of Digital Natives Academy and M.A.T.C.H celebrate at the
2025 Matihiko Awards in Ōtautahi Christchurch.L–R: Te Ata
Rikihana (M.A.T.C.H Project Lead), Te Mana Turner (DNA
Rangatahi Representative), Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule (DNA
Co-founder/CEO), (DNA Rangatahi Representative), Potaua
Biasiny-Tule (DNA Co-founder)
A
Rotorua-based non-profit that’s helping rangatahi
re-engage with education and build real-world tech skills
has been recognised on the national stage.
Digital
Natives Academy (DNA) received the Kaupapa Tōtara Award at
the 2025 Matihiko Awards in Ōtautahi Christchurch. A
prestigious honour celebrating long-term, kaupapa and
community driven leadership in the digital and technology
sectors.
Founded in 2014, DNA was the
first non-profit of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was
created to empower rangatahi through culturally anchored
tech training in coding, esports, game development,
animation, 3D modelling, and digital storytelling, leading
to further qualifications and pathways into high-value
careers.
“We’ve always believed that
when you honour culture and meet young people where
they’re at, you unlock incredible potential, not just for
them, but for their whānau, their communities, and our
wider economy” said Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule, co-founder and
CEO of DNA. “When rangatahi are empowered to thrive,
everyone benefits.”
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“This award recognises over a
decade of that vision in action, and the rangatahi who show
up every day ready to learn, create and
lead.”
The Kaupapa Tōtara Award is one
of the highest accolades in the Māori tech sector,
recognising sustained impact and leadership over time.
DNA’s approach blends Te Ao Māori (Māori worldviews)
with cutting-edge digital education to ensure rangatahi gain
both confidence and credentials.
“Our
mahi isn’t just about teaching digital and creative tech.
It’s about strengthening identity, building confidence,
forming friendships and creating futures. We see young
people who felt invisible in mainstream systems light up
when they realise they love learning. The skills they gain
with us, confidence, motivation, trust all enable them to
contribute back to their communities.”
“We’re
building more than a tech academy, we’re building a
movement. This win isn’t just for DNA. It’s for every
rangatahi (young person) who feels that they don’t belong
in tech. We’re showing them they absolutely
do.”
M.A.T.C.H (Māoriland Tech Creative Hub) based
out of Otaki, took out the Kaupapa Tipu award which
recognises emerging initiatives that demonstrate early-stage
impact, innovation, and strong potential to influence the
future of Māori participation in the digital and tech
sectors.
About Digital Natives Academy
(DNA)
Digital Natives Academy is a
non-profit based in Rotorua that supports the community to
thrive through culturally grounded exploration of digital
and creative tech with a focus on digital wellbeing. Founded
in 2014, DNA’s vision is to inspire the next generation of
digital leaders.
www.digitalnatives.academy
About
Native Tech
Native Tech is the
accredited education arm of DNA, delivering NZQA-approved
programmes in digital and creative tech. Based in Rotorua,
Native Tech blends Te Whare Tapa Wha with hands-on training
in coding, content creation, AI, cybersecurity, robotics,
game design, internet infrastructure and data governance.
Its vision is to illuminate meaningful
education-to-employment pathways, while building a
future-ready, highly skilled regional tech
workforce.
www.nativetech.ac.nz