Bay of Plenty kaiako graduate from Apple digital technologies programme

More than 80 kaiako (teachers) from 15 kura and schools across the Bay of Plenty are taking newly learned digital technology skills back into their classrooms. 

The kaiako are the latest cohort of graduates of a specialist digital technologies micro-credential delivered in partnership by Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) and Apple.  

The Digital Technologies Training for Kaiako programme equips teachers with the skills and confidence to deliver hangarau matihiko and digital technology learning in their classrooms, helping prepare their ākonga (students) for a rapidly evolving digital future. Hangarau matihiko is the digital technologies learning area within Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (the Māori-medium curriculum) and the New Zealand Curriculum, teaching students from Year 1 to Year 13 how to create and understand digital tools. 

The programme forms part of Apple's social initiatives and has been delivered in Rotorua through a partnership with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, a former business division of NZIST. 

Through the micro-credential, kaiako learn iOS app development using Swift Playgrounds, app design and prototyping, digital media development, computer programming and user experience methodologies. Participating schools also receive ongoing support and device grants from Apple to help embed the learning within their kura communities. 

The Bay of Plenty cohort was the largest intake since the programme began in 2023 and participants are being celebrated with a graduation ceremony at Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Village.  

Toi Ohomai Head of School Mariana Tapsell says the programme helps build capability in classrooms while creating new opportunities for learners. 

"Through this partnership, we are equipping kaiako with skills that can be passed directly on to their ākonga. 

"We know there is significant demand for digital capability across Aotearoa, and programmes like this help ensure Māori and Pasifika learners can see themselves represented in the technology sector and are equipped with the skills to thrive in it. 

"It is exciting to see the impact this programme is already having in classrooms across the Bay of Plenty and to celebrate the commitment of the kaiako who have completed it." 

NZIST Chief Executive Gus Gilmore says the success of the programme demonstrates the value of strong partnerships across the education sector. 

"I want to thank everyone involved in delivering a third successful year of the digital technology micro-credential made possible through the partnership between the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and Apple. To have achieved our largest intake yet, reaching 88 kaiako across 15 kura, is phenomenal and a testament to the programme's reputation." 

Gilmore says the programme continues to create opportunities for learners throughout the region. 

"We were able to deliver the training in Rotorua thanks to our partners at Toi Ohomai, helping unlock the potential of local tamariki and learners. I also want to acknowledge the team at Wintec for supporting the early development of the third intake. I look forward to seeing the impact of this kaupapa as it continues to build digital fluency and confidence across our communities." 

One participating kaiako says the programme has already had a positive impact on both teachers and learners. 

"I'm so proud of the commitment, dedication and effort our kaiako, aka the Apple Kaiako, have put into maintaining and completing their journals. It's been incredible to witness the passion and growth from 2025 through to this year. 

"Through deliberate teaching and implementation, we will inspire our tamariki to become more competent learners of hangarau matihiko. I recently shared the Apple apps and tools with my class, particularly the apps I've included in my planning, and they are really excited to begin this next chapter of learning. 

"Their enthusiasm has been infectious, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes us. What an amazing journey it's been." 

The partnership responds to the underrepresentation of Māori and Pasifika peoples in technology-related professions and aims to create pathways that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and digital confidence for future generations. 

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of participating kaiako and the impact they are already having within their kura and wider communities.