"We have many Toi Ohomai courses which have STEMM components including nursing, animal care, vet nursing, environmental management, engineering, and sport and recreation to name a few.
"Our current students can also use this partnership to contribute their STEMM knowledge to our future ākonga."
Mel says this partnership also aims to normalise the tertiary environment for local rangatahi and their whānau.
"Toi Ohomai STEMM programmes will also be showcased to Pūhoro rangatahi and their whānau, and we will be building a learning community across the Rotorua area that includes Toi Ohomai, Pūhoro, schools, community, hapū, iwi, Māori, employers and industry."
Pūhoro Rotorua Kaihautū lead Erena Temara says the organisation aims to continue to open up vistas of the science, technology and innovation landscape to our rangatahi that have never been seen or contemplated before.
"We are working to develop a community of future Māori technologists, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators and thought-pioneers.
"These leaders will excel in high-value careers and be the producers and developers of cutting-edge future innovation as our kaumātua have envisioned.
"These rangatahi are and will become self-determined, empowered leaders who can bridge both worlds simultaneously, armed with their unique whakapapa and Māori worldview."
She says it is great to partner with Toi Ohomai, as both organisations are focused on the success of local rangatahi.
During 2022, Erena is working with Year 11 rangatahi from Western Heights High School and John Paul College, and will follow these ākonga through as they transition into Year 12 and Year 13, then on to tertiary and ultimately employment in STEMM fields.
More information on Pūhoro can be found at www.puhoro.org.nz
*The term STEMM with the additional 'M' to represent the underpinning kaupapa of Mātauranga Māori was coined by the Pūhoro Charitable Trust Board in 2021.
