Skip Content
Apply now
Ask a question Search

Pilot Project For 3D Printer

National Library kaimahi (from front left) Lynne Vincent, Lani Emery, Arlyn Palconit and DJ Kukutai Jones and (from back left) Hoani Skipper, Greg Marshall and Freda Rawiri will be demonstrating 3D printer use this week

Training for the new technology was held at the organisation’s national library based in Hamilton recently and kaimahi will be handing on their newfound 3D scanning, printing and editing suite skills.
 
Librarian DJ Kukutai Jones says the six-month pilot project will gauge how tauira and kaimahi are relating to and engaging with the 3D printer.

“This new technology will allow students to express their creativity in more dynamic ways which will contribute to their overall learning experience at the wānanga and future successes.

“Instead of drawing on paper and creating their items in 2D, they will be able to design and make solid 3D objects, using this state of the art technology.”

DJ says the software training has boosted team confidence and the library kaimahi are now ready to tackle 3D printer use demonstrations.
A gold coin koha will secure a supervised 3D printer “tutu” for kaimahi and tauira, he says.

If the 3D printer pilot project is sucessful a roll out to other wānanga sites will take place, says National Library lead Greg Marshall.

He says medical researchers are using the 3D-printed transformative technology to replace bones and are working on methods to recreate skin and vital organs starting with the pancreas or liver.

Printable objects also range from firearms to artwork.

Kaimahi made rabbit figurines, pencil cases and matau design fish hooks during their first 3D printer training session.

 


 Back to news & events

Published On: 03 June 2015

Article By: Alice Te Puni

Other Articles

  • read more

    15 October 2025

    Building a beauty brand through education and drive

    At just 21, Maata Morrell-Dzilic is building a thriving beauty brand with the support of business education from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion, determination, and study in small business and project management are fuelling her entrepreneurial success.

  • read more

    08 October 2025

    From paddling to politics: a journey for reo, rights and representation

    Bevan O’Connor’s journey from waka ama to the political stage is powered by his passion for te reo Māori and Māori rights. Discover how his studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and deep connection to te ao Māori are shaping his campaign for the Takitimu Māori Ward.

  • read more

    23 September 2025

    HRC Maternal Health Inequity Report

    New research led by Dr Sarah Lockwood highlights critical gaps in maternity care during Cyclone Gabrielle, urging the Government to include midwifery and Māori leadership in emergency planning. The report calls for equity-focused reforms to protect pregnant women and whānau in climate crises.

  • read more

    18 September 2025

    From Wānanga baby to Wānanga tauira

    Ripekka Matthews’ lifelong connection to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began as a child and continues today through her te reo Māori studies. Discover how her journey from wānanga baby to tauira reflects whānau legacy, cultural identity, and the transformative power of education.