STEM Wana Trust

Website: stemwana.nz/

STEM Wana Trust’s purpose is to promote awareness of opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to young people through community events, collaborations and meaningful partnerships.

There is a global shortage of people entering STEM study which will ultimately result in a shortage of problem solvers that are needed for the next generation. They also want to ensure diversity in STEM by encouraging and cultivating talent and promoting the full inclusion of excellence across the social spectrum in Aotearoa. STEM Wana’s five-year plan is for Tauranga STEM Festival to be the “Fieldays of STEM” in the Southern Hemisphere.

STEM Wana currently delivers on three main initiatives:

Tauranga STEM Festival (STEMFest) is a free family friendly event for the community to discover STEM opportunities. STEM exhibitors and role-models share their passion with visitors through hands-on activities.

STEM in the Community is an outreach programme designed for primary schools located outside of the city/town hubs. Delivering STEM activities in collaboration with industry and education partners. The goal is to break the barriers of accessibility in STEM and give the same opportunities to all children regardless of their location.

Tinkd Makerspace is a space that enables inter-generational knowledge sharing through practical application of tools, resources and experiences, with a unique focus on STEM.