Conferences

Nick Pattison

Nick Pattison

Abstract | Agents of change

Nick Pattison would like to present on the learning journey of his students on previous and current environmental projects funded by the Curious Minds Initiative that are being lead by Nick Pattison at Kauri Flats in collaboration with a variety of local schools, community groups, iwi and businesses. He will present a clear demonstration of "teaming-up" of schools, industry, organisations and community members at different levels for the mutual benefit of all.

This is to includes students working with design engineers at Fisher and Paykel and scientist at Landcare to develop 3D printed devices to test and monitor streams for Kauri Die-back(PTA).

Working with Nirvana Health Care, Landcare Research, Auckland Council, Otago University to test South Auckland homes for types of mould and then further testing homes for amounts of dust mites which determine the amount of allergens present in common areas

These investigations led to the sponsorship of the world’s first research grade science lab at a primary school in order to continue these investigations

  • Raising and reintroducing juvenile Flounder with local iwi
  • Placing sensors in Auckland Beehives to monitor their health and look for patterns in their behavior
  • Using recycled milk bottles to create simple building materials
  • Testing and evaluation of using biochar from plant waste as a substrate to grow vegetables

As part of these investigations Nick has become experienced in the communication of science in a fashion that’s both relevant and interesting to his community.

This includes;

  • Creating songs released on the radio (Nui FM)
  • Science based art work, murals & designs
  • Traditional carving - Pou
  • Video games
  • Blog/websites
  • T-shirts and posters


Bio | Nick Pattison

Nick Pattison is originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He moved to New Zealand in 2009 and he has been teaching at both the intermediate and primary levels in South Auckland. In 2016, he started New Zealand’s first STEM immersion class at Rongomai Primary in Otara to show how STEM (science, technology, engineering and Maths) education can benefit both the community and provide experiences to accelerated learning for the students. A great example was his primary classroom leading the testing of homes for mould in South Auckland.

Currently, he is the Director of STEM at Kauri Flats Primary in Papakura which is pushing the boundaries of what a modern education looks like in New Zealand. Kauri Flats is collaborating on projects with a variety of New Zealand’s Largest companies towards community outcomes such as increasing fishing stock, monitoring bee population health, creating biochar from plant waste to sequester carbon and grow food crops all while making it fun and engaging for the students, scientist and community. He hopes to help facilitate and develop students to become “agents of change” who have all the skills, capabilities and attitudes to successful be the future leaders and guardians of New Zealand’s environment and society.