Pūhoro STEMM Academy has officially partnered with global solutions and technology leader Jacobs New Zealand, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing Māori participation and excellence in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Mātauranga Māori). The partnership was formally launched with a pōwhiri at Pūhoro’s Manawatū office, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to drive systemic change and create greater opportunities for rangatahi Māori.

This partnership aligns with Jacobs’ value “We live inclusion” and its TogetherBeyond strategy and global commitment to inclusion and belonging and fosters broad-based diversity that is key to driving innovation and creativity in the company's continuing efforts to create a more connected and sustainable world. Pūhoro’s mission to empower Māori youth in STEMM pathways resonates deeply with Jacobs’ focus on contributing to structural change in broader society.

Jacobs has pledged to invest US$10 million over five years to support educational and professional development opportunities for underrepresented communities. This funding stream underpins the partnership with Pūhoro, supporting the academy’s efforts to uplift Māori representation in STEMM industries and create a culturally inclusive workforce that embraces both western science and mātauranga Māori.

Pūhoro Manahautū, Kemp Reweti, reinforced the significance of this collaboration:
“At Pūhoro, we are unwavering in our belief that the future is Māori, and the future is our rangatahi. Our mission is to build a workforce of STEMM practitioners who not only excel in their fields but carry with them their mātauranga and the wisdom of their ancestors. Partnering with Jacobs — an organisation whose mission to challenge today and reinvent tomorrow aligns so closely with our own — is a momentous step forward in championing our rangatahi.”

Jacobs NZ Facilities Lead and Poutoko Ahurea Māori, Ruth Ormsby, echoed this sentiment:
“Challenging today is our response to the increasing complexity of our world. It calls on us to join forces, bringing together knowledge and imagination to redefine how we solve problems. Pūhoro is a natural fit for Jacobs. Their work not only nurtures the aspirations of rangatahi Māori but also ensures they can thrive in environments where their culture and identity are valued. We are honoured to support Pūhoro’s vision and walk alongside them on this journey.”

This partnership underscores Pūhoro and Jacobs’ shared vision: to create an equitable and inclusive STEMM landscape in New Zealand that empowers rangatahi Māori to lead innovation, grounded in their unique identity and knowledge systems. Together, they will challenge today and reinvent tomorrow — ensuring that the next generation of Māori scientists, engineers, and technologists are equipped to shape Aotearoa’s future.

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