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.

An interactive online guide providing updated 2026 NZ Aquabots controller build instructions, featuring step-by-step support and an English-to-te reo Māori language toggle to improve accessibility for kaiako and ākonga.

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 build checklist supporting kaiako and ākonga to safely track each stage of construction, including wiring, soldering, waterproofing, controller assembly, and final pre-water safety checks. 

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.

A step-by-step guide to preparing and waterproofing Aquabot motors using tape and protective coverings, helping prevent corrosion and ensuring reliable motor performance during underwater operation. 

Instructions for drilling motor canisters and preparing the Ethernet communication cable, including wire separation, knotting techniques, and setup steps required before connecting motors and controller components.

A practical walkthrough on stripping wires, connecting motors, and soldering electrical components safely, ensuring strong electrical connections and preparing the motors for waterproofing and installation.  

Guidance on waterproofing motors using toilet wax, including sealing canisters, preventing air pockets, and protecting electrical components from water damage while maintaining correct buoyancy and motor function.

Instructions for preparing motor shafts, assembling propellers, and securing components using sanding, alcohol wipes, nuts, and super glue to ensure safe, stable, and effective Aquabot propulsion.

A detailed guide to attaching motors onto the Aquabot frame, securing cables with cable ties, waterproofing wire connections, and preparing the completed ROV for controller installation and testing.  

A comprehensive tutorial on assembling the Aquabot controller, including soldering techniques, wiring positive and negative connections, installing electronic components, and preparing the controller for safe operation and testing.  

Instructions for testing motor and controller functionality, connecting power sources, troubleshooting movement issues, and assembling the controller housing to prepare the Aquabot for use in the water.

A final guide to adjusting Aquabot buoyancy for underwater performance, customising designs for competition challenges, and preparing the ROV for successful regional and national competition.

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.