ShadowTech is an education outreach programme that gives girls in Years 9 to 11 the opportunity to step into the world of tech. This time, students from Rototuna Senior and Junior High School, as well as Hamilton Girls’ High School were invited to take part.
The day began with a tour of the Hiko Hub, where students explored workspaces and met with resident tech businesses. They then participated in hands-on workshops and explored the wider campus.
One of the organisers of the day, NZ Tech Executive Director Yvonne Gill, emphasised the importance of increasing female representation in the tech industry, noting that only 29% of New Zealand’s tech workforce is female.
“We all consume tech daily in every aspect of our lives. If the workforce doesn’t reflect our society, then the products and services we use won’t either.”
She says being able to host the Hamilton leg of the national programme at the Hiko Hub enabled the students to see the connection from the University into the workforce.
"I think it's great to have that connection between industry as we’ve got high school students seeing that pathway through to university and then into a career and you've got the businesses based here on campus, I think that's really important.”
Students hear a talk at ShadowTech25.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Gary Wilson says the Hiko Hub is a launchpad into the world of innovation.
“It connects leading researchers, graduate students, and forward-thinking businesses that are solving real-world challenges. It also provides opportunities for students to engage in research for business and industry.
“Whether they're passionate about tech, science, or entrepreneurship, the Hub helps turn ideas into impact, through collaboration, strategy, and hands-on experience.”
A highlight of the day was hearing from Teresa Poli, a Waikato alumna and now an Environmental Engineer with experience in both New Zealand and Australia.
Teresa is a passionate advocate for Māori and wāhine in STEM.“I think it’s so important to give students the chance to see what’s possible – because often, you just don’t know what’s out there until you’re exposed to it.
Waikato alumna Teresa Poli.
“The ShadowTech programme gives them that opportunity to connect with industry professionals or people who’ve studied in these fields, and suddenly they can see themselves reflected in those career paths.”
Teresa is enjoying seeing Waikato becoming a real hub for tech, with exciting projects happening locally.
“I’m loving the stronger connection between education and industry - it’s helping young entrepreneurs and innovators grow. That’s what universities are meant to do: foster different ways of thinking so we can solve real problems in our communities.”
Dhisha Sharma, a Year 11 student at Rototuna High School, admitted she arrived with modest expectations—but left pleasantly surprised.
“I’d definitely say I had a good day. It was very interesting to see what it’s like here.”
Dorothy Strickland, a 15-year-old student from Hamilton Girls’ High School, also found the day eye-opening.
Originally set on becoming an architect, Dorothy said the panel discussions introduced her to alternative pathways she hadn’t considered before.
