Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa secondary school students along with mātua (parents) and kaiako (teachers), took part in practical agriculture, horticulture and environmental science labs to experience some of the study paths available to tauira.
The group made cheese, identified seeds, tested sugar levels in fruits and drinks, and even tasted some bugs and drank chocolate milk with crickets in it!
The day demonstrated several career paths available to those who study science as well as the important role that science plays in society and contributes to the economy.
Kaiurungi – Agriculture and Horticulture Māori Student Coordinator Mike Smith, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, says the visit was beneficial for rangatahi to experience science in practice and gain a greater understanding of life beyond high school.
“Our hope is to inspire some of these rangatahi to follow their dreams and return that knowledge back to their communities. We are looking forward to an ongoing relationship with these groups,” he says.
