Digital Natives Academy

Digital Natives Academy (DNA) Charitable Trust was established in 2014 to encourage tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to create, transform, shape and develop their own digital worlds. Our Kaupapa: DNA's kaupapa is to inspire whānau to become creators, developers and innovators of digital technology, rather than mere users and consumers of it. DNA is about giving whānau the confidence to think creatively, work collaboratively and reason systematically. We do this through a range of online and offline activities related to the digital technology sector. Our Community: Since opening, DNA has worked with Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue, Te Kura o Te Owhatiura (Lynmore Primary School), TKKM o Hurungaterangi, John Paul College, Rotorua Boys High School, Western Heights High School, Tokoroa High School, Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, Tauhara College, Toi Ohomai, Animation College, Awhina College, Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua Library, Te Arawa whānau Ora, Animation College, OMGtech, NZQA and MBIE to foster entrepreneurialism and create programmes that help strengthen digital skills and wayfind new digital tech pathways across the education spectrum and most importantly, supporting both the individual and the whanau into high value opportunities within the digital tech industry. Programme overview: DNA offers a unique range of STEAM-related programmes, including: full-term programmes, school holiday programmes, day- and weekend long wānanga, and eSports team building, event hosting and tournaments. Topics have covered a range of areas including ideation, project planning, robotics, computer programming, GIS, engineering, innovation, AI (artificial intelligence), 2D/3D animation, 3D printing, electronics, drone technology and CAD (computer aided design) via Minecraft. DNA are currently contracted as the Bay of Plenty regional coordinator for the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).