Tagata Moana Trust

Tagata Moana Trust

Tagata Moana Trust (TMT) is a Pacific-led charitable trust based in the South Island of New Zealand, dedicated to advancing STEM and the Arts (STEAM) through culturally grounded education, innovation, and creative practice. Guided by Pacific values and ancestral intelligence, TMT exists to ensure Pacific communities are visible, resourced, and leading across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the creative industries.

Our History

Tagata Moana Trust was established in response to the persistent underrepresentation of Pacific peoples in STEM fields, creative industries, and future-focused economies—particularly within the South Island, where Pacific-specific infrastructure and culturally responsive programmes have historically been limited.

Founded by Pacific educators, artists, technologists, and community leaders, TMT began as a grassroots initiative delivering hands-on, culturally grounded learning experiences that wove together technical skill-building and creative practice. Over time, the Trust has grown into a multi-programme organisation delivering in-school and out-of-school STEAM education, operating the only Pacific art gallery in the South Island, and advocating for Pacific-led systems and spaces that support innovation, creativity, and economic participation.

Our Mission and Purpose

Mission:

To empower Pacific communities through culturally grounded STEAM education, arts, and innovation, creating pathways to opportunity, wellbeing, and self-determination.

Purpose:

To remove systemic barriers to STEM and arts participation, grow Pacific capability and confidence across technical and creative disciplines, and enable Pacific learners and creatives to thrive as innovators, artists, and leaders.

Our Goals

Increase Pacific participation and achievement in STEM and the arts across the South Island

Build clear pathways from education into STEAM careers, tertiary study, and industry

Grow Pacific digital, engineering, creative, and technological capability

Strengthen Pacific arts practice, visibility, and sustainability

Support Pacific educators, artists, mentors, and role models

Establish Pacific-led infrastructure and sustainable delivery models

Past and Current Activities

Tagata Moana Trust delivers an integrated ecosystem of STEAM programmes, including:

STEAM Education & Pathways

Mana Tamaiti – In-school STEAM programmes for Pacific primary and intermediate learners, integrating science, technology, engineering design, mathematics, and creative thinking through Pacific contexts

Tupaia STEAM – After-school, holiday, and secondary pathway programmes exposing Pacific youth to engineering, digital technologies, robotics, coding, aerospace, geospatial science, and creative technologies

AmaniVa Mobile Makerspace – A mobile STEAM lab delivering hands-on engineering, fabrication, digital skills, and creative technology learning to Pacific communities across the South Island

Arts, Culture & Creative Practice

Fibre Gallery – The only Pacific art gallery in the South Island, showcasing contemporary Pacific art, exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, and public programmes

Professional development, mentoring, and studio access for Pacific artists, designers, and cultural practitioners

Integration of arts-led approaches within STEAM education to support creativity, identity, and innovation

Industry, Workforce & Community Connections

STEAM industry visits, mentoring, and leadership programmes connecting Pacific learners with engineers, scientists, technologists, designers, and creative professionals

Partnerships with schools, tertiary institutions, arts organisations, and industry to strengthen real-world learning and career pathways

Future Planned Activities

Tagata Moana Trust’s future direction strengthens the intersection of STEM and the arts, including:

Expansion of Tupaia STEAM into a structured STEAM academy and mentoring pathway for Pacific secondary students

Regional expansion of STEAM and arts-integrated programmes across the South Island

Development of STEAM learning products (STEM kits, creative technology resources, curriculum licensing) for schools and educators

Teacher professional development in culturally responsive STEAM education

Continued growth of Fibre Gallery as a nationally recognised Pacific arts and innovation space

Establishment of a permanent Pacific-led STEAM, arts, and innovation hub serving the South Island

Our Commitment

Tagata Moana Trust is committed to positioning Pacific peoples as engineers, scientists, technologists, artists, designers, and innovators shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s future. By intentionally weaving together STEM and the arts, TMT nurtures creativity alongside technical excellence—ensuring Pacific learners and creatives are equipped to lead in both innovation-driven and cultural economies.

Our work is Pacific-led, community-accountable, and future-focused, delivering intergenerational impact across the South Island of New Zealand.