New Science Initiative for Rotorua Schools to be Launched

21 April 2016

A New Science Initiative for Rotorua Schools to be Launched at 2pm Friday 22 April at Tamatekapua, Ohinemutu, Rotorua

On Friday 22 April Ngati Whakaue will launch a new science initiative for Rotorua – ready-made House of Science resource kits for Rotorua schools.

Renee Gillies, Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust’s team leader for science and technology says “We trialled a pilot scheme with four schools in 2015 and had a great response from teachers and students. We now have ten kits ready to go and schools eager to use them in their classrooms.”

She says “Our team will provide additional support for schools through professional development opportunities for teachers to learn about the Matauranga Maori that sits alongside the science.”

She says “We want to encourage schools to include more science in the classroom and for that science to be contextualised around our own environment here in Rotorua.”

Roana Bennett, General Manager for Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust says “Science is an essential component of core knowledge that every member of our community should have access to. Schools know this. The government knows this. Iwi knows this. Everyone has a stake and everyone has a contribution to make. We are committed and sincere in playing our part. And this commitment has led to the House of Science initiative, our Matakokiri Science Wananga for tamariki and rangatahi and the professional learning and development programmes we offer teachers.”

Ms Bennett says “Our vision is for all children in our community to be enthused by science and to see themselves as scientists; and for the adults around them – teachers and whanau – to share this vision.”

BACKGROUND
Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust is the education advocate for Ngati Whakaue. The trust delivers services and programmes in a wide range of areas including te reo, science programmes for children aged 7 to 13, professional learning and development programmes for teachers, early childhood services and NCEA support for rangatahi.

The House of Science kits are a joint venture between Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust and a Tauranga based charitable trust, House of Science. The House of Science kits include themes in biology, chemistry, physics and food science. Sponsorship from local businesses and philanthropic organisations have helped with the establishment of the science kits including the purchase of special equipment and materials.

The House of Science kits will be launched at a special ceremony at Tamatekapua meeting house, Ohinemutu, on Friday 22 April at 2pm. Dignitaries who will be present include Chris Duggan, CEO of the House of Science; Dr Stuart Corson, a Rotorua based scientist and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand; Cr Merepeka Raukawa-Tait and Lania Holt (Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Pikiao, Ngati Kahungunu and Ngai Tahu) a forestry management scientist at Scion, in the Forest Systems - Economics, Ecosystems and Climate Team. Lania has worked in the forest industry for major forestry companies in New Zealand and in the United States.
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