Remote communities - and they don't come much more remote than the Hokianga - are used to missing out on what other might take for granted, not least in education. But geographical disavantages can be overcome, as Hokianga resident Jessie McVeagh, a parent with a passion for education and conservation, and others have proved.
It started when Jessie saw what the House of Science was doing throughout the country, providing comprehensive science resource kits to 430 of the country's 2100 primary schools, in turn giving teachers confidence in the classroom and resulting in engaged students. It is a charitable trust, which receives no government support, and relies on philanthropic funding, grants and donations.
The House of Science lends themed hands-on science kits, with instructions in te reo Māori and English, to schools. The kits are tightly aligned with the national curriculum, and in many cases include areas of research by real scientists, helping to make formal science education current, relevant and engaging for both students and teachers. It also provides professional development for teachers who need help in using the kits and gaining confidence around teaching science.
Jessie spent two years working with House of Science to open a branch in the Hokianga, her dream finally becoming a reality this year thanks to Sandra Kirikiri, business manager for House of Science, who managed to find a sponsor.
Ten Hokianga schools - Kohukohu, Ōpononi Area School, Rāwene, Te Kura a Iwi o Omanaia, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga, Te Kura Taumata o Panguru, Te Kura a Iwi o Waikare, Matihetihe, Hōreke and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe - are now using the kits.
