The energy was buzzing at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre as the Wellington Regional Aquabots Competition kicked off with a splash. For the first time, the event welcomed twelve teams from kura kaupapa Māori and reo rua schools.
Tauira from Ngāti Toa’s kura-ā-iwi, Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori, and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna arrived ready to showcase the karetao rukuwai (underwater robots) they had designed, built, and mastered. From soldering and electronics to teamwork and presentation skills, the competition was about more than just robots – it was about building pathways into future opportunities and careers within STEM.
Kaiako pūtaiao, Kath Haines of Ngā Mokopuna, described the day as a truly rewarding experience:
“Harikoa ana te ngākau te kite i ngā ākonga e hanga ana, e ako ana, e tū ana ki te kōrero mō ngā kaupapa pūtaiao – tauiwi pūtaiao, mātauranga Māori hoki.”
For many of the kura, this was their very first time competing, and doing so entirely in te reo Māori. The experience not only introduced them to new skills, such as soldering, wiring, and problem-solving, but also gave them the confidence to present their mahi proudly in front of their peers and judges. As one tauira put it:
“Tino rawe te rā. Maha ngā wheako hōu i ākonga, ngā pūkenga hou. Tino rata ēnei mahi ki ahau.”
Behind the scenes, support from Tapuwae Roa, Ministry of Inspiration, kaiako, and whānau made it possible for the event to be fully bilingual and accessible for Māori-medium education. For kura entering for the first time, the guidance and encouragement ensured tauira could participate on equal footing and see themselves reflected in the competition.
At its heart, Aquabots is about sparking a love for STEM and opening up pathways into limitless futures. While robotics is the entry point, the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills extend far beyond the pool.
With strong enthusiasm kura, the hope is to roll out Aquabots more widely across Aotearoa, so more tauira Māori can get involved.
