Te Hononga Akoranga COMET

Exploring their tūrangawaewae — one eruption at a time 🌋

“I learnt how they got their names and how long ago they erupted.”

For 28 ākonga from Years 3–7 at Sylvia Park School, learning about the volcanic story of their home went far beyond earth science. They discovered pride, connection, and the stories that make their place unique.

With support from the GHD Foundation, VAKA, Tūpuna Maunga Authority, and Auckland Museum, students:
• Simulated eruptions and saw science in action
• Climbed Maungakiekie, connecting with history firsthand
• 3D-printed taonga, bringing stories to life
• Created a legacy learning kit, so neighbouring schools can keep exploring

Ngā mihi maioha to the GHD Foundation for investing in STEM that is culturally rich, hands-on, and rooted in the land beneath our tamariki’s feet.

📊 93% more confident in science | 73% more confident with digital technology | 60% increased STEM career interest

👉 Read more about this project here:https://cometauckland.org.nz/assets/files/STEM/2025-STEM-Industry-Project-Showcase.pdf

GHD Group VAKA Love Your Maunga Auckland Museum

Science reimagined: when Western methods meet Māori wisdom. 🌱

Students across the Mt Roskill campus joined forces to monitor and restore their stretch of Te Auaunga Oakley Creek using the maramataka as their framework alongside hands-on water chemistry testing.
Senior students led their younger peers through the science, while mentors from Glasgow Contractors showed them that environmental careers are within reach. One student even has a potential internship to show for it.

Ngā mihi nui ki aGlasgow Contractors Boffa Miskell Friends of Oakley Creek for making this possible. Mount Roskill Grammar School Dominion Road School- He Maunga Teitei Auckland Council Mt Roskill Intermediate School Mt Roskill Primary School

📊 61% increased STEM interest | 100% enjoyed meeting industry mentors

👉 Read more about this project here:https://cometauckland.org.nz/assets/files/STEM/2025-STEM-Industry-Project-Showcase.pdf

Four students, one goal: a safer, more inclusive school. 💛

With support from the Freemasons Foundation and Autism New Zealand, these remarkable tamariki from Manurewa West Primary School co-designed a sensory classroom, conducting expert interviews, operating drones, exploring 3D printing and even managing their own budget.

A huge thank you to the Freemasons Foundation for backing student-led innovation that puts empathy and inclusion at its heart. This project is a blueprint every school should see.

📊 75% more confident in science | 100% want to do more community-focused STEM

👉 Read more about this project here:https://cometauckland.org.nz/assets/files/STEM/2025-STEM-Industry-Project-Showcase.pdf

Future scientists in action: 13 Māori and Pasifika tauira taking on real science.🌊

In partnership with Watercare, Green Bay High School students tested Auckland's water systems, toured the Waitākere Dams and then turned their learning into education for their local primary school students: a beautiful tuakana–teina model in action.

A huge mihi to Watercare for investing not just funding, but also seven trained staff mentors who showed our rangatahi that STEM careers are for them. 83% of students reported increased interest in STEM. That's the power of authentic, place-based learning.

📊 83% increased STEM interest | 100% gained awareness of new STEM careers

👉 Read more about this project here:https://cometauckland.org.nz/assets/files/STEM/2025-STEM-Industry-Project-Showcase.pdf

Future-proof education: why inquiry is no longer optional

The future demands thinkers.

Inquiry builds adaptability.

Read more: https://cometauckland.org.nz/news/2026/future-proof-education-why-inquiry-is-no-longer-optional

Erica Stanford MP David Seymour I Am Brie Elliott

The future demands thinkers.

Inquiry builds adaptability.

Watch this space.

Erica Stanford MP David Seymour I Am Brie Elliott

Why equity in STEM starts with student voice, not tests

Equity needs new measures

Talent is broader than tests

Read more: https://cometauckland.org.nz/news/2026/why-equity-in-stem-starts-with-student-voice-not-tests

Erica Stanford MP David Seymour I Am Brie Elliott

Equity needs new measures.

Talent is broader than tests.

Watch this space.

David Seymour Erica Stanford MP I Am Brie Elliott

From worksheets to world-changers: why STEM must be real

Real problems create real learning.

Authenticity drives engagement.

Read more: https://cometauckland.org.nz/news/2026/from-worksheets-to-world-changers-why-stem-must-be-real

Erica Stanford MP David Seymour I Am Brie Elliott

Sylvia Park School’s inquiry curriculum, Pakirehua, shows how deep, place-based STEM learning creates stronger connections to local history, culture and whenua. With support from GHD Foundation, tamariki explored their local maunga through science, pūrākau, history, design thinking and community partnerships, demonstrating how inquiry-based learning builds real skills and a sense of kaitiakitanga.

Ka mau te wehi, COMET kids!

https://gazette.education.govt.nz/articles/sylvia-park-schools-inquiry-curriculum-fosters-kaitiakitanga-and-connection-to-place/

Sylvia Park School’s inquiry curriculum fosters kaitiakitanga and connection to place – Education Gazette At Sylvia Park School in Tāmaki Makaurau, inquiry learning has long been central to the school’s culture. Their latest inquiry, a deep dive into local maunga, weaves together pūrākau, science, history, literacy and design, and has left ākonga with a powerful connection to place.

Real problems create real learning.

Authenticity drives engagement.

Watch this space.

Erica Stanford MP David Seymour I Am Brie Elliott