by Heidi Ball

He Puna Pūtaiao 2020

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He Puna Pūtaiao is an opportunity for young Māori Scientists from around Christchurch to attend the University of Canterbury.

Puna means to well up or to flow, so symbolically represents youth or rangatahi. Its meaning may also incorporate research because in a sense research is meant to flow out and create meaningfulness so as to fill the kete or baskets of knowledge. Pūtaiao is Science, so He Puna Pūtaiao connotes research, youth and Science.

Students engage in a meaningful and relevant Ecological investigation that involves time in the laboratory, a field trip to Te Waihora and opportunities to connect with Māori at the University and other Christchurch schools. One student, Liam Priestly, said “It was very worthwhile and great fun, I met a bunch of new people and did some exciting stuff”. It runs again in Term 4 2021 so if you think you would be interested contact your Science teacher.

The students involved in Term 4 2020 were:

Brook Goldsmith, Lourelle Hallett-Edwards, Liam Priestley, Ruruhira Tukaiora, Estelle Vincent-Lee, and Sophie Wells.

A big mihi to the team at UC for running this amazing programme for our students with more information available at: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/Science/outreach/events/he-puna-putaiao/

Mr Tuaine
Teacher in Charge