Dev Academy Aotearoa

What Sets Them Apart

• Developed and approved Level 5 & 6 national tech qualifications in record time
  
• Emphasised open-source learning and regional co-design with iwi
  
• Embedded te ao Māori values in the curriculum (e.g., kapa haka, marae visits)
  
• Advocated for micro-credentials to empower community-based trainers
  
• Prioritised kaupapa that matter to Māori—like community-based tech solutions

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Tauārai – Barriers

• Short-term and insufficient TEC funding cycles limiting sustainability
  
• Gaps in readiness among rangatahi for Level 5+ programmes
  
• Low educator capacity and capability in regional areas
  
• Cultural obligations disrupting study when not accounted for in design
  
• Loss of key Māori staff due to unstable funding structures

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Recommendations

• Reform TEC funding to enable longer-term, sustainable planning
  
• Create Level 1–4 foundational programmes to build readiness
  
• Strengthen regional delivery through incentives and training for educators
  
• Design culturally flexible models that reflect whānau-centred realities
  
• Develop tech projects that solve real issues for hapū and iwi
  
• Build ongoing partnerships between iwi and education providers
  
• Invest in Māori workforce retention and leadership within training organisations

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Why It Matters
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Dougal’s leadership has advanced a vision of a Māori-led, culturally aligned tech ecosystem—where rangatahi see themselves in tech, contribute to meaningful solutions, and thrive as innovators. Dev Academy’s model provides a pathway not just into jobs, but into empowered futures shaped by Māori values.

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Dougall was working with Dev Academy at the time of this interview and has since moved onto other mahi.

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Photo © Ko Māui Hangarau