Oceans STEM

Karetao Hiko Rukuwai (Aquabots NZ) is an underwater robotics programme that engages rangatahi in hands-on STEM learning through designing, building, and operating remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Tapuwae Roa has invested in the development of Te Reo Māori resources to support Māori Medium delivery in classrooms and kura. In collaboration with Tōnui Collab and Ministry of Inspiration, these resources have been carefully translated and shaped to strengthen reo Māori use, increase accessibility, and support kaiako and ākonga to confidently engage in Aquabots through a te ao Māori lens.

Over the past year, Aquabots has expanded across multiple rohe, engaging over 140 rangatahi and supporting kura through build days, masterclasses, and regional competitions. The programme continues to evolve as a national model for kaupapa Māori STEMM delivery, strengthening both cultural connection and technical capability while opening pathways into ocean innovation and future careers.

To support delivery within Māori-medium kura, a comprehensive suite of kaiako resources has been developed to strengthen both confidence and capability in Oceans STEM learning. These resources have been developed in reo Māori, ensuring that kaiako are equipped to deliver technical content in ways that are accessible and aligned to kaupapa Māori learning environments.

Designed to complement hands-on programme delivery, the resources provide practical guidance, structured learning support, and tools that enable kaiako to lead and adapt sessions with their ākonga, regardless of prior experience in robotics or STEM.

These written resources support classroom delivery and competition preparation, including build guides, a kuputaka, introductory materials, and translated competition resources from previous years. These materials are designed to support both teaching and learning, providing clear, structured content that can be used in the classroom or alongside programme activities. We will add to these resources as more resources are developed.

NZ Aquabots Build Instructions 2025 – a comprehensive te reo Māori guide to building an Aquabot, covering materials, safety, and step-by-step instructions for constructing the ROV, motors, wiring, and controller system.

A bilingual Aquabots glossary providing key te reo Māori and English terms for tools, components, and actions, supporting understanding and confident use of technical language during the build process.

A teacher resource introducing Aquabots through a te ao Māori lens, outlining programme purpose, student activities, tikanga, and key concepts to prepare ākonga for build day and competition participation.

Please note, the following resources are current as of 2025 and are subject to change year on year.

A structured presentation template guiding teams to share their Aquabot journey, including design process, challenges, testing, and learnings, while supporting clear, concise delivery aligned with competition judging criteria.

A one-page factsheet template guiding teams to present key information about their Aquabot, including design summary, unique features, team details, and learnings, supporting clear and concise competition submissions.

Comprehensive competition guidelines for 2025 outlining rules, scoring, safety requirements, and event components, ensuring teams understand expectations for ROV design, performance challenges, presentations, and judging criteria.

The 2025 regional quiz, which focused on Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation. Reference material was shared with participants to study before the competition.

The 2025 national-level quiz, which focused on Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation. Reference material was shared with participants to study before the competition.

The 2025 post-competition feedback survey gathering participant insights on their Aquabots experience, including engagement, learning outcomes, and future interest in STEM, helping inform programme improvements and measure impact.

An introductory resource explaining marine reserves, their purpose, and ecological importance, grounding tauira understanding of ocean protection, biodiversity, and kaitiakitanga within a te ao Māori context.

A deeper exploration of marine environments, outlining human impacts, environmental threats, and sustainability challenges, supporting tauira to critically engage with ocean issues relevant to competition learning.

We are currently developing a 13-part video series providing step-by-step Aquabot build instructions in te reo Māori, designed to support kaiako and ākonga through the full construction process. These include how-to videos for robotics builds, programme delivery support, and practical demonstrations that bring the written materials to life. We will add to these videos as more resources are developed.

An overview of all Aquabot kit components and required tools, introducing key materials such as pipes, motors, controller, and equipment needed before beginning the build process.  

Step-by-step guidance on measuring, marking, and cutting pipe lengths using the measurement sheet, ensuring accurate sizing and clean cuts to prepare all components for assembling the Aquabot frame.  

Instructions for safely drilling evenly spaced holes into pipes and elbows, preparing motor mount positions and ensuring correct technique for stability, alignment, and effective Aquabot performance in the water.  

A detailed walkthrough of assembling the Aquabot frame, including correct pipe connections, orientation of drill holes for buoyancy, and attaching netting with cable ties while allowing flexibility for redesign.

If your kura is interested in delivering Aquabots, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re ready to run the programme or looking at expanding your STEM programme, complete the form below and someone from the Tapuwae Roa team will be in touch.