At Tonkin + Taylor, we believe in nurturing potential and building a sustainable future for our industry. We are advocates for STEM careers, recognising the role that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics play in shaping our businesses and our world.
STEM subjects in Aotearoa New Zealand have suffered a 20% drop in NCEA uptake over the last decade. Alarmingly, the decline comes just as an astounding 80% of future jobs are predicted to demand these very STEM skills.
Our commitment extends beyond encouragement or advocacy. We see it as a fundamental responsibility to support future professionals at the start of their journeys and to collaboratively lead a shift in our sector towards the greater value of STEM skills.
Backed by our team of dedicated experts, we are committed to sharing knowledge, insights and practical experiences, helping to shape the industry leaders of tomorrow.
Read more below about who Tonkin + Taylor is partnering with to grow the STEM pipeline, which we share to inspire you to support this mahi in your organisation.
Starting in Schools
The Wonder Project
Tonkin + Taylor is proud to be a gold sponsor of The Wonder Project – Engineering New Zealand’s not-for-profit free programme for schools, designed to inspire young Kiwis with an interest in STEM subjects.
Our very own Charlotte Arcus – Water New Zealand’s Young Stormwater Professional of the Year – has been a dedicated supporter of the Wonder Project (and its predecessor, Futureintech) since 2014.
As a volunteer ambassador, Charlotte visits local classrooms to share her passion and excitement for her mahi and inspire ākonga (students) to consider STEM career pathways. She was also involved in developing the Wonder Project’s new Water Challenge programme, with a nationwide launch set for 2025.
“Over a school term, you can really connect with the students, witness their curiosity and growth and start to see future engineers emerging. The challenges are fun for the ‘grown-up kids’ too!” Charlotte says.
Charlotte is one of 21 volunteer ambassadors from Tonkin + Taylor delivering the Rocket, Power and soon-to-be Water Challenge programmes.
Talia Ritchie, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Lead at Tonkin + Taylor says our people have always been eager to engage with students and support the growth of STEM.
“Many have personally benefited from similar learning and mentoring experiences, which sparked their journeys into our industry, and now they want to give back,” she said.
“As a sponsor, we’ve seen the programme develop to be much more structured for ambassadors, supporting them to take time from their very busy day to engage in this mahi. This year, we had 21 ambassadors involved in the project, representing various locations and parts of the business. Our sponsorship has fostered a deeper understanding of support, resulting in increased participation,” Talia reflects.
Through their collaboration with Tonkin + Taylor and other like-minded supporters, The Wonder Project has reached 1,400 schools. An impressive 55% of their target market of students in years 5 to 8, bringing the project more than halfway to its vision of being in every school in Aotearoa.
The programme has achieved impressive results in 2024 with 75% of ākonga (students) and 96% of kaiako (teachers) stating an increased confidence in STEM.
“The latest Impact Report showcases the difference we are making together. By continuing to work together, we can encourage Kiwi kids to pursue careers in engineering,” says Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Dr Richard Templer.
Dr Tim Fisher, Tonkin + Taylor Group Managing Director, and past president of Engineering New Zealand, says our countries and businesses need engineers and scientists more than ever:
“By partnering with The Wonder Project, Tonkin + Taylor gets scale and impact from our contribution, and our people can help as volunteer ambassadors. Hopefully, some of these young students will work at Tonkin + Taylor one day!”
Supporting the Growth of Māori and Pasifika in STEM
The Diversity Agenda Accord 2024 Insights report noted Pasifika make up only 1.88% of the workforce in member firms, while Māori account for 3.24%.
Working within our goal to boost careers in STEM, we partner with organisations to support Māori and Pasifika engineers on their journey. Industrywide, we must ensure Māori and Pasifika are reflected in our workforce. Equity and representation, enhancing cultural insights and work, and increased economic benefits are all key reasons why we must increase this number.
We have a responsibility to support this change, starting at the school level.
Pūhoro STEMM Academy
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Mātauranga Māori)
Pūhoro STEMM Academy seeks to accelerate Māori student achievement, in preparation for university study and eventually the workforce.
Tonkin + Taylor is committed to attending wānanga across Aotearoa and supporting school students to understand the opportunities available to them in our industry.
We are also developing a toolkit of resources to help students prepare for entering the STEMM workforce, including a job interview guide and CV writing support.
SPPEEx
Our sponsorship of the South Pacific Engineering Excellence network showcases our commitment to growing this community of Māori and Pasifika engineers.
David Hansen, a graduate Civil Engineer, says it can be intimidating joining the industry as one of the few Māori and Pasifika people, but being a SPPEEx member has introduced him to a large network of Māori and Pasifika engineers across different fields.
“It reinforces the idea that we have a place in this industry and helps us feel confident about what we can bring to the table as engineers. I was proud that Tonkin + Taylor was open to joining SPPEEx as a sponsor. Not because it ticks a box off the diversity checklist, but because Māori and Pasifika engineering networks can provide unique perspectives to our work at the start of our careers, and in the Pacific region where we feel most connected to,” David said.
Taking the Next Steps for STEM in Universities
University is a time for students to define their career pathways authentically. Our university partnerships offer financial contributions and active engagement from our people. From mentoring to supporting events, we are creating visible pathways into engineering through our partnerships with FAB (Facility Advisory Board), the University of Auckland, and the University of Canterbury.
Progress for Our Future Workforce
Our support of these programmes allows our people to build relationships with industry organisations, and we often get graduates returning to champion The Wonder Project and Pūhoro STEMM Academy. The support becomes full circle, and this is something we’re very proud of.
Talia says as well as a meaningful opportunity to support the future of our industry, these initiatives offer immense personal growth and development opportunities.
“Engaging with young students, who can be a tough crowd, allows you to hone your presentation skills and articulate complex ideas simply, enhancing and benefitting your own career and development. Involvement in these initiatives breaks down barriers and showcases that STEM is for everyone. By participating, we inspire the next generation to see it as a field full of opportunities and innovation,” she says.
Get Involved and Support STEM
Charlotte says starting your advocacy and learning journey is as simple as saying yes to opportunities – you never know what the next door will lead to.
She encourages like-minded, enthusiastic people to give it a go: you can expand your networks, and develop communication and presentation skills, all while having fun and future-proofing our industry.
Feeling inspired to get involved and support the future of STEM? Get in touch with one of our partners:
