Code 4 Change NZ is transforming the way South Auckland primary school students engage with digital learning, ensuring tamariki are equipped with the skills, confidence and creativity they need to lead their communities in the modern world.
Founded by local mums Naz Humphreys and Florence (Flo) Korokoro, the charitable trust was established in response to the digital inequities they saw firsthand in South Auckland primary schools. Too often, students from underserved communities were missing out on access to technology, devices and high-quality STEM education — not due to lack of ability or interest, but because of cost, transport barriers and limited resources.
“Our mission is to advance equity in tech,” says Naz. “We want to increase opportunities and representation for Māori, Pacific, women, girls and other underserved communities, and to make sure digital education is a right, not a privilege.”
Code 4 Change NZ delivers free coding, robotics, 3D design and printing programmes to primary schools with an Equity Index of 6–10 across South Auckland. By providing hands-on, accessible digital education during students’ most formative years, the organisation aims to equip students to innovate, build their confidence and help them unlock their potential to join the Aotearoa New Zealand’s digital and creative sectors.
From the outset, Naz and Flo invested their own time, professional expertise and personal savings to prove the effectiveness of a free, school-based STEM model. What began as a grassroots, community-led response has grown into a kaupapa that partners closely with kura, whānau and local organisations to create a supportive, mana-enhancing ecosystem for learning.
Code 4 Change NZ’s approach is deeply grounded in te ao Māori, Pacific worldviews and the Whare Tapa Whā model, recognising that meaningful learning happens when the spiritual, mental, physical and whānau dimensions of each tamaiti are nurtured.
“Every programme is designed not just to teach technical skills, but to affirm identity, unlock creativity and help students see themselves as capable problem solvers and innovators,” Naz says.
A core focus of the delivery model is removing the practical barriers that often prevent students from participating in STEM learning. Programmes are delivered on-site during the school day, eliminating transport challenges and the need for whānau support during after-school hours. All classes are provided free to schools and families, ensuring ability to pay is never a gatekeeper to opportunity.
Low student-to-educator ratios and culturally safe learning environments allow akonga to progress at their own pace, supported by qualified, police-vetted STEM facilitators. Dedicated devices in the classroom mean every child can participate fully, even if they don’t have access to a device or reliable internet at home.
Since April 2025, Code 4 Change NZ has delivered more than 2,160 student hours of STEM learning in South Auckland schools, sustained initially through modest personal investment and grassroots community fundraising.
A significant boost came in August 2025, when a recommendation from Wiri Licensing Trust led to a $5,000 grant from Trillian Trust to purchase 22 tablets for classroom use.
The tablets enabled one-to-one device access for coding and game design lessons, transforming the learning experience for students.
“Before the tablets, children often had to share devices and wait their turn,” Naz says. “Having their own device meant they could code, design and create independently as part of their regular classroom programme. You could see their confidence grow almost immediately.”
Schools such as Weymouth Primary School have seen the benefits firsthand, with students engaging deeply in digital learning and developing skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green says supporting initiatives like Code 4 Change NZ aligns closely with the Trust’s commitment to addressing inequities and creating long-term opportunities for the local community.
“We love getting behind organisations that are removing barriers for tamariki and investing in the next generation,” Kim says. “Access to digital skills is increasingly critical, and programmes like Code 4 Change NZ help ensure South Auckland’s young people are equipped to lead, innovate and contribute to their communities and to Aotearoa more broadly.”
Looking ahead, Code 4 Change NZ has an ambitious vision: for every primary school in South Auckland — and eventually beyond — to have access to high-quality, culturally grounded, mana-enhancing STEM education.
To achieve this, the organisation is focused on building a sustainable funding base through community partnerships, philanthropic support and fundraising initiatives, while continuing to demonstrate impact and strengthen relationships with iwi and local stakeholders.
New initiatives, including the Te Ara Hangarau STEM Holiday Academy planned for 2026 and 2027, will extend the in-school model into the holiday period, offering immersive, project-based STEM experiences that build on classroom learning.
“Our goal is for tamariki to step confidently into a digital future, grounded in their culture, supported by their community and equipped with the skills to create positive change for themselves and their whānau,” Naz says. “Every grant, every partner and every supporter helps us take another step toward equity.”
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
