Why Ora

We’re excited to welcome Aaron to the Why Ora whānau as our IT Cadet.

With a background in Computer Science, a qualification in Game Design, and a passion for digital innovation, Aaron is contributing to a range of IT and digital development projects while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Nau mai ki Why Ora, Aaron! 💚

See below for his in-depth story.

Meet our Pūtaiao Presenters 🚀🧬🔬

We're excited to introduce the incredible presenters who will be joining us for our upcoming Pūtaiao expo!

Our taiohi can look forward to hands-on learning, engaging activities, and hearing from experts who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of Māori in STEM.

Check out our amazing presenters below!! We can't wait to see our taiohi there!

Thinking about university next year? Don't miss out on these upcoming Open Days and explore your options!

Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka)
Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Time: 8:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Kelburn, Pipitea and Te Aro Campuses, Wellington
Register here: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/study/events-visits/open-day

University of Canterbury
Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Ilam Campus, Christchurch
Register here: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/news-and-events/regular-events/open-day

University of Auckland
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Location: City Campus, 22 Princes Street, Auckland Central
Register here: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/manawa-mai/open-day.html

AUT (Auckland University of Technology)
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Location: AUT City Campus, 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland
Register here: https://www.aut.ac.nz/events/aut-live-our-university-open-day!

Take the opportunity to explore the campus, attend information sessions, meet current students and staff, and get a feel for what university life could look like for you. Open Days are one of the best ways to help you decide on your study path and future career options.

🌟 Thinking about your future? 🌟

The Careers Expo is a great opportunity to explore study and career pathways, connect with tertiary providers and employers, and discover what's possible after school.

Why Ora will have a stall, come and see us for further information!!

If you're interested in attending, have a kōrero with your school's Careers Advisor for more information.

We'll also be taking whānau along as part of our Hui Whānau evening on Monday 17th August.

Location: TSB Arena

Monday, 17 August
12.00 pm - 3.00 pm
4.00 pm - 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 18 August

8.40 am - 3.00 pm

E te rangatahi, kei te karanga!

Our annual Pūtaiao is just around the corner. Come through for a day packed with hands-on activities, challenges, and whakaaro that bring science to life.

This year's kaupapa is 'Tūmau' - honouring those who stand strong in service to our people. From hauora to technology, environmental science to innovation, discover how Pūtaiao can become a pathway to serving your whānau, hapori, and iwi.

📆Date: 19-21 August 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
📍 Venue: Pukekura Function Centre, 1 Rogan Street, Welbourn, New Plymouth

REMINDER - Why Ora Annual Hui Whānau 2026
Our Hui Whānau is a special evening for you and your whānau to connect with us here at Why Ora. It’s a chance to come together, share kōrero, and discuss the future of our taiohi. We’ve got some awesome presenters lined up, so bring the whole whānau and make a night of it!

📍 Pukekura Function Centre, New Plymouth
📅 Monday 17 August 2026
🕠 5:30pm-8:00pm

Please use the QR code or the link below to RSVP for catering purposes by 10 August 2026.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UwVrqryIa0ax_ZD5sbHUmQEcI4Z3SZxCkz29YY9HxjlUNlRGWFYxMks0Vk5QUDJFVVQ2Ulg3VDE4Ri4u

We look forward to seeing you there!

🎓 Thinking about studying at Massey University?

This is your chance to explore what university life has to offer! Massey University's Open Days are coming up, giving you the opportunity to check out the campus, learn about study options, meet staff and students, and get your questions answered.

Whether you're still deciding on your pathway or already planning your next steps, Open Day is a great way to see if Massey is the right fit for you.

📍 Open Days will be held at:

• Manawatū Campus
• Auckland Campus
• Wellington Campus

👀 Check out the post for dates, locations, and more information.

REMINDER - Why Ora Annual Hui Whānau 2026

Our Hui Whānau is a special evening for you and your whānau to connect with us here at Why Ora. It’s a chance to come together, share kōrero, and discuss the future of our taiohi. We’ve got some awesome presenters lined up, so bring the whole whānau and make a night of it!

📍 Pukekura Function Centre, New Plymouth
📅 Monday 17 August 2026
🕠 5:30pm-8:00pm

Please use the QR code or the link below to RSVP for catering purposes by 10 August 2026.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UwVrqryIa0ax_ZD5sbHUmQEcI4Z3SZxCkz29YY9HxjlUNlRGWFYxMks0Vk5QUDJFVVQ2Ulg3VDE4Ri4u

We look forward to seeing you there!

Today we wrapped up our final Rapuara Ako event for the year! 🎉

It was an inspiring and insightful day exploring alternative education pathways and the many opportunities available for our taiohi.

A huge mihi to Haki Keogh, Rangimokai Knuckey and Jemma Bridge for sharing your haerenga and experiences with our taiohi!!

We are grateful for your contribution and the positive impact you've made on our taiohi 💙

"This workshop made me realise that there is a lot to grab outside of our comfort zones such as the new careers we learnt about today" Pātea Area School taiohi