The Pūhoro STEMM Academy was started in 2016 to encourage young Māori students to continue with the STEM subjects. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The second M, Mātauragna Māori was added recently to recognise the importance of this knowledge set in New Zealand.

Pūhoro STEMM academy has the aim of encouraging and supporting ako in these subjects. This is done by tutorials, at school and online, wānanga, kaihautū sessions, scholarships and paid internships. Thiis starts at Year 11 with students taking Level 1 Science and Mathematics and continues through to Year 13.

At Ōtaki College students attend a tutorial/kaihautū session every Monday during assembly time. This is a chance for students to get extra support in their STEMM subjects, explore being Māori in the STEMM world and hear from Māori working in STEMM fields.

Generally Pūhoro students are in the Pūhoro kaiarahi group with Whaea Dawn and Seuga, (Mrs Hirschberg and Mrs Frost).

Any student who can whakapapa Māori in any amount can join the academy. Students need to be studying Science and Mathematics but can be doing a mix of internal and external standards. 

This link will give you more information on the Pūhoro website.

If any Year 11, 12 and 13 ako  are interested,

Please use this link to register your interest : https://puhorostem.wufoo.com/forms/z13848he1ifmvil/

Or

By email:

Dawn Hirschberg: dhb@otakicollege.school.nz

Seuga Frost: sfs@otakicollege.school.nz