WeSTEM 2025: Why NZ schools need STEM inquiry-based learning

Education drives economic mobility

Education is one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity. In a world where computers outperform people in many routine tasks, our classrooms need to do more than prepare students for exams; they must also spark curiosity, nurture problem-solving, encourage collaboration and grow critical thinking. 

As Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, warns: “If we do not change the way we teach, thirty years from now we will be in trouble.” 

The upcoming 2025 WeSTEM Project Showcase introduces seven inspiring STEM inquiry-based projects, designed in partnership with Auckland tamariki working with their communities and teachers to learn in deeply meaningful ways.

STEM inquiry-based learning: where inquiry meets real life

STEM inquiry-based learning isn't about covering the curriculum; it's about empowering students to investigate real-world questions that matter to them and their communities.

These projects:

• Build literacy, numeracy and self‑regulation, enhancing critical thinking and resilience (https://www.education.govt.nz/consultation-ncea)

• Enable student agency, where learners lead the direction and purpose of their work

• Connect with real-world issues from water systems to regenerative agriculture, from accessibility to cultural storytelling

With two new habitats completed, the students are now eager to continue long-term monitoring to see how their efforts have contributed to increasing biodiversity. They will continue to adapt their habitats and deepen learning in future restoration and conservation projects.

A shared vision: industry meets education

The New Zealand Government is increasingly prioritising industry and education collaboration, as seen in the establishment of national Industry Skills Boards in sectors from technology to food and fibre. This signals a shift towards preparing young people with the skills employers and communities actually need.

Our WeSTEM and Curious Minds initiatives are already doing this: by intentionally connecting schools with local experts, iwi and industry, students gain hands-on, relevant learning that meets national goals and brings their future into focus now.

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What’s Next

While the full 2025 WeSTEM Project Showcase is still being finalised, here’s your sneak peek: seven projects that illuminate how STEM inquiry-based learning can breathe relevance, creativity and cultural strength back into education.

Stay tuned! Starting next week, we’ll be sharing stories from each project, paired with photo reels that show the learning in action.

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Call to Action

Feel like helping shape a curriculum that belongs to our learners’ futures? Share this blog post and join the conversation (#WeSTEM #STEMInquiry #FutureReadyNZ)

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Next Up

Meet the tamariki behind Te Awa Whakapapa, where water, whakapapa and place‑based learning flow together.