Funded and supported by Te Puni Kōkiri, the Māori Future Makers website is a practical, simple and engaging tool to support students and whānau to make more informed decisions about education, training and careers.

Thirty ‘Māori Future Makers’ such as Xero founder Rod Drury, designer David Hakaraia, and up-and-coming volcanologist Shannon James share their motivational success stories in online video interviews aimed at encouraging young and old to pursue higher levels of education, training, employment, enterprise and innovation.

They talk candidly about their study pathways, educational achievements, skills and professional opportunities. The personal profile of each Māori Future Maker is supplemented with course and scholarship information as well as study options and survival tips.

As well as presenting information in a format preferred by rangatahi, the website profiles role models that young people can identify with and look up to. Rangatahi told the website developers: "We want to see people like us. We want to hear their stories. We want to be inspired by what they’ve done because we know we can do it too."

But the website is not just for rangatahi – many of those profiled on it are mature students who have gone on to new qualifications and careers later in life.

Project leader Moana Maniapoto says: “These Māori Future Makers are a clever bunch of people that come from all walks of life. They are all passionate about what they do and they've learnt a few things along the way too.”

“Best of all, they know what opportunities exist for Māori who arm themselves with certain qualifications or skills.

This resource is about realising Māori potential by growing Māori assets – and our biggest asset is our people.”

Since its launch, the website has attracted more than two-and-a-half thousand ‘Likes’ through its Facebook page. Students, teachers and careers advisors have also reported finding it a helpful resource for discussions about study and career pathways.

To view the videos, connect and converse with the Māori Future Makers or for more information:

• ‘Like’ the Māori Future Makers page on Facebook
• email info@Maorifuturemakers.com