Kōkiri Lab: STEM Inquiry Makerspace
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At Kōkiri Lab, students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid change. Our programmes focus on developing practical capabilities that give young people real agency over their futures.
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We’re building an exciting new programme in Whanganui that blends AI, creativity, and hands-on tech learning for ākonga aged 10–16 — and we’d love your input!
Help shape Kōkiri AI Lab by completing this quick survey:
Help shape Kōkiri AI Lab by completing this quick survey:
Kōkiri Lab: STEM Inquiry Makerspace
Kōkiri Lab: STEM Inquiry Makerspace is an after school programme based at Whanganui Intermediate. It is designed for rangatahi aged 13 to 17 who want to explore science, technology, and design through hands on projects that connect to the real world.
The programme supports young people to build confidence, practical skills, and a sense of agency. Students learn by making, testing ideas, and working together, with a strong focus on curiosity, creativity, and problem solving.
Enrolments for Kōkiri Lab will open in mid 2026.
What is Kōkiri Lab about
Kōkiri Lab brings together STEM inquiry, digital technologies, and AI literacy in a supportive learning environment. Students use technology not just to learn about the world, but to understand it and shape it in positive ways.
The programme focuses on helping young people to:
How the programme is structured
Kōkiri Lab is designed as a progressive pathway. As students move through the programme, they gain more confidence, independence, and creative control over their learning.
The programme includes three levels.
Levels 1 and 2: Building foundations
At Levels 1 and 2, students follow a shared programme built around four core units. These levels provide a clear and supportive structure while encouraging experimentation and collaboration.
The four core units focus on:
Level 3: Open Innovation Studio
At Level 3, the programme becomes more open and student led.
Students design and develop their own projects based on their interests and ideas. With guidance from mentors, learners:
Level 3 is about ownership, creativity, and learning how to carry a project from idea to outcome.
Recognition and pathways
Students can work towards NZQA recognised microcredentials at Levels 2 and 3. These recognise skills in:
Where the programme runs
Kōkiri Lab runs after school during the school year and is based at Whanganui Intermediate. The programme is open to students from across the Whanganui community.
It builds on innovation work already happening within the school while offering a deeper optional pathway for learners who want to go further.
Our kaupapa
Kōkiri means to move forward with energy and purpose. The Kōkiri Lab exists to support young people who are curious, capable, and committed to shaping a better future for themselves and their communities.
Kōkiri Lab: STEM Inquiry Makerspace is an after school programme based at Whanganui Intermediate. It is designed for rangatahi aged 13 to 17 who want to explore science, technology, and design through hands on projects that connect to the real world.
The programme supports young people to build confidence, practical skills, and a sense of agency. Students learn by making, testing ideas, and working together, with a strong focus on curiosity, creativity, and problem solving.
Enrolments for Kōkiri Lab will open in mid 2026.
What is Kōkiri Lab about
Kōkiri Lab brings together STEM inquiry, digital technologies, and AI literacy in a supportive learning environment. Students use technology not just to learn about the world, but to understand it and shape it in positive ways.
The programme focuses on helping young people to:
- investigate real world questions and challenges
- build and test ideas through hands on making
- understand and use AI tools responsibly
- work collaboratively and communicate their ideas
- design projects that have value for their communities
How the programme is structured
Kōkiri Lab is designed as a progressive pathway. As students move through the programme, they gain more confidence, independence, and creative control over their learning.
The programme includes three levels.
Levels 1 and 2: Building foundations
At Levels 1 and 2, students follow a shared programme built around four core units. These levels provide a clear and supportive structure while encouraging experimentation and collaboration.
The four core units focus on:
- Digital making and systems
Coding, sensors, physical computing, and basic prototyping using tools such as Micro bits, electronics, and digital design software. - Data, AI, and intelligent tools
Exploring how data is collected and used, learning how AI tools work, and understanding their opportunities, limits, and ethical use. - Design for impact
Using design thinking to explore sustainability, biodiversity, and community challenges, and learning how to test and refine ideas. - Communication and storytelling
Sharing ideas and projects through digital media, presentations, videos, and community showcases.
Level 3: Open Innovation Studio
At Level 3, the programme becomes more open and student led.
Students design and develop their own projects based on their interests and ideas. With guidance from mentors, learners:
- identify a problem or opportunity they care about
- design and build a solution using STEM and AI tools
- test ideas, gather feedback, and improve their work
- share outcomes through presentations or community events
Level 3 is about ownership, creativity, and learning how to carry a project from idea to outcome.
Recognition and pathways
Students can work towards NZQA recognised microcredentials at Levels 2 and 3. These recognise skills in:
- digital technologies
- innovation and design
- sustainable and community focused problem solving
Where the programme runs
Kōkiri Lab runs after school during the school year and is based at Whanganui Intermediate. The programme is open to students from across the Whanganui community.
It builds on innovation work already happening within the school while offering a deeper optional pathway for learners who want to go further.
Our kaupapa
Kōkiri means to move forward with energy and purpose. The Kōkiri Lab exists to support young people who are curious, capable, and committed to shaping a better future for themselves and their communities.