Creative technologists

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship runs two iconic innovation hubs and maker spaces – Kura Matahuna, Unleash Space and Te Ahi Hangarau. Our maker spaces are popular – in 2024, we had 4,116 maker space sign-ins from 1,702 individuals.

As well as being a great facility for prototyping and creative projects, we run hundreds of workshops and technology training sessions throughout the year. Technology training sessions are run with support from our team of student creative technologists, providing paid teaching experience to students for peer-to-peer training. Our creative technologists delivered a staggering 622 workshops and technology training sessions in 2024.

Aiswarya

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Mechanical Engineering

"My favourite machine is the laser cutter. I used it for making a thank-you gift for my surgeon after my surgery. I recently made a stand to hold an embroidery hoop."

Anna

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Electrical and Electronics Engineering

"My favourite machines are the 3D printers – for very many fidgets. I’ve used the vinyl cutters to make decals for a race car."

Benjamin

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Software Engineering

"My favourite machines are the 3D printers, for making little creatures. I’m making a mechanical wallet that fans out like a deck of cards."

Deiza

Studying towards a Bachelor of Science, Computer Science and IT Management

"My favourite machine is the Cricut machine. I like taking quotable things my friends say and turning them into stickers!"

Helen

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Mechatronics

"I’ve been making lots of stickers in the Cricut machine. I’ve been influencing a lot of other people to make stickers as well."

Ieva

Studying towards a Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

"For my friend’s birthday party, she wanted to hand out shirts with her face on it as prizes so the winners can be fashionable forever. I made them all on the sublimation printer and heat press."

Jasper

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Computer Systems

"My favourite piece of equipment is the laser cutter because it is so fast and versatile. The best part of the machine is that it never breaks down and needs maintenance – it’s great! As part of the Auckland Programme for Space Systems, I’ve also loaded a camera into a rocket payload and launched it a kilometre into the sky."

Karthik

Studying towards a Bachelor of Science, Physics

"My first project in the maker space was making laser-engraved glow powder art. That got me my job! I’ve also made a fae wizard costume."

Nate

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Software

"My favourite piece of equipment would be the laser cutter. The thing I most like using it for is making black and white laser engravings. I’ve engraved my sister’s name on a book cover."

Rosie

Studying towards a Bachelor of Design

"My favourite piece of equipment has to be the laser cutter. I was really intimidated by big machines, but it’s been really rewarding."

Shaun

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Mechatronics

"My favourite piece of equipment is the 3D printer. I’ve used it to print VEX robot parts. I’ve also designed a frame for a car wash selection touchscreen."

Shnaia

Studying towards a Master of Architecture (Prof)

"My favourite piece of equipment is the laser cutter. I’ve used it to make a gameboard. I’ve also created miniature mass housing models."

Suhana

Studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce, Information Systems and Marketing

"My favourite piece of equipment is the 3D printer. I’ve created a prototype for a water conservation management product for Summer Lab."

Thomas

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Software

"My favourite piece of equipment is the soldering iron. I’ve been doing a project where I make a laptop from scratch."

V

Studying towards a Bachelor of Science, Biology

"My favourite piece of equipment is the 3D printer. I recently made an articulated rubber ducky isopod keychain. It’s so cute 🙂."

Vicki

Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Biomedical/Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

"My favourite piece of equipment is the 3D printer. I’ve been making gifts for friends and family."

Wendy

Studying towards a Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Science

"My favourite piece of equipment is the 3D printer. I’m making a standing chihuahua."