The national robotics final for Māori students begins today.

It is a challenge hoping to actively engage young Māori in our critical STEM subjects.

But Robopā project co-ordinator Thomas Mitai told Kate Hawkesby it requires more than just technical skill.

"Robotics is more sort of the bind, for us it's about the collaboration, working together, communication, identify, [and] acknowledging values."

Twenty-four schools competed for a place in the final, and 79 more schools have come forward with interest for next year, he said.

"We initiated the project because we saw a need in having a STEM project in our rural school around the Bay of Plenty."

LISTEN ABOVE AS THOMAS MITAI SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY