Young people who once walked away from mainstream education are now passing qualifications and launching new futures at Native Tech, a Rotorua-based training school developed by the founders of award-winning non-profit, Digital Natives Academy. At Native Tech, we’re transforming disengagement into achievement. Based in Rotorua, […]
Digital Natives Academy (DNA), based in Rotorua, has secured international funding to deliver a groundbreaking tech training programme for young people, putting the city on the global map for digital leadership. DNA, an award winning non-profit, is one of only 23 organisations worldwide, and the […]
We’re proud to share something truly special, a student-built digital twin of Digital Natives Academy (DNA), brought to life using Roblox Studio, Blender, and their growing arsenal of creative tech skills. Using Roblox Studio, Roblox’s official game development engine two year two students, Stephanie and […]
A Rotorua-based non-profit that’s helping rangatahi re-engage with education and build real-world tech skills has been recognised on the national stage. Digital Natives Academy (DNA) received the Kaupapa Tōtara Award at the 2025 Matihiko Awards in Ōtautahi Christchurch. A prestigious honour celebrating long-term, kaupapa driven […]
Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Ngongotahā te maunga. Ko Te Utuhina te awa. Ko Rotorua-Nui-a-Kahumatamomoe te moana. Ko Ngāti Whakaue te iwi. Ko Tunohopu te marae. Ko Kameta tōku whānau. Ko Isaiah tōku ingoa. Ko Te Arawa ahau. Tēnā kautou, tēnā kautou, tēnā kautou […]
A group of Digital Natives Academy (DNA) and Native Tech students recently travelled to Maketū, the landing place of Te Arawa waka, to deepen their understanding of how colonisation and climate change are woven together. Guided by local knowledge holders and educators, the students stood […]
Digital Natives Academy (DNA) proudly hosted a uniquely Aotearoa, uniquely Māori esports experience on Tuesday, 9 April, at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre. The event brought together 132 students, primarily from kura tuatahi and kura takawaenga (years 5–8), representing 16 kura and forming 33 teams […]
Digital Natives Academy is proud to partner with Spark for Spark Game Arena Live, Aotearoa’s ultimate gaming festival, set to take place at Spark Arena on 7th September. This landmark event will bring together over 8,000 gamers for an action-packed day of world-class gaming experiences, […]
Te Papatipu Matihiko Announces the Grand Opening of Te Makaro, Te Wairoa’s newest Digital Tech Hub Original posted here. Te Wairoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, September 1, 2023 – Te Papatipu Matihiko is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Te Makaro, Te Wairoa’s first-ever Digital Tech […]