Information for Schools
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a SUPPORTIVE, STUDENT-LED SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
The Hokianga Science Festival offers kura an opportunity to celebrate science learning in a way that is collaborative, culturally grounded, and centred on student voice.
The Festival is designed to be non-competitive and supportive, allowing students to share what they have been learning, build confidence, and engage with peers from other kura in the Hokianga and surrounding areas.
What Participation Involves
Each participating kura prepares one or more student-led science presentations or investigations. These may be experiments, inquiries, demonstrations, or projects already being explored in class.
On the day of the Festival:
Students set up their presentations on arrival
The host kura introduces and interviews each presenting group
Everyone moves around the venue, interacting with presenters, asking questions, and sharing ideas
The emphasis is on learning, explanation, and discussion, rather than performance or assessment.
Age Groups and Suitability
Most participating kura are primary or area schools, and the Festival is well suited to students from junior levels through to approximately Year 11.
Presentations can be adapted to suit different ages and abilities, and students are encouraged to present in ways that feel appropriate and achievable for them.
A culturally grounded environment
The Festival follows a format guided by tikanga Māori and reflects the cultural identity of the Hokianga.
Schools are welcome to:
Present in te reo Māori or English, or both
Incorporate local knowledge, environment, and kaupapa into their science learning
Support student leadership in introductions and interviews
This creates an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their work and learning from one another.
Learning Opportunities on the day
In addition to student presentations, the Festival includes:
Hands-on exploration with House of Science kits
A short, engaging presentation from a House of Science representative
A locally led science or inquiry-based activity
These elements complement classroom learning and provide additional inspiration for both students and teachers.
Practical Considerations
The Festival is typically held in a venue large enough to accommodate around 150 people, with kitchen and toilet facilities.
A healthy shared lunch is provided for all attendees.
Each presenting school receives a gift for their kura, such as native trees for planting and science books for the library.
Planning and delivery are supported by Ako Hokianga trustees, the host kura, and community partners, with clear communication provided in the lead-up to the event.
Why Schools Choose to Take Part
Schools who participate in the Hokianga Science Festival value the opportunity to:
Build student confidence and communication skills
Encourage curiosity and enjoyment of science
Share learning in a supportive, non-competitive setting
Strengthen connections with other kura
Celebrate science in a way that reflects local values and identity
The Festival provides a meaningful academic gathering that complements sporting and cultural events already familiar to schools and whānau.
Hosting the Festival
Hosting responsibilities rotate between kura over time. Host schools work alongside Ako Hokianga to:
Help plan the day
Support setup and welcoming
Lead student interviews and introductions
This shared model allows schools to take increasing ownership of the Festival while being supported throughout the process.
Interested in being involved?
If your kura is interested in participating in a future Hokianga Science Festival, or would like to learn more about what involvement might look like, we welcome you to get in touch.