Linwood students were awarded the top prize at the Āmua Ao Engineering Young Māori Minds at the Ara Institute of Canterbury.

Year 9 and 10 students were given six different challenges to solve, each based on a different myth, to help them explore solutions based in the learning areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 

One of the tasks saw students put their minds together to create drones. It was a challenge based on the legend of Tane ascending to the skies to retrieve the three baskets of knowledge.

Another project involved creating a hydraulic claw that could grab Rona, who legend says was carried to the skies after she offended Mārama (the Moon). 

The sessions were run by Massey University's Pūhoro STEM Academy, with students coming from other schools Avonside Girls High School, Cashmere High School, Hagley College, Shirley Boys' High School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Whānau Tahi and Te Pā o Rākaihautū School.

Kaihautū team leader for Pūhoro STEM Academy, Leland Ruwhiu, said the aim of the event was to give Māori students an opportunity to see science in a different way.

You can read the full Stuff article here.