27 May 2025
At Rotorua Primary, the robotics club gives students a chance to explore engineering in action. Thanks to an Engineering New Zealand Foundation grant, rangatahi will be building, testing and problem-solving more than ever.
Engineering curiosity has been given a serious boost in Rotorua. Lavinia Shepherd, the teacher responsible for Rotorua Primary's robotics club, successfully applied to the Engineering New Zealand Foundation’s grants programme to support her growing group of young problem-solvers.
The club exists to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by giving students hands-on experience with real-world challenges. Through building, coding and experimenting, they’re developing teamwork, resilience and practical engineering skills in a meaningful way – with plenty of fun.
Lavinia says that when students get stuck into a project in the Engineers Lab, “you can see the excitement and focus kick in.” Whether it’s collaborating, problem-solving or working through things when they don’t go to plan, they’re growing in confidence, creativity and determination with every build.
The grant has made a huge difference for our students. It’s given them access to tools, materials and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s opened the door for more hands-on learning.
Lavinia has also connected with Foundation Board member Jamie Pye, a wahine engineer with local links and a passion for inspiring the next generation. There’s potential for more STEM opportunities to grow from that connection, giving students access to mentors and role models who can show them what’s possible. Lavinia says having local role models helps make STEM careers feel real and achievable: “It shows our rangatahi that success in these fields is something they can reach for, too. They’ll gain new skills from this experience – and walk away with a stronger sense of confidence, curiosity and belief in themselves.”
Engineering passion doesn't follow a schedule. Starting this year, the Foundation’s Grant Programme will run in quarterly rounds. Kiwi innovators don’t wait around for the calendar to pass by. They test, build and try things every day – and the Foundation is here to support that.
