Kaitiaki -Māori iPad Game Gisborne
448 views · Published 20 August 2013 · 1:13 · Indexed 21 September 2026
Channel: gisborneherald · 2013 · Entertainment
KAITIAKI, the first Maori game-based e-learning application is up, running and proving to be a hot new craze with the kids.Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mangatuna, Tolaga Bay Area School, Waikirikiri School and Mohaka School are piloting the Kaitiaki initiative which educates school children about New Zealand marine biology and the Maori culture. The four schools are using iPad minis to trial the new e-learning app created by Gisborne scientist Ian Ruru and supported by Te Puni Kokiri. It was developed by Gisborne-based IT company igameandlearn.com. Mr Ruru said the app was appealing because it integrated matauranga (knowledge) Maori with science as a means to engage with students. It was also ground-breaking for the education system because it allowed players to gain qualifications by mastering the game through a fun gaming platform, he said.The sequel to Kaitiaki is near completion and is called "Pimp My Eel". Mr Ruru said a patent application had been made to protect the technology used to teach and assess students and players."Ultimately, Kaitiaki and the games that follow may herald a new genre of e-learning, where the improvement of student achievement results in low-decile schools could increase positive outcomes for Maori youth." New Zealand had one of the highest proportions of disengaged students of any OECD country, he said.
