New ‘geeky playground’ sought
Whangarei’s non-profit science and tech education hub for young people is desperate to find new premises to continue delivering its free daytime, afterschool and evening classes.
Questionable Research Labs (QRL) was founded in 2015 by computing and psychology lecturer Dr Kevin Waugh and has been in its current Manaia House, Rathbone St, location for four years.
It needs to move but has struggled to find a suitable building despite six months of searching.
The kaupapa of QRL is to give Northland youth problemsolving skills for the future through offering a ‘‘self-directed geeky playground’’ – almost entirely free, and run by volunteers.
QRL offers many options on various days, including dedicated girls’ tech/art&craft classes, Hackathons, presentations from Kiwi tech experts, and projects involving coding, robotics, art, short film competitions, GovHacks, biology, plus plenty of Minecraft. Aside from extracurricular education for youth already enrolled in public schools, QRL provides a place for home-schooled children to mingle and learn together.
QRL has an ethos of supporting whatever inclination a child has to learn about which is why, over the years, its tutors have helped learners complete delightfully strange projects such as sticking a Christmas tree to the ceiling and building a chess game that gives players electric shocks.
Since its inception, QRL has operated on a shoestring budget, grateful for private donations and some grants, and is hoping readers will help it find a new premises at a reasonable rental price.
‘‘We’re hoping to find a commercial property owner out there with vacant and hard-tolease space, that we can liven up with our vibrant community,’’ Waugh said.
‘‘Our dream space will be the following: open-plan, for teaching and activities. Big – so we can grow to whatever size is available so there is no ‘too big’. Central – walkable from school and access to buses and ease of pickup for parents. Cheap – token rental. Also it would be dedicated – a space we can leave set up rather than pack up each session.’’
QRL is also hoping to find a new major sponsor, or several sponsors to enable it to continue to offer its services affordably.
‘‘We’re hoping to find a commercial property owner out there with vacant and hard-to-lease space, that we can liven up with our vibrant community.’’ Dr KevinWaugh