The world is changing fast. The way we live and work today is very different from 10 years ago.
Technology moves quickly and how we work in just about every industry and sector is changing.
You need the right skills and knowledge to navigate this new world — and help shape it.
We have to understand the technologies that force change, and how to use them to our best advantage.
That's where STEM and STEAM subjects come in.
On this page
About STEM and STEAM
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths
In the future, almost all jobs will require some knowledge of STEM.
STEM is behind a lot of today's scientific and technological innovations, such as social media and machine learning algorithms.
Aotearoa needs people with STEM skills and qualifications to keep up with the changing world.
Research tells us that students who pass STEM subjects in NCEA gain more pathway options for study and training.
But we also need people who can use technologies in creative ways. The arts and STEM can inform and strengthen each other — that's STEAM.
STEM and STEAM subjects can lead to strong, well-paid careers and better employment opportunities.
“By combining STEM skills with Pacific values and creativity, New Zealand Pacific youth can play key roles in addressing challenges such as climate change, digital connectivity and resource management.”
Pasifika in STEM stories
Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand are doing amazing things in STEM fields.
We gathered success stories that capture the journey of Pacific people through STEM pathways.
Click the boxes below to meet these people. Read their stories and discover how their studies led to exciting STEM-based careers.
Nadeen Papali'i (opens in a new window)
Environmental Engineer and Teacher
Nadeen Papali'i, Environmental Engineer & Teacher
Roneima Teumohenga (opens in a new window)
General Practitioner
Roneima Teumohenga, General Practitioner
STEM It Up!
STEM It Up! is a fun and interactive comic book that encourages Pacific learners into STEM subjects.
Follow Toa's journey as he teaches his friends about STEM, and how Pacific people use STEM in their cultural practices.
Learn more and watch videos of Pacific people in STEM
Download your free copy
Equity in STEM Symposium
The Equity in STEM Symposium focused on improving STEM outcomes for Māori and Pacific learners.
More than 450 people and representatives from 150 schools and organisations came to the symposium.
Speakers from a range of organisations covered pressing topics such as bias, systemic racism and streaming.
They also offered tools to help educators and organisations better support Māori and Pacific students in STEM subjects.