related to lessons of resilience that frame their understanding of climate change and how it will impact future generations.
Kaitiakitanga in the Digital Age
Empowering Rangatahi for Climate Action
At Digital Natives Academy (DNA), we believe that kaitiakitanga, the guardianship of our whenua, moana, and taiao, is a fundamental part of our kaupapa. As a kaupapa Māori tech academy led by and for rangatahi, we are committed to equipping the next generation of digital leaders to become climate-literate, action-oriented, and deeply grounded in values of sustainability, reciprocity, and care for our planet.
Over the years we have been informally embedding climate change education throughout our programmes and creative projects to ensure every learner understands their role as a kaitiaki in the digital and physical worlds. Going forward our goal is to do this formally and provide accredited pathways via our education arm, Native Tech.
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Mahere Mahi Taiao | DNA Climate
Action Plan 2025-2028
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It’s disrupting ecosystems, economies, and communities everywhere, demanding urgent, collective action.
At DNA, we believe education is one of the most powerful levers for transformation. By combining Indigenous knowledge systems with modern technology and empowering young people to understand their impact, we’re nurturing a generation of leaders ready to restore balance and build a more sustainable, resilient future.
- Upcoming Project Exploration (Feb 2026)
- E-Waste Repurposing: Turning discarded electronics into art and functional hardware while learning about the lifecycle of tech
Kai Sovereignty Labs: Exploring food security and sustainability through local maara kai initiatives, intergenerational knowledge exchange and digital storytelling.
Whenua-Based Learning: Partnering with hapū to document the impacts of climate change on ancestral lands through field trips, and recounting of oral histories.
Climate Gaming: Hosting climate-themed builds and challenges in Minecraft to visualise sustainable futures.
- Climate-Integrated Learning
Youth Engagement: 100% of our learners engage with climate themes in at least one project, whether through animation, coding, game design, or storytelling.
Empowering Youth Voice: Our digital tools amplify indigenous knowledge, empowering rangatahi to explore environmental challenges and solutions using platforms like Minecraft, Roblox, and Adobe Creative Cloud.