About Tūhura Tech
Kia ora koutou katoa! Welcome to our whānau!
We bring free technology education directly to rangatahi (young people) in their own communities - schools, libraries, community centres, and marae. Each session is tailored to the participants, supported by trained kaiako and industry professionals who share their passion for technology.
As the only Charitable Trust operating in the Greater Wellington Region focused on Technology Education for rangatahi with trained kaiako (staff), we focus on providing high-quality sessions and support. We believe in hands-on, Montessori-inspired ako (learning) aligned to industry content and culturally responsive practices.
Our Kaupapa (Mission)
To remove barriers and provide equitable access to technology education for all rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand, regardless of their background, location, or circumstances.
Rangatahi engaged annually
Community locations
Free of charge
Our Values & Tikanga
The principles that guide everything we do in our mahi.
Accessible & Equitable Education
No barriers to education and opportunities. We provide all our sessions free of charge, including resources, laptops, robots, and electronics.
Industry Aligned Content
Current, engaging content that sets rangatahi up for success. We work with industry partners to bring their knowledge and practices to rangatahi.
Knowledge and Support
Trained staff in both technology and education. We're a Living Wage Accredited Employer and invest in our staff through industry training and certifications.
Community-Centered Approach
We go to rangatahi in their communities - operating in schools, libraries, community centres, and marae.
Our Commitment to Te Ao Māori
Manaakitanga (Care & Hospitality)
We create welcoming, inclusive spaces where every rangatahi feels valued and supported.
Whanaungatanga (Relationships)
We build strong, lasting connections within our community and with whānau.
Ako (Reciprocal Learning)
We learn from each other - kaiako and rangatahi both teach and learn together.
Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship)
We are guardians of our rangatahi's learning journey and digital future.
Our Story
The Idea
Post-COVID, a group of us came together to build a sustainable, community-run programme. The original board of Lillian Pak, Danielle Sims, Justin Chua, John Barrow and Leon Bowie established the charity.
Proving the Concept
Trialled session formats and approaches with select kura and community centres to refine our support model for rangatahi.
Start Growing
Hiring our first staff members and expanding to Porirua and Lower Hutt. We reach 1000+ rangatahi in yearly engagement.
Growth & Impact
Continued expansion of our mahi across Greater Wellington, supporting thousands of rangatahi through sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
A Pause in Our Journey
Due to lack of sustainable funding, Tūhura Tech has ceased operations. We remain incredibly proud of what we accomplished from 2020 to 2026 and the impact we had on rangatahi and communities across Wellington. We may return in the future.
Meet Our Kaimahi (Team)
The passionate people behind Tūhura Tech who make our mahi possible.
Leon Bowie
Co-Founder & CEO
Co-founder with 7+ years in tech education through Code Clubs and robotics coaching. DevOps Engineer by trade who leads Tūhura Tech's operations and partnerships.
Lillian Hide-Tobin
Lead Mentor
Computer Science and Psychology graduate passionate about tech as a creative medium, especially game development and algorithmic arts. Dedicated to encouraging young women in technology.
Zelle Marcovicci
Lead Mentor
Creative Media Production graduate specializing in video games and interactive technology. Teaches immersive storytelling and programming at Massey University alongside her Tūhura Tech work.
Neenu
Lead Mentor
Electronics Engineering graduate with Masters in Signal Processing, currently pursuing Professional Business Analysis at VUW where she also tutors. Passionate about inspiring kids through hands-on tech learning.
Aroha
Lead Mentor
Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Science, Aroha feels passionate about keeping technology education accessible to all. She believes learning about technology empowers rangatahi to pave their own path.
Irma
Admin and Operations Coordinator
Irma brings expertise in business operations, administration and finance to Tūhura Tech. Working quietly behind the scenes, she keeps everything organised and running smoothly while applying financial discipline and community focus to help Tūhura Tech deliver more impactful programmes and build sustainable partnerships with funders and supporters. She values inclusivity and loves being part of the team that breaks barriers in technology education and makes it accessible to all.
Dani
Community Coordinator
Dani is a writer and critic, with an MA in creative writing from the IIML. When they aren't working on their next book, or teaching John Donne to undergraduates, Dani generally works in comms and social media. They're really excited to get involved with the community here at Tūhura Tech.
Eric
Lead Mentor
Master of Professional Business Analytics student at Victoria University. Eric has a background in healthcare as a Pharmacist, but has been a lifelong learner and hobbyist for all things tech. His goal is to spread passion and inspire people of all backgrounds, and prove that anyone can do tech!
Amiruzzaman
Lead Mentor
Master of Information Technology student with experience in software engineering and artificial intelligence. Amiruzzaman enjoys game development and learning new things in tech. He joined Tūhura Tech to help tamariki explore technology, support their curiosity and discover what they enjoy.
Riley
Lead Mentor
Third year electronics science and computer science student at VUW, who is passionate about the intersection between electronics and computer science, particularly embedded systems and computational logic. Her favorite feeling is when a difficult concept finally clicks. Being able to help others experience that feeling brings her the same joy.
Join Our Team
We're on a mission to empower rangatahi through technology education.
Meet Our Board of Trustees (Poari Kaitiaki)
The amazing people who provide governance and guardianship over our charity and its strategic direction.
Leon Bowie
Co-Founder & Chair
Actively involved in technology outreach for the past 7 years running Code Clubs, coaching robotics teams and working in industry as a DevOps Engineer. One of the founders who now runs Tūhura Tech working with our staff, volunteers and sponsors to make sure all kids can get the best support possible.
Lillian Pak
Co-Founder & Secretary
Experienced leader in education, libraries, and public service with extensive governance and community development experience. Passionate about Tūhura Tech's mission of removing barriers to equitable education.
Simon McCallum
Treasurer
Jerome Dolman
Trustee
Aleisha Amohia
Trustee
Kendra Ross
Trustee
Carl Ross
Trustee
Our Amazing Supporters
Tūhura Tech is proudly funded by corporate sponsors, local government partnerships, and community donations. This support makes our 100% free sessions possible.
Established 2022
Thanks to our supporters, we've been serving Wellington communities with free technology education
for over 3 years.
Want to learn more about what Tūhura Tech accomplished?
Get in Touch
