“We’re pleased to partner for the first time with House of Science NZ to help grow science education to inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers and innovators.”
Duggan said Boeing’s support would provide bilingual resource kits designed to cover the science curriculum with interactive, hands-on experiments.
Boeing’s US$30,000 (NZ$51,100) investment would benefit about 6500 students and teachers in Manawatū and Whanganui, House of Science said.
Duggan said the partnership would also help with professional development for teachers.
The investment should help House of Science deliver more science resource kits into local schools, Duggan said.
New Zealand has a shortage of avionics, aerospace, and aircraft maintenance engineers, with all three on Immigration New Zealand’s “green list” for fast-tracking residency.
Ohakea is home to the RNZAF No 5 Squadron, with four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
The Air Force also uses Boeing 757-2K2 twinjet aircraft for passenger and freight roles, based at Whenuapai.
