The Our Land and Water National Science Challenge was a primary sponsor of the Pūhoro STEMM Academy and was instrumental in supporting the growth and development of Pūhoro.

Under the direction of Ken Taylor, former director of the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, Hōne McGregor Governance Group Chair, Dr Selai Letica - Kaiarataki, Naomi Aporo - Kaihāpai Māori and Annabel McAleer - Senior Communications Advisor the partnership continues to thrive
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Pūhoro was delighted to work with Dr Jenny Webster Brown Director of Our Land and Water to further strengthen the line of sight for rangatahi Māori into careers and industries which strengthen these fundamental toanga – our land and our waters here in Aotearoa. 

Our Land and Water have been a key driver in enabling access for rangatahi in the Pūhoro kaupapa, through their diverse network of partners we have been able to to undertake meaningful summer (November - February) internship opportunities. These internships were strategically aligned with Our Land and Water objectives and gave rangatahi hands on experience while building their technical and research based skills in the sciences.
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Pūhoro STEMM Academy Manahautū Kemp Reweti, said the internship programme is significant for Pūhoro as it equips our rangatahi with the skills and confidence to enter the workforce.

“For many of our rangatahi, this is the first touchpoint into a career in STEMM and is an opportunity for them to gain meaningful, real-world experience while honing their skill set, discovering their passions and building important industry networks.” 

Our Land and Water governance group chair Hōne McGregor said: “Pūhoro enables rangatahi Māori to meaningfully engage in science and explore their current and future contribution to the science community, with Māori-led research, as Māori scientists equipped with a Māori world view.”