She says for years House of Science received no government funding and now some Ministry of Education funding was about to end.
“That means we have to rely even more heavily on our donors, sponsors and philanthropists.”
Duggan’s project sounds like one that brings joy to kids and fun to schools, but she’s also concerned about the long-term impacts on a country where science is not taught as widely as it could be.
She said critical issues facing the country would need scientists to find solutions.
“That all starts with fostering that curiosity, which starts young,” she says.
“It’s been going on for years. It’s a systemic, generational issue. Science is historically not done well at our primary schools. Our teachers lack the confidence [to teach].”
She says House of Science aims to empower children and teachers.
“It starts off at about $8000 for schools to access our research but we charge them 10% of that. We have a comprehensive library that covers the whole curriculum - 42 different topics.”
Topics include forensics and food science. The resources include a box with books and about eight different experiments.
“We empower the teachers to deliver great hands-on science by using their resources,” she says.
“It costs quite a lot of money to establish one our branches.”
She says it all stemmed from an Education Review Office report finding more than 70% of New Zealand primary schools were not adequately teaching science.
“Wow” and not a good “wow” was her response.
“Actually I was quite angry. I was horrified,” she says.
Chris Duggan, House of Science founder and CEO.
“I literally quit my job and set up this charity. Now we’ve got 726 schools on board, just over a third of all primary and intermediate schools.”
Duggan says now 42,000 students are using House of Science resources with Government funding due to end on December 20.
“We have part-time branch managers who are paid but there are loads and loads of volunteers.”
The current fundraising drive has a focus on Northland, especially the Far North, where Duggan hopes to get more science kits to schools.
Duggan discussed her own campaign soon after Givealittle provided data on nationwide donations.
Through Givealittle, New Zealanders donated $33.1m for the year ending June 2024.
That’s nearly $100,000 a day, and Givealittle said the number showcased a spirit of giving.
“New Zealanders’ generosity never ceases to amaze me,” Givealittle chief executive Lythan Chapman says.
“The spirit of giving is alive in every community, from our largest cities to our smallest towns.”
With its large population, Auckland led total contributions, with more than $13.8m raised.
But Gisborne stood out with $100 per person donated on average, making it the most generous region relative to population size.
Northland was close behind, at $95 per donor, and Southlanders donated $94 per donor.
“We often talk about big cities leading the way, but the truth is that smaller regions are just as generous, if not more so, when you look at giving per person,” Chapman says.
“It’s the collective spirit that truly powers this country. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every single donation matters and makes a difference.”
Chapman says every region contributed meaningfully.
“The high average donations per person show the community spirit that runs through our country.”
Chapman said the donation data was especially topical as the festive season approached.
