Five taonga (students) from Rotorua Primary School - Pukeroa Oruawhata are taking on the world in robotics!

A team of 5 of their students have a passion for Aqua Bots - NZ’s first underwater robotics competition. This involves constructing and fine tuning an underwater robot, driving it through underwater obstacle courses and challenges as well as a presentation to a panel of judges outlining the methods and processes used. These taonga (students) have honed their skills in problem solving, teamwork, design and communication and explored engineering and scientific principles.

Hours of practice and unwavering self-belief instilled by their dedicated teaching team have paid off for this bunch. Despite being down one team member due to covid they recently took out the NZ national competition (announced 30/3/22) and they are now headed to the world championships in Maryland USA in early June to continue their journey.

Despite the tight time frame this school didn’t hesitate- they are committed to getting this dedicated group of taonga to the States to represent their Kura and wider Rotorua.

These tamariki are so excited about this trip of a lifetime and bringing their smarts and their culture to the world.

Because it is a low decile school and there are just 2 months between the national and world competitions to fundraise the school will be seeking sponsorship and charitable funding to cover costs wherever possible.