Robotics comp first of its kind for Bay

The competition has been designed by Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi technology hub Robopa. Supplied photo.

Twelve teams from primary schools across the Eastern Bay of Plenty will compete in a new regional robotics competition this week, in Whakatane.

The RoboPa Regional Scrimmage is a two-day challenge being held on September 19 and 20 and is the first robotics competition of its kind in the Eastern Bay.

It has been designed by Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi technology hub Robopa as an annual competition aimed at inspiring passion for science, technology and learning, particularly among Maori children.

RoboPa project coordinator Thomas Mitai says the competition has been developed to actively engage young Maori in learning and help them improve and test their skills in programming and engineering.

Ministry of Education data indicates that Maori students in rural locations and areas of low socio-economic status are under-achieving in the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths.

'Competitive robotics brings a whole lot of opportunities to engage with our rangatahi in a collaborative, fun and challenging environment. It's about learning by doing.

'Robotics is a great educational tool for experiential learning and our programme aims to encourage achievement in STEM subjects.”

A majority of the programme is taught in te reo Maori, which acknowledges that many RoboPa learners from locations such as Opotiki, Whakatane, Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Ruatoki, Poroporo and Paroa identify firstly as Maori.

Two mainstream schools and four kura kaupapa have registered for the inaugural event, with a further 18 indicating early interest in participating next year.

The first day will focus on skills challenges and workshops, with the competition on day two.

'The skills, knowledge and experience acquired throughout this event will help equip our young people to be innovators and creators in digitally driven environments, rather than just passive consumers,” says Thomas.

'Our rangatahi are amazing in the field of technology – they're experts in their own right, and we put them in the driving seat. We're there to enhance and support, and provide them with a platform – and we can't wait to see where opportunities like this can take them.”

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