this kaupapa,” she says.
The funding from Talent Central will enable increased participation from schools and communities, enhance programme experiences and resources, and expand delivery across the Manawatū region.
Ākonga participating in a Māori astronomy activity with Professor Hemi Whaanga during Te Matapihipihi Discovery Day 2025 at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi on Massey University’s Manawatū campus.
“Every child should be able to see a future in education, and this programme helps make that real. Supporting tamariki today is critical to building the skilled, confident workforce our region needs tomorrow. Talent Central’s sponsorship highlights the shared responsibility we have across education and industry to nurture that future together,” Ms Flavel says.
Brendan Kelly, Chair of the Talent Central Trust, says the partnership reflects a shared commitment to raising aspirations among tamariki, strengthening pathways into education and careers and building the region’s future workforce.
“The Talent Central Trust is absolutely delighted to partner with Massey University to make this great opportunity available to a wider range of tamariki from across the region, providing them the opportunity to see and participate in the pathway from early education through to secondary school and into the world of higher education and employment.”
The Children’s University programme is also being supported for the first time by Lottery Manawatū/Whanganui Community Grants in 2026.
About Te Wānanga Nohinohi ki Te Kunenga Children’s University Massey
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is partnered with Children’s University Australasia and Africa to deliver the programme for local schools and communities across the North Island.
Children's University supports and encourages tamariki to take part in learning experiences outside the classroom. This programme, available to children aged 7 to 14, identifies learning opportunities and destinations where they can explore, gain confidence and develop a passion for learning.
Tamariki can take part through their school or community hub. Once they are registered, they are issued an Uruwhenua hei Ako | Passport to Learning. Children can visit local Learning Destinations and record 'learning hours' through engagements at destinations, online activities and participation in clubs like sports, music, dance, robotics, volunteering, and kapa haka.
Participating groups are also hosted at their local Massey University campus to experience exciting activities on a Discovery Day. Once tamariki earn 30 learning hours in their passports, they are celebrated with a university-style graduation ceremony.
- Massey University has supported more than 1,350 children across the North Island through the programme since 2021, and 682 in the Manawatū alone.
- Māori and Pacific tamariki make up more than half of the participants in Manawatū.
- There are more than 65 Learning Destinations across the North Island.
About Talent Central
Talent Central is about bringing our talent together for the benefit of our region. We recognise our region has enormously talented people, ready to apply their skills and ambition within businesses.
Equally, the region has incredibly talented business people, delivering market-leading products and services locally, nationally and internationally. We know that success across the region depends on those talented people coming together: which is what Talent Central is all about!
We are here to inspire our talent about the employment and higher education opportunities available to them, and to ensure they are motivated to contribute to their own learning and development.
We create pathways for learners, build a regional culture of innovation and grow leadership skills, so that our people can flourish. We provide a platform for businesses to showcase their own talent – to attract the right people as they strive for growth and innovation across our region.
We facilitate connections for people to deploy their skills and talent in new workplaces.
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