Students from two schools at opposite ends of the Waikato River came together to learn about their connection, and career potential in the energy sector.
Supported by Genesis Energy, the students explored how education in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and matauranga Māori), combined with care for community and the environment, can lead to roles powering the future of New Zealand.
Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga in Raahui Pookeka Huntly hosted Te Kura o Hirangi from Tūrangi, located near Genesis’ Tokaanu hydro power station.
The three day trip included a tour of Huntly Power Station, an experience with Māori and Pasifika 3D printing company Vaka, an historical tour of Rangiriri Pā and Te Puaha o Waikato, and an overnight noho (stay) at Waipapa Marae at the University of Auckland.
Matua Hemi Ferris-Bretherton, a teacher at Te Kura o Hirangi, said it was important for the students to learn about the historic relationship between Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Tainui iwi, connected by the Waikato River.
“We want to see our students strengthen those bonds, and learn about the close affinity our two tribes have to the environment.”
Matua Ora Kihi, a teacher at Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga, said the field trip would not only help the growth of the students, but also the community.
“Events like this are important for how we look at our natural resources, the way we look at Huntly Power Station, and the marae and community’s view of how we create a partnership,” said Kihi.
Cornelia Dempsey, Genesis’ Community Partnerships Manager, said the company wanted to inspire young people to see themselves working in the energy sector.
“We want rangatahi to see themselves as engineers, electricians, environmental technicians, and create interest and excitement so that one day we might bring them to work for us.”
Uenuku Harris, a student at Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga, said she enjoyed learning about the power stations located along the Waikato River.
Anahera Eru of Te Kura o Hirangi said she was inspired by a saying she learned on the trip – Hinana Ki Tai, “Which means that we’re able to take whatever we want to do and carry it into our future.”
Next year the Tūrangi students will host those from Raahui Pookeka Huntly, when they will tour Genesis’ Tongariro Hydro Power Scheme.
Dempsey says the students will not only continue their cultural connection, but also learn more about how Huntly Power Station and the Tongariro hydro scheme are connected and the variety of careers available.
“We gain most of our power from hydro schemes, and Huntly Power Station provides critical back-up when hydro lakes are low. We call it ‘energy that never stops’,” says Dempsey.
