Award winning rangatahi scientists visit the inspiration for their experiment
Wednesday, 28 August 2024
Earlier this year, aspiring young Rotorua scientists fromTe Rangihakahaka Centre for Science and Technology won the Supreme Overall Award at Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair, from more than 100 entries.
Their winning project investigated the feasibility of sound travelling from Mokoia Island, over Lake Rotorua, and being heard at Ōwhata. The inspiration for the experiment came from the local pūrākau (story) of Tūtānekai playing his flute on Mokoia Island, and it being heard across the lake by Hinemoa.
Their experiment was one of more than 100 entries and exhibits at this year’s Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair held here in Rotorua in July, organised by Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
This Science Fair celebrates the intersection of Mātauranga Māori and science, and gives students a platform to showcase innovative projects and designs.
Of the 16 participating kura, this group of students from Te Rangihakahaka won two awards, including the Supreme Overall Mātauranga Māori Science Award!
Following their win, the tauira (students) visited the Rotorua Museum offsite facility to see the actual koauau (flute), Murirangaranga, that was played by Tūtānekai.
Pictured here, the students connect with the taonga, while another significant Te Arawa taonga Pūkaki is visible in the background. During their visit the rangatahi recited the whakapapa connection between these two taonga, the two tūpuna – and ultimately to themselves.
Renee Gillies acknowledges the passion these rangatahi have for science and the hard work they put in with their awesome teacher, Whaea Eva Tait. “We are very proud of them all”
Te Rangihakahaka Centre for Science and Technology is a Ngāti Whakaue education initiative – a Kura-A-Iwi with a curriculum based on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
A special aspect to this kura is how it uses the unique environment of Rotorua as a teaching tool to explore science with a mātauranga Māori lens.
According to Principal Renee Gillies, “we have a high level of engagement from our students and this knowledge is entrenched in their whakapapa”.
Paora Tapsell, Ngāti Whakaue representative on the Pūkaki Trust commented “how proud I am to hear of the achievements of our rangatahi and their awesome winning project regarding Murirangaranga….Miharō!”
Acknowledgements:
Images courtesy of Eva Tait
Permission to use the images of Pūkaki granted by the Pūkaki Trust
