Why STEM Matters: Reflections from Tauranga STEMFest 2025
On Sunday afternoon, I joined the line of eager families waiting to enter STEMFest 2025. Even at 12:45pm, the crowd stretched down the street. The line moved quickly, and instead of frustration, there was a sense of anticipation and the buzz of children pulling their parents forward, wondering what awaited around the corner and inside.
Walking along Durham Street, I was struck by how every step offered something new: an E-Sports stand drawing curious children, a wastewater demo that had kids asking inquisitive questions about solid fats, Fire & Emergency staff joyfully showing off their fire truck packed with equipment, and then I entered the first University of Waikato engineering space that set the tone for what was to come. A thrilling hive of activity with families delighted at the opportunity to get stuck in and build structures out of wooden sticks and rubber bands!
Once I reached the main hub, the energy only escalated. I found myself surrounded by more activity: soil, worm farms, bee pollination, healthy & dirty streams, pest management, robotics, hydrogen cars small enough to fit in your palm, local wildlife learning displays, and a large outdoor bubble-making station. It was impossible not to get caught up in the joy of discovery; the wide-eyed looks of children learning about science in ways that were tactile, messy, and fun.
What stood out most wasn’t just the learning, but the interaction. Exhibitors weren’t simply presenting; they were engaging. You could see the pride and joy in their presentation when a child made the connection — when a robot moved, when a worm wriggled in their hands, or when a car lit up with lights and movement. This wasn’t passive science; it was hands-on, heart-first education.
Why STEMFest Is Different
I could be described as an event-veteran, having organised and attended hundreds and hundreds of events in my 20 year career. STEMFest to me is unique. Not just for Tauranga, but for Aotearoa New Zealand.
The difference lies in design. This event isn’t an expo for adults with a children’s corner on the side. It is intentionally crafted as a safe, inclusive learning environment where children are the central audience. Every stand, every demonstration, every activity has been thought through from their perspective. The result? A place where science is approachable, exciting, and empowering.
For me, this hit home in a personal way. Growing up at a rural school, science education wasn’t accessible in this way. We didn’t have the strong foundations to step into STEM pathways at high school. If events like STEMFest had been available to me as a child, my relationship with science would have been very different.
Today, STEM feels far more relevant. In my career in sustainability, I see the connections every day from environmental systems to engineering innovations. Science is no longer abstract; it is the toolkit we need for solving the biggest challenges of our time. Seeing kids engage with STEM so early in life makes me excited about the future workforce we’re growing.
Beyond STEMFest: Building Legacy
While the day itself was buzzing, what excites me most is the bigger picture. STEMFest isn’t just a once-a-year event; it’s building impact that extends far beyond the festival weekend.
The team behind STEMFest are an incredible group of volunteers, led by inspirational Tia Lush. This year, they are intentional about laying the ground work for lasting long-term outcomes.
What’s clear is that STEMFest is planting seeds of change. It is opening doors to science for children who might not otherwise have the chance, and it is shaping the way communities view the role of events in building brighter futures.
Why It Matters
STEMFest relies solely on funding and sponsorship to exist. It’s a testament to the commitment of partners and volunteers who believe in making STEM accessible to all. But its real power lies in what happens in the minds of those children; the spark of curiosity that could set them on a path toward a career in science, technology, engineering, or maths.
That spark matters. It matters for the kids who don’t see science at home or at school. It matters for the parents who get to learn alongside them. It matters for Aotearoa, where our future challenges - from climate resilience to innovation will depend on how well we nurture the next generation of problem-solvers.
As I walked back down Durham Street at the end of my time at the festival, I couldn’t help but think: this is what impact looks like. It’s joyful, it’s noisy, it’s messy and it’s absolutely essential for events.
I’ll be sharing more soon alongside the STEMFest team about the impact journey they’re embarking on. But for now, I encourage you to keep an eye on this event. It’s not just a festival; it’s an investment in our collective future.