Where STEAM meets culture
Tagata Moana has had over 60,000 Pacific visits and counting since its opening in 2022.
There’s a place on Cashel Street where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) intersect with Pacific culture. Tagata Moana Trust, founded by Nina Oberg Humphries, is now led by a dynamic duo, Nina and her husband Poasa Alaifea, as they work together to revolutionise how Pacific communities engage with STEAM disciplines.
“We’re creating a space where our people can see themselves in these industries,” says Nina. “It’s about belonging – knowing that these high-value careers aren’t just for others but for us, too.”
As the only Pasifika-focused art gallery south of Auckland, Tagata Moana offers more than just insightful exhibitions. The multifunctional community hub hosts everything from dance groups to meetings with government officials, creating bridges between culture and opportunity.
What makes this organisation truly special is its holistic approach. Beyond the gallery walls, Tagata Moana runs comprehensive educational programmes designed to foster leadership and practical skills within the Pacific community. These initiatives are carefully crafted to address the specific needs and learning styles prevalent in Pacific communities, incorporating storytelling, collaborative problem-solving, and hands-on engagement.
“Our main focus is children. Many of our young people don’t see STEAM as accessible,” Nina explains. “We’re changing that narrative by connecting cultural identity with future-focused learning. By weaving traditional Pacific values and practices into STEAM education, we’re demonstrating that innovation has always been a part of Pacific culture – from navigation techniques to sustainable resource management.”
The trust runs a six-part cultural programme for schools, an after-school programme, and one-off events, site visits and 1:1 mentoring. Their financial literacy workshops and adult education initiatives address immediate needs of youth and adults, while pathway programmes with employers inspire the next generation toward sustainable, highly skilled careers.
The team at Tagata Moana also have a Make A Space van that tours around the South Island, complete with equipment such as cameras, podcast equipment, and robotics that are used as a way to inspire people to explore the STEAM subjects.
This work couldn’t be more timely. Pacific people currently make up less than five per cent of those employed in STEAM industries throughout Aotearoa, despite these fields offering the fastest-growing and most sustainable career opportunities with the highest earning potential.
Visitors to Tagata Moana will experience how traditional Pacific knowledge harmonises with contemporary innovation, something grounded in the trust’s core philosophy.
“We don’t see a separation between our cultural heritage and modern technology,” says Nina. “In fact, Pacific problem-solving approaches offer unique perspectives that STEAM industries desperately need.”
For Nina and Poasa, this work isn’t just about career development – it’s about strengthening identity and creating belonging in spaces where Pacific people have historically been underrepresented.
Through their efforts, this powerhouse couple is quietly transforming the landscape of opportunity for Pacific communities in Canterbury, one workshop, exhibition, and mentorship at a time.
The trust’s newest art and music exhibition launches on 28 March and features Christchurch-based musician Vallé, originally from Papua New Guinea.