Powering Potential ki Porirua

Powering Potential inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and strengthens connections between rangatahi and local scientists, researchers, innovators, and industry experts.

This year, the Society partnered with Awatoa, an innovative science and technology hub led by Ngāti Toa in Porirua, to deliver the programme for intermediate-aged tauira (students) for the first time. 

The 11–13 age group occupies a unique space in education. No longer in the early years of primary school, but not yet in secondary school, intermediate-aged rangatahi are often in a transitional stage and represent an untapped well of potential, which Awatoa and the Society recognise as a critical age group to inspire. 

“From the work we’ve been doing at Awatoa, we’ve learned something from this age group — they have lots of energy, and they’re very curious,” says Maria Dunlop, Innovation Lead at Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.

At this stage, many tauira are still forming their ideas of what science is or should be. While secondary school programmes can be shaped by curriculum pressures, intermediate stage often provide more flexible opportunities for hands-on, immersive learning. 

The programme also highlighted the strength of genuine partnership. Awatoa’s on-going relationships with local schools and organisations, and the Society’s network of science-sector organisations, saw mentors from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University, Mountains to Sea Wellington, BLAKE NZ and local mātanga (experts), guide tauira through identifying local challenges and exploring ideas and solutions.

Research topics ranged from identifying creatures that live in local awa and what they tell us about water health and Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour, to exploring how marine pests can change local habitats and food webs.

Each day focused on a different kaupapa: design thinking and planning, off-site visits and hands-on experiences, and communicating the research through presentations.

For 12-year-old Kaito Tito from Tītahi Bay Intermediate, the experience shifted his understanding of what a scientist could be.

“Before today, the first image of a scientist I would think of would be people who learned about explosives and blew stuff up,” Kaito shared. “But now I know there are scientists who study a whole lot of different things like the sea and pests. If I were to rank how important a scientist’s job was, I’d rank it 10 out of 10 ... yeah, I might study science later.”

Twelve-year-old Lorelei Tavita from Brandon Intermediate was drawn to the complex problem-solving at the heart of the programme.

“I really liked the scenarios at the Porirua Emergency Centre and the complex problems they have to solve,” Lorelei reflected. “I like to be challenged and work out a solution – it helps my brain when I learn new things. I think I’d like studying science at high school ... I want to fix climate change because it’s really bad right now, and if it gets worse we won’t be able to live on Earth.”

For Jessie George, hands-on stream monitoring brought science into an immediate local context.

“Day 2 was the best part of the programme, when we went around and did stuff,” Jessie said. “We went to four streams and had to write down what we observed in the sky, on the ground and in the water ... What I learned on this programme relates to me because I do waka ama, and it will make me think about all the animals and their habitat next time I’m paddling on the water.”

As the three days drew to a close, Maria reminded rangatahi that with knowledge comes wisdom: “Curiosity starts with asking why, and then comes the wonder. Remember what you’ve learned over these days as you move forward, and feel empowered to make a real difference in your community.”

Nurturing curiosity at this critical age does more than create pathways into STEAMM careers. It equips future generations with the critical thinking, empathy and problem-solving skills needed to navigate complex challenges. When we invest early in the wonder and inquiry of young people, we empower them to return to their communities not only with knowledge, but with the wisdom to make a lasting difference.

The Society looks forward to continuing to work with Awatoa to support and inspire the next generation of innovators, researchers, problem-solvers, and leaders. 

The Society acknowledges Salina Ghazally from Mahutonga for this article.