He Wawata Nui – From Porirua to NASA, Reaching for the Stars
An inspiring encounter in Porirua launched an extraordinary journey, one that recently took a group of Porirua community members all the way to NASA in Houston, Texas.
The seeds of this journey were planted in 2023, when NASA Astronaut Trainer Dr. Janetta Boone visited Aotearoa, working alongside the NZ Police College. During her stay, Dr. Boone met with local rangatahi through the HONO tech programme under Pātaka Toa and was deeply moved by their stories and the rich cultural heritage of our region.
That inspiring exchange sparked something remarkable: an invitation for our young people to visit NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston.
There, our rangatahi met their American counterparts, shared their experiences, and walked the corridors of space exploration history — an experience that turned dreams into tangible possibilities.
He Tangata – A Meeting That Left Us Starstruck
One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip was meeting Mana Vautier — a Māori aerospace engineer working at NASA with aspirations of becoming the first Māori astronaut.
Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, Mana’s journey began at the University of Auckland and took him across the Pacific to Brigham Young University in Utah, where he studied physics and astronomy. He later completed postgraduate studies in aerospace engineering at Auburn University, Alabama.
It was during his time at Auburn that Mana landed a pivotal summer internship at Odyssey Space Research, housed within NASA’s Johnson Space Centre. His work exploring the gravitational transition between Earth and the moon formed the basis of his master’s thesis on translunar trajectories.
That first day at NASA made a lasting impact.
“I don’t know if the first day high ever really disappeared,” Mana laughs.
Now a full-time aerospace engineer, Mana develops complex computer simulations that model various aspects of spaceflight — showing our rangatahi that a dream nurtured in Aotearoa can truly reach the stars.
From left to right: Aerospace Engineer, Mana Vautier pictured with Porirua locals, Raelinda Fermanis, Mike Fermanis, Nick Dunlop, Maria Dunlop and Dr. Janetta Boone.
Why This Matters
Māori are still underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Many rangatahi don’t see themselves reflected in global scientific institutions like NASA
This kaupapa helps to break down barriers and expand what feels possible
The Impact So Far
Boosted engagement in STEM pathways for rangatahi
Strengthened sense of identity and belonging
Aspirations made real through visible Māori role models
Pathways illuminated from local schools to global careers
Inspiration for the next generation of Māori scientists, engineers, and explorers
A powerful reminder that local dreams can lead to international opportunities
Your Journey Starts Here
This isn’t just a story — it’s a call to action.
Let’s build a future where Māori excellence shines in science, technology, and space. Let’s empower more rangatahi to walk through doors once considered closed, and to imagine themselves as the next Mana Vautier.
Join us. Support us. Be part of a legacy that future generations will remember. If you’re interested in opportunities like this, email us: upane@ngatitoa.iwi.nz