Pasifika students challenge climate limitations through technology

The 'Taro Project' is a collaborative project that uses Science and Technology to provide an opportunity for Pasifika youth to grow tropical vegetables in Ōtautahi Christchurch city.

Students have engaged in building hi-tech cupboards that use sophisticated technology that monitors the growing conditions, with a fully automated watering system, lighting, and a cooling fan, to control the environment.

Students have been involved in the design and construction of the environments to grow the taro. They have designed and created component parts using 3D printing and laser cutting technology. They have used electronics to build monitoring and control systems that will regulate air flow, and automatically water the plants, to create the best possible growing conditions.

The project provides this unique opportunity to connect traditional knowledge from elders with modern technology from our students to enhance cultural capability.

The taro project is a collaboration between Clark Williams of the YMCA Makerspace and the Hornby High School Technology Faculty, and is a wonderful example of the impact of our school vision to be a centre of creative excellence. It is also a great example of the application of our Manaiakalani 'Learn, Create, Share, pedagogy to improve engagement and learning.