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‘It’s Lifting Restrictions’: New App Combines Tech, Culture And Science To Reach Youth
26 June
Rotorua researchers yesterday launched an app focused on helping rangatahi (young people) learn about a pathogen putting local forests at risk.
Children from three local kura (schools) were invited to Crown Research Institute Scion, to learn about ‘E heke e Heka!’ and how to identify myrtle rust impacting native rākau (trees).
Whakarewarewa School, Te Rangihakahaka Centre for Science and Technology, and Rotorua Primary School - Pukeroa Oruawhata were the first rangatahi to download the app during a launch at Te Whare Nui o Tuteata on Tuesday.
The invasive fungal disease was first discovered in New Zealand in 2017.
Indigenous environmental researcher Katerina Pihera-Ridge told the children that scientists had been looking at how different tree species in different places were impacted by the pathogen.
With no current solution to the problem, she said information sharing was needed, including with children.
“How do we make it more simple so all of you can learn about the science?”
Hence, the interactive app was developed - in both Te Reo Māori and English.
Users are taken through a virtual ngahere (forest) and can learn about the disease, how to identify it, and what it impacts. There is also an augmented reality feature.
Te Rangihakahaka kaiako Puti Manga liked how it was accessible, especially for the likes of the Ngāti Whakaue kura.
“Contextual learning alongside scientists, it’s lifting restrictions.
“They become the scientists . . . become kaitiaki (guardians) for our ngahere.”
Student 12-year-old Walter Johansson said he had a special interest in chemistry and enjoyed using the app. He thought it was good for learning kupu (words).
The app was developed by Kiwa Digital, and was funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund.
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
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