With New Zealand's 13-year-olds recording their worst-ever international results in both maths and science, some are looking at new ways to learn the subjects.
Well, how about trying your hand at arts and crafts? Experts from the University of Canterbury are preaching just that as a way of learning maths.
The Christchurch Art Centre's great hall was packed full of people doing maths in disguise on Sunday.
Nine craft stations were set up with one goal - to engage as many people as possible in the subject so many of us fear.
"What's happening here is sort of deeply mathematical, but it's also not what a lot of people experience as mathematics," says University of Canterbury mathematics lecturer David Pomeroy.
The format proved appealing to all ages and stages - and it works.
"It's brilliant," says mother Hannah. "They don't really realise they're doing maths, just having fun and definitely learning as they go."
The minds behind Maths Craft believe if our confidence in the subject rises, we will see a turnaround in our dire stats for maths education.
"I think if we can get the message out there about how important mathematics is and how accessible it is then maybe more students would be interested," says director of Maths Craft New Zealand Dr Jeanette McLeod.
New Zealand has been lagging behind in the subject for years and the Education Ministry has called in expert help to rework the maths curriculum.
ACT leader David Seymour is calling for higher standards for teachers renewing their practicing licenses.
"We're sliding backwards in reading, maths, and science. We need to make those subjects priorities for professional development of teachers," he says.
"Right now we have a whole lot of priorities for teacher development, but reading, maths, and science are not part of them. We need to signal that priority for New Zealand."
But those behind the Christchurch event think simply making maths fun might be part of the solution.
"It's just so fun and kind of surprising, and it's visual and it's almost a little bit meditative, so you can really get lost in doing some french knitting or doing some repetitive folding," Pomeroy says.
While most Kiwis may not say maths is their favourite subject, more similar events could change that in the future.
