A Rotorua-based technology academy is proving that when education is culturally grounded, practical and connected to real-world opportunities, Māori rangatahi can thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Potaua and Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule, Native Tech, formerly known as the Digital Natives Academy (DNA), has spent more than a decade helping young Māori unlock careers in technology, digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking with Radio Waatea’s Matthew Tukaki, Potaua Biasiny-Tule reflected on the journey that began in 2014 with a simple but ambitious goal: to equip indigenous young people with the digital skills needed to become the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Recognising that many rangatahi were disengaging from traditional education, the couple saw an opportunity to create a learning environment that was culturally relevant, hands-on and directly connected to employment pathways.
Today, Native Tech has become one of New Zealand’s leading Māori-led digital training providers, delivering programmes that consistently achieve qualification completion rates well above regional averages, particularly among young Māori men who have often struggled in mainstream education.
Biasiny-Tule says the success of the academy is not simply about teaching coding or digital design. It begins with creating a sense of belonging.
By embedding tikanga Māori, whanaungatanga and practical project-based learning into every programme, students gain confidence alongside technical skills, allowing them to see themselves as innovators and creators rather than simply consumers of technology.
The academy’s graduates are now working across software development, animation, game design, cybersecurity, digital marketing, film production and creative industries, while others have continued into tertiary education or launched their own businesses.
For Biasiny-Tule, these individual success stories are the true measure of the academy’s impact.
He says many students arrive believing technology careers are out of reach, only to leave with qualifications, employment opportunities and the confidence to pursue ambitions they had never imagined possible.
The conversation also explored the rapid emergence of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, immersive digital environments and the expanding metaverse.
While these innovations offer enormous opportunities for creativity, education and economic development, Biasiny-Tule says they also require careful consideration.
He believes rangatahi need more than technical skills. They must also develop digital literacy, critical thinking and an understanding of online safety, privacy and ethics as technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life.
Rather than fearing emerging technologies, Native Tech encourages young people to understand them, shape them and ensure Māori values are reflected in the digital world of the future.
Biasiny-Tule says Māori have always been innovators, adapting knowledge and technology throughout history. The digital age presents another opportunity for Māori to lead, creating technology that reflects indigenous perspectives while contributing to New Zealand’s growing digital economy.
Looking ahead, Native Tech aims to expand its reach across the Bay of Plenty and beyond, helping build a highly skilled Māori digital workforce capable of competing on the global stage.
The long-term vision extends beyond employment. It is about creating more Māori-owned technology companies, producing world-class digital products and ensuring Māori voices are helping shape the future of artificial intelligence, software development, gaming and digital innovation.
For Matthew Tukaki, the conversation highlighted a generation of rangatahi who are embracing technology not only as a career but as a platform for cultural expression, entrepreneurship and leadership.
As Aotearoa’s digital economy continues to expand, Native Tech is demonstrating that when education combines culture, creativity and innovation, Māori rangatahi are not just participating in the future—they are helping to build it.
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