From Disengaged To Distinguished: Rangatahi Achieve 100% Pass Rate In Level 3 Programme

(Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand) Digital Natives Academy and Native Tech are celebrating a 100% pass rate for learners enrolled in its Tauwhiriwhiri 3: Pathways to Digital & Creative Tech (Level 3) programme.

The cohort, made up of young people who were previously not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), first engaged through the He Poutama Rangatahi programme in 2024 before progressing through Levels 1 and 2 and continuing on to Level 3 and graduating Dec 2025. The group achieved an exceptional 96.7% attendance rate, demonstrating what is possible when young people are supported through culturally grounded, future-focused education pathways. All graduates are now moving on to further training, education, and/or work, marking a significant transition into positive long-term outcomes.

“This result reflects more than academic success,” says Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule, CEO of Native Tech, the education arm of award-winning non-profit Digital Natives Academy, established in 2014.

“The programme develops confidence, discipline, tenacity, consistency, and practical skills that prepare young people for the real-world."

“It’s about building confidence, discipline, and practical capability, so young people are ready for further training, employment, and expectations. When learning is relevant, supportive, and connected to clear pathways, engagement and success naturally follow.”

The Level 3 programme provides a supported pathway into further study and/or employment, combining coding, content design, game development, and life administration skills with strong pastoral care. Learners develop both technical capability and personal agency, preparing them for Level 4 study or entry-level roles in the digital and creative sectors.

As a learner-centred organisation open to all, Digital Natives Academy and Native Tech embed cultural values, project-based learning, and real-world application into their programmes. This approach has proven particularly effective for young people who have previously disengaged from traditional education pathways.

The outcomes achieved through He Poutama Rangatahi in 2024 reinforce the importance of wraparound support, flexible delivery, and culturally responsive education in addressing youth disengagement and inequity.

“These results highlight the focus and accountability our rangatahi demonstrated throughout the programme,” says Nikolasa. “By building confidence and belief in their own abilities, they’ve shown they are ready to take the next steps in their education and careers.”

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