Strategy and consulting company Accenture has entered into an agreement to become the Innovation Partner of Te Papa's learning lab, Hinatore.

The lab provides a range of cutting-edge technologies that sparks curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages and connects them with New Zealand's cultural, scientific and artistic treasures.

Justin Gray, Accenture New Zealand country managing director, says Accenture is thrilled to be helping to foster innovation in partnership with New Zealand's pre-eminent national museum.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Te Papa and to share our passion and energy to help Hinatore continue to thrive, be rich with content and stimulate the curiosity of future generations.

"Collaboration, emerging technologies and innovation are key to the future of learning.

Accenture will provide insights and support for the learning lab and has a special interest in supporting access to Hinatore's learning programmes for students from low-decile schools, says Gray.

Miri Young, Te Papa's learning innovation head, says the museum is excited to be partnering with professional services company Accenture.

“We are really pleased to partner with Accenture. We look forward to working together and learning from Accenture's global technology expertise to further enhance learning experiences in Hinatore.

The learning lab is equipped with a Virtual Reality studio, 3D printers, 3D scanners, touch tables, and telepresence technologies that enable learners to connect in real time with their counterparts from around the globe, Young says.

“New Zealanders learning about, creating with and sharing the nation's collections through new and emerging technology is what Hinatore is all about, and it's great to have Accenture's support,” Young says.

Hinatore is Te Papa's innovative learning environment; a creative lab for learners of all ages to engage with New Zealand's national collections in new and meaningful ways.

Hinatore's future focused approach combines experiential, hands-on, high tech experiences to support learners' and teachers' development of 21st-century skills of creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, curiosity and cultural engagement.

Using learner centred and cross-disciplinary practices, Hinatore provides dynamic, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) based learning programmes that are tailored to different audience needs, including curriculum based classroom learning for school groups.

Accenture is a global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations.

Combining experience and specialised skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions, Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders.