Spark, Waikato Tainui & Zeducation: Empowering Pasifika and Māori Futures in Tech
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Creating equitable pathways into the technology sector requires more than technical training. It requires confidence, cultural support, and real opportunities that allow rangatahi to see themselves in spaces where they have traditionally been underrepresented.
Through a collaborative partnership between Spark NZ, Waikato Tainui and Zeducation, the Turama Pathways Programme was designed to do exactly that. By combining workplace exposure, holistic development, and culturally grounded support, the programme aims to empower Māori rangatahi with the skills, mindset, and belief needed to step confidently into future careers in technology.
This case study highlights the challenge being addressed, the approach taken, and the outcomes achieved through this partnership.
Case Study Overview
Partners: Spark NZ, Waikato Tainui & Zeducation
Programme: Turama Pathways Programme – Supporting Diversity & Equity within the Tech Sector
Timeframe: September 2025 – November 2025
Location: Auckland
People Trained: 8+ rangatahi from Waikato Tainui
Outcome: 4 rangatahi offered job placements
Duration: 10-week programme plus ongoing pastoral care
Delivery Mode: In-person (Auckland)
The Challenge
Māori communities continue to be significantly underrepresented within Aotearoa’s technology workforce.
Māori make up 16.5 percent of the population, yet only 4.1 percent of the tech workforce.
This disparity reflects not a lack of potential, but a lack of access, exposure, confidence, and culturally safe pathways into the industry.
For many rangatahi (youth), stepping into corporate environments can feel intimidating without the right support systems in place. There is a clear need for programmes that combine technical exposure with holistic development, confidence building, and cultural grounding.
That is why initiatives like Turama Pathways matter. They are not simply internships. They are pathways to purpose, belonging, and long-term career progression.
(Source: Digital Industry Transformation Plan – Skills Workstream Report, 2023)
Our Response
As part of the Spark Foundation’s 10-week Turama Pathways internship programme, Zeducation delivered targeted soft skills training alongside pastoral care support designed to strengthen workplace readiness and personal confidence.
Delivery was grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā and Māori values, ensuring rangatahi were supported holistically across wellbeing, identity, relationships, and professional development.
Workshops focused on practical capabilities that employers value, including communication skills, confidence building, teamwork, professionalism, resilience, and navigating workplace expectations. Sessions were interactive and experiential, allowing rangatahi to practise skills in real scenarios rather than simply learning theory.
Pastoral care extended beyond workshops, providing mentoring, encouragement, and guidance as participants transitioned into unfamiliar professional environments. This support played a critical role in sustaining engagement, reducing anxiety, and helping rangatahi see themselves as capable contributors within the tech sector.
Zeducation facilitators brought strong cultural credibility, lived experience, and coaching expertise, creating safe learning spaces where rangatahi felt respected, understood, and motivated to grow.
Outcomes to Date
8+ rangatahi successfully completed the programme experience.
4 rangatahi were offered employment opportunities following the internship period.
Participants demonstrated increased confidence, communication ability, and professional behaviour across workplace interactions.
Rangatahi reported stronger belief in their future career pathways and greater motivation to pursue opportunities within the technology sector.
Employers observed improved engagement, reliability, and readiness for employment environments.
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