Iwi brings e-sports arena to Taranaki

An iwi office in South Taranaki has become a portal for young people into the multi-billion-dollar world of e-sports and gaming.

The new purpose-built e-sports arena opened in Ha¯wera by Te Ru¯nanga o Nga¯ti Ruanui is an extension of the iwi’s 2NuiCODE programme, which teaches coding and robotics to students.

‘‘We are really excited to be opening our new e-sports facility, it’s a dynamic space for our tamariki and rangatahi to learn and grow,’’ said Te Ru¯nanga o Nga¯ti Ruanui Kaiwhakahaere Rachel Rae.

‘‘The programme has been designed to create lasting opportunities for rangatahi in the digital and gaming sector. It helps rangatahi to upskill and provides the opportunity to earn NZQA creative digital credits, while growing opportunities as professional gamers.’’

The younger children will continue to use the coding and robotics classroom, while the new arena will be used by older students.

2NuiCode tutors Vincent Nuku, Marea Rudolph and Nicola Coogan

work with students from a number of schools and kura, and run after school and holiday sessions.

Some schools, including Pa¯tea Area School, have gaming teams who will be training at the new area.

Last week, the arena was busy with students visiting from a number of schools.

Playing e-sports is a recognised career, but those who choose other paths gained valuable skills, including

problem-solving and design thinking, from taking part in the programme, Coogan said.

‘‘It’s a safe environment, they’re learning digital citizenship and gaming with others rather than sitting in their rooms by themselves.’’

Nuku said the programme captured the students who didn’t tend to play traditional sport.

‘‘They’re participating and working with other people, they have to

join a team, they have to learn to work together, collaborate, and a team bond is really important.’’

The 2NuiCODE programme was set up six years ago to inspire young people and show them where an interest in technology could take them.

As well, the iwi has taken two groups to San Francisco to visit Silicon Valley, and will go again once Covid-19 allowed, he said.

Nicola Coogan, Vincent Nuku and Rachel Rae say the programme is beneficial, even for those who aren’t interested in a career in the industry. Below: The arena has very comfortable chairs, as Ngaire Marsters, 11, and Pareamio Rawhihi, 11, found out.

CATHERINE GROENESTEIN/STUFF Memory Whakatutu, 11, and Cale Jenkins, 11, from Te Kura Kaupapa o Nga¯ti Ruanui enjoy a session in the new e-sports arena, which has just been opened by Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Trust in Ha¯ wera.