The difference we’re making
We’re committed to growing tech talent for New Zealand.
The Tait Foundation supports the entire journey through from early education into STEM careers. Our funding is open to schools, organisations and even passionate individuals who are delivering STEM initiatives at any level of learning. We are particularly focussed on activities in Christchurch and Canterbury.
In order to ensure we achieve a positive impact that is aligned with our purpose, we fund initiatives in five focus areas. These five areas span the entire journey from primary school education through to graduate careers.
Our funding addresses five focus areas.
Starting younger
Building curiosity and confidence at the primary and intermediate level.
Equal access
Ensuring STEM education and experiences are accessible to all young people.
Building bridges
Strengthening the pathways between STEM education and the workforce.
Valuing STEM
Inspiring New Zealand students to see STEM as a valuable career pathway.
Teacher development
Developing teacher confidence, capability and capacity.
Starting younger
We believe that building curiosity and confidence at the primary and intermediate level is key to increasing the number of STEM graduates in Aotearoa.
Funding examples
We provide funding for TechnoClub’s rover and radio kits, so intermediate students can explore electronics, communication and real-world problem solving.
Read moreWe funded a new laser cutter at Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate School, enabling over 1,000 students each year to discover the possibilities of Computer Aided Design. Read more
Equal access
New Zealand’s education system and individual circumstances can make access to STEM education difficult and unequal. We believe STEM should be for everyone.
Funding examples
We sponsor the University of Canterbury’s annual Women in Engineering camp to help address the gender balance in engineering. Read more
We support Tagata Moana’s “Mana Tamaiti” programme, helping Pacifica students participate in STEAM learning experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. Read more
Building bridges
Students can drop away on their educational journey. We support initiatives that build bridges between the education system and the workforce.
Funding examples
We funded a collaborative robot (Cobot) at Ara Institute, enabling engineering students to prepare for the workforce using industry-standard technology.
We provide Tait Foundation scholarships for tertiary level students so that emerging researchers can embrace technology in their work. Read more
Valuing STEM
General scientific literacy and the valuing of STEM subjects have declined. We want New Zealand students to be inspired by our research scientists, doctors and engineers and to see STEM as a valuable career pathway.
Funding examples
We support EVolocity’s Canterbury programme, which sees hundreds of young people gain real-world engineering skills through an exhilarating journey. Read more
We provided funding so that Lincoln High School could complete the fit-out of 10 specialist laboratories in their purpose-built science facility. Read more
Teacher development
Good teachers create good students. We run programmes and provide funding to help develop teacher confidence, capability and capacity, so they can inspire their students in turn.
Funding examples
We fund and run SAT STEP (the Sir Angus Tait Science Teaching Enrichment Programme). This annual staff development programme is designed to develop scientific confidence, capability and leadership for teachers of Years 0 to 8. Learn more
Funding is now open.
We exist to support learning initiatives in science, technology, engineering and maths, and are especially interested in hearing from new applicants.
Tell us about your project, programme or service and where it fits with our five core focus areas.
We are particularly focussed on activities in Christchurch and Canterbury.