Maungatapu Primary is one of the first schools to receive science, technology, engineering and math or STEM packages from the Genesis School-gen trust.

The school was granted $5000, which will be put towards a science microscope, a drone and hopefully an underwater camera to monitor the health of their local estuary.

More than 400 schools applied for STEM packages, which was set up by Genesis to provide schools with solar, science, technology, engineering and math equipment to help rangatahi or young people solve real-world problems.

Maungatapu School principal Tane Bennett says the equipment will allow the students to extend their learning about the Rangataua Harbour, including water quality and sea life.

'We've requested a science microscope and TV monitor, an underwater camera, a drone and a science weather station— all of which will make the children's' learning tangible,” said Tane.

'Our children lifted the hall roof with cheers of joy and jubilation when I made the announcement at a school assembly. We are absolutely blown away with the support from Genesis School-gen Trust.”

Schools, including primary, intermediate and secondary schools, from Northland to Southland, applied for funding from an initial pool of $50,000.

Genesis School-gen Trust Chair Lee Mauger says Maungatapu School's interest in using the local environment to drive STEM learning impressed the decision-making panel.

'Using STEM equipment to solve real-world problems is a focus for the Trust and this intention was clear in Maungatapu's application. We also appreciated the clear articulation of what the students and teachers wanted to achieve, and look forward to seeing the outcome of their projects.”

The Genesis School-gen trustees, including education, IT and energy-generation experts, determined which schools receive equipment packages.

Genesis contributed $50,000 towards the first funding round and from August, they will be inviting customers to donate to the charity by adding a small amount to their monthly energy bill.

In addition, Genesis covers all administration costs so that 100% of donations go to schools for equipment.