KOHINE ROBOTICS

TŌNUI Collab wanted to specifically address the disparity of kōhine Māori in tech, by facilitating wānanga-ā-kanohi for our kōhine throughout the year and culminating with a Kōhine Robotics Expo in Turanganui-a-Kiwa.

In 2023, TŌNUI Collab initiated a Kōhine Robotics Kaupapa, to support teams of Year 6 - 9 girls from kura across Te Tairāwhiti to experiment with VEX IQ Robotics, develop confidence with a range of technologies, learn about study and career pathways in tech, and hear from wāhine thriving in tech.

In 2025 the Kōhine Robotics kaupapa is growing and kura from across the motu getting involved.

The goals of the Kōhine Robotics kaupapa are to,

Create a safe and encouraging environment for kōhine, aged 9 - 13, to collaboratively experiment and develop confidence with VEX IQ Robotics;
Engage kōhine in collaborative challenges that help them develop and strengthen their critical thinking skills, logical thinking skills, and communication skills;
Support kōhine to learn about leadership characteristics and identify these traits in themselves;
Improve the visibility of study and careers pathways into science and technology roles and provide kōhine with clear and accurate information about the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of a career in the science and technology fields; and
Provide kōhine with the opportunity to hear from, and be inspired by, kaikorero who will bring their unique perspectives and insight as wāhine in Science and Tech roles.

In 2025, Tōnui Collab are hosting 3-day Kōhine Robotics Wānanga across the motu. Dates will be announced each term. First up is Te Tairāwhiti...

Tuesday 8 April - Thursday 10 April at Uepohatu Marae (Ruatorea)
Tuesday 6 May - Thursday 8 May at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae (Turanganui-a-Kiwa / Gisborne)

Participation in the Kōhine Robotics kaupapa come with the following conditions....

Kura can register up to two teams.
Each team must consist of three kōhine, aged 9 - 13 years.
Kōhine will be required to attend all three days of their chosen wānanga, 9:30am - 2:30pm.
All resources will be provided.
Wānanga will be catered.

Tōnui Collab's Kōhine Robotics kaupapa is supported by The Gattung Foundation, Te Huarahi Tika Trust, and the Ministry of Education. In previous years, the Kōhine Robotics kaupapa has also received support from Internet NZ, Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou, Digital Future Aotearoa, Te Hapori Matihiko, Microsoft NZ, Spark Foundation, EIT - Te Pukenga, DTTA (Digital Technology Teachers of Aotearoa) and SheSharp.

For more information about our Kōhine Robotics programme, contact us on admin@tonuicollab.com