Tūhura Tech nurtures future talent

Tūhura Tech began in 2022 when Leon studied computer science at Te Herenga Waka —Victoria University of Wellington. He recognised gaps in the digital technologies and STEM curriculum space and wanted to help school students throughout the Wellington region. 

He started running five sessions a week for about 90 Wellington High students. The sessions cover a vast range. From programming educational tools such as SCRATCH, robotics, mechatronics, electronics, and AI programming to networking, game development, and cyber security. 

Two years in, Tūhura Tech runs 17 weekly sessions for more than 800 year 5 to 13 students. Three teachers go between 14 locations, from Strathmore to Porirua and the Hutt Valley. “Our mission is to reach every young person with an interest in tech. Technology is a key driver of sustainable economic growth and New Zealand kids should be part of it,” says Leon. 

The interactive programme works on a first-in, first-served basis. Students sign up at participating primary, intermediate, and secondary schools. “We want to ensure every young person gets the opportunity to learn and engage with technology, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or financial situation.”

Leon finds it rewarding to enable students to explore technology for free. “To see kids grow in this space is amazing. It’s an opportunity that was never available to me and one that I would have jumped at the chance to have.”

Growing up, Leon sparked his interest in technology with a robot his parents gave him as a 10-year-old. He taught himself robotics and got hooked. Along the way he’s always helped others in the tech space, either setting up or running code clubs at intermediate and high school. Matamoe Hub at his former school, Scots College, still exists today. That passion led him down his university path. Now, Leon runs DEM ops (digital experience monitoring) worldwide for a Wellington-based international tech company. He manages, develops, and teaches for Tūhura Tech around his full-time job. 

Tūhura Tech bases its curriculum on real-world applications. Leon is constantly astounded by what students are capable of. He sees year 10 students who build full virtual reality games in SCRATCH, an impressive feat given its complex nature. In game development, some are building full indie games. 

Wellington High School student Dylan Taylor began his tech journey in year 9 at an after-school code club Leon ran. Cybersecurity and robotics pique his interest. He has taken part in various ‘capture the flag’ cybersecurity tournaments, whereby participants find and exploit vulnerabilities in a system to capture a ‘flag’ or piece of information. He’s also taken part in a competition where participants must create a robot programmed to sense earthquakes. Best of all, Dylan says these opportunities have enlightened him on future pathways. He plans to study computer science at Victoria University and is keen to work in the industry. He already has contacts through collaborations via Tūhura Tech. “Dylan has become more confident in himself and in his abilities. That’s what we want to do – empower and grow the next generation in technology education to plug the gaps within the sector,” says Leon. 

Schools are also approaching Tūhura Tech to help redesign their digital technology teaching materials. However, it all takes time and resources. And Tūhura Tech is reliant on funding. 

With technology a rapidly growing sector, Leon hopes additional funding will help to grow Tūhura Tech. In turn, he hopes it will encourage local talent and businesses. “Tech is one of the most in-demand sectors in the world. Amazing talent can go far and our organisation is one answer to that skills shortage.”