In 2025, Maungaraki School launched its new purpose-built Waihanga technology and creativity space. In Te Reo Māori, ‘Waihanga’ encompasses the ideas of building, creating, developing, and producing.
Located in a new open plan 3-classroom block, it provides dedicated on-site facilities for all children to engage in technology, innovation, creativity, and performing arts. The main space features a kitchen, three large multipurpose rooms, and two breakout spaces equipped with musical instruments, 3D printers, sewing machines, electronics, specialist stationary, and art equipment.
The Waihanga also includes a purpose-built workshop featuring specialist tools, laser cutters, and industry-standard power tools, enabling students to design and build high-quality hard technology projects.
As well as being a creative space for Kākano, Tipu, and Koru syndicates, the Waihanga has been purpose built to cater for the Ponga syndicate (Year 7 & 8 students).
The Waihanga now enables the full technology curriculum to be taught at Maungaraki.
The Waihanga is led by Ben Young, whose broad experience and passion for learning provide students with rich, future-focused opportunities. Drawing on his expertise in technology, performing arts, music, audio production, and Kapa Haka, Ben's leadership ensures that students are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Alongside Ben are a passionate team of specialist teachers that help facilitate the learning programmes in the Waihanga space. These are:
Nick Hughes - Workshop Specialist
Sarah Cappleman - Visual Arts, Multimedia, and Food Technology
Ashton Stuart - Design and Technology
Stephanie Baylis - The Arts
Kelly Cooper - The Arts
Amber Donaldson - Bush School and Soft Technology (sewing and textiles)
The Waihanga teaching team encourages students and staff to grow their skills, pursue and discover their interests, and extend the boundaries of what is possible in technology within a primary and intermediate school setting.
WAIHANGA'S PURPOSE
To ignite passion and engagement through diverse, strength-based learning experiences that celebrate individual creativity and spark lifelong interests.
To empower students with explicit technical skills and a rigorous design process that extends learning beyond curriculum expectations.
To support colleagues with a safe and meaningful release programme, while empowering them to explore and integrate new possibilities in STEM and creative technology themselves.
