Redefining Education with Curiosity, Innovation, and a Dash of Kiwi Humour with Dr. Michael Harvey (EP168)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Dr. Michael Harvey is the Director of Innovative Learning at Marlborough Boys’ College in Blenheim, New Zealand. Originally from Gisborne, Michael’s career spans the chemical industry, intellectual property, and education. A passionate advocate for EdTech, curiosity, and integrating indigenous knowledge to find novel solutions, Michael is committed to making education more equitable, engaging, and future-ready and is a strong advocate for public education.

Ka whangaia, ka tupu, ka puawai – That which is nurtured blossoms and grows.

Your WHY: Curiosity, Connection, and Service

At the heart of everything I do is curiosity. My why is about sparking that same curiosity in others—helping students and teachers see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. I’m also driven by manaakitanga, which in MÄori terms is all about looking after people. Education is about service: serving communities, supporting others to thrive, and building a future we can all be proud of through public education. I also advocate for education by serving the Post Primary Teachers Association here in New Zealand.

Whether it’s helping a student figure out why rugby balls curve the way they do (spoiler: it’s physics!) or supporting a teacher to embrace technology without having a meltdown, my goal is to create spaces where people can grow and learn.

Be curious, not judgemental.
         ~Ted Lasso

From Gisborne to the World (and Back Again)

I was born and raised in Gisborne, the first city in the world to embrace the new day. Growing up in this corner of paradise taught me the value of community and the joy of a good question. I was the kid always asking “Why?â€â€”to the point where my teachers probably needed a lie-down after class.

Gisborne, the first city in the world to embrace the new day

That curiosity carried me through a PhD in Chemistry, where I fell in love with the idea that tiny particles could explain massive phenomena. From there, I hopped across to the UK, working in the chemical industry before returning home to Aotearoa, where I decided to channel my inner Einstein (minus the hair) as a patent examiner for the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. Fun fact: Einstein was also a patent examiner, so I’d like to think we’re kindred spirits.

Eventually, I realized my true passion was sharing the wonder of science with others, so I swapped patents for classrooms and became a teacher. Teaching has taken me from New Zealand to China and Malaysia, and then back to New Zealand, which has introduced me to diverse ideas and the importance of different perspectives.

Innovative Learning at Marlborough Boys’ College

I am presently based at Marlborough Boys’ College in Blenheim, the wine capital of New Zealand and gateway to Te Waipounamu or the South Island. My job is to shake things up—in a good way. My role is all about helping teachers and students rethink how we learn. It’s not just about slapping a shiny bit of tech on top of a textbook—it’s about creating real, meaningful change.

We’ve done some pretty cool things, from using Minecraft to explore historical events to 3D-printing models of sustainable homes.

And while the tech is exciting, the real magic happens
when students start thinking critically, collaborating,
and solving real-world problems.

Home | Marlborough Boys’ College

For teachers, it’s about making technology less terrifying. My mantra? “Technology is like a sheepdog—it’s only useful if you know how to use it, and it shouldn’t bite you.â€

Building Bridges: Why I’ve Moved Beyond the SDGs

Here’s the thing about global education systems: they tend to treat free-market capitalism like it’s the only possible solution to the world’s problems. Having worked with educators in the US, I’ve seen how this philosophy is baked into everything—so much so that people don’t even question it. It’s like swimming in water and not realizing you’re wet.

That realization made me look closer at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the SDGs are well-intentioned, they’re built on the same narrow measure of progress: economic growth. And let’s be honest—there’s more to life than GDP. In Aotearoa, we have Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), which gives us a much broader framework for equity and sustainability, emphasizing relationships (whanaungatanga), care (manaakitanga), and collective well-being.

I’ve moved away from the SDGs and now focus on exploring alternative change models. Platforms like Ed3DAO are exciting because they challenge traditional hierarchies and empower communities to create solutions through Web 3.0. It’s about breaking out of the old mold and building something fresh, fair, and inclusive.

Ed3 DAO

Human Intelligence in a World with AI

So, let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the algorithm—in the room. AI is changing everything, but here’s the twist: it’s not here to replace us. I’m part of the Human Intelligence Movement, which is all about championing the skills and qualities that make us uniquely human—creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and the ability to have a cup of tea without glitching.

As Dr. Michelle Ament pointed out in her recent podcast episode, AI can handle the repetitive stuff, but it’s our job to bring the heart, the ethics, and the big ideas. In education, that means teaching students how to use AI wisely, critically, and with manaakitanga—care and respect for others.

The key isn’t to compete with AI—it’s to collaborate with it. Human intelligence in a world with AI is about playing to our strengths and using technology to amplify what we do best

What’s Next?

I want New Zealand to become a global leader in rethinking education. I focus on blending human and digital learning, embedding mÄtauranga MÄori into what we do, building human competencies by developing graduate profiles for my students, and creating a model that others can learn from.

I’m also keen to keep challenging the status quo. We can build an education system prioritizing equity, sustainability, and collective well-being. And who knows? Maybe there’s a book, another podcast, or even a Netflix series in my future.

Join the Conversation

Education isn’t just about what we teach—it’s about how we learn; how we grow; and how we build a better future together. If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or just someone curious about where education is headed, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

NgÄ mihi nui for reading, and let’s keep pushing boundaries, asking big questions, and remembering to laugh along the way.

Dr. Michael Harvey’s Contact Information

Dr. Michael Harvey
Director of Innovative Learning
Marlborough Boys’ College
Blenheim, New Zealand

TiC Electronics and Director of Innovative Learning & Esports @marlboroughboys | pedagogical prognosticator | @ISTEcommunity Leader

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/Doctor_harves 
X- @doctor_harves
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjharvey/
Bluesky- doctorharves.bsky.social
Blogpost – https://theflippedscientist.blogspot.com/  

*****

I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Michael Harvey. It was an honor for me that Michael shared his story and his WHY on my virtual porch.  When we first met at the FETC conference, it seemed like we had a lot in common. I wanted to learn more so I wanted to make sure we connected online. I enjoyed our conversation and hope you did too. Please share this post and podcast with your friends and make sure you connect with Michael.