02.26 EC Roundup
- Jacob Young
- Jan 29
- 16 min read
Updated: Feb 18
The purpose of this newsletter is to connect Aotearoa's students Years 7 - 13 (and their parents) with the varied, and often free, extra-curricular (EC) opportunities arise from time to time. Join our mailing list.
* indicates a new addition.
click the drop-down arrow below for more details about each item
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES (Term 1, 2026)
Arts, Culture, & Fashion
*Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ (Various competitions) | Arts (performance, fashion, writing, music, photography, design)
What? Various creative competitions related to Shakespeare:
Shakespeare Costume Design Competition
Shakespeare Essay Competition
Music Competition
Static Image Competition
Poster Competition
Video Title Card Competition
Who? School students of any age.
When? Submissions are open now and will remain open until 26 March.
Where? Nationwide, online.
Cost? Free to enter. However, you need to be a SGCNZ 'Friend', either personally or through school (this may attract a membership fee).
Apply as... An individual.
Running parallel with SGCNZ’s annual Festivals, these provide opportunity for those whose talents lie in creative aspects including costume design, music, essay writing and visual design.
All finalists win monetary prizes, presented at SGCNZ National Shakespeare Festival Award Ceremony on the Sunday (31 May 2026) of King’s Birthday weekend at 7.00pm, with the opportunity to attend workshops on at the National Festival – and more…!
*Playwrights B4 25 | Arts (performance)
What? An annual playwriting competition.
Who? Anyone under 25 years of age.
When? Submissions are open now and will remain open until 1 April.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
There are absolutely no restrictions on style or content, whether it's a full length monologue or an epic for a cast of thousands, a comedy, or a gritty urban tragedy, we're interested in what you have to say. Write about anything you like, in any way you like, for any kind of audience you like.
All submissions are read blind by the judges. The judges' decisions are final.
The winning play will receive a prize of $1,500 courtesy of Auckland Live.
*Showquest | Arts (performance)
What? A nationwide performing arts programme for students across Aotearoa, giving young people the chance to create, perform and lead on professional stages around the country.
Who? Students Years 1 - 13.
When? Regional events take place 12 May - 29 June around the country, depending on location. Check here for your region dates.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? $300, paid by the school at the beginning of Term 1.
Apply as... A group. Note that participation in this competition is via school only. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Each school develops an original performance that weaves together the six elements of Showquest — Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Culture and Technology — exploring a theme chosen by the students themselves. From concept to curtain call, it’s entirely student-led: choreographed, designed, produced and performed by students in a celebration of creativity and community.
Day One Filmmaking Challenge | Arts (film)
What? A filmmaking competition for young New Zealanders.
Who? Students of all ages with an interest in filmmaking.
When?
Round 1 Submission date: 16 March 2026, 12pm
Round 2 Submission date: 27 July 2026, 12pm
Awards: November.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to participate.
Apply as... An individual or a group.
The Day One Film Challenge is about giving young people a shot at filmmaking. There are multiple categories and genres, including awards for age brackets (Under 11, Under 14, Under 18).
It's more than just a film competition: it's a creative support system from Day One NZ, and a great chance for students of all skill levels to flex their creative muscles.
NZCT Chamber Music Contest | Arts (music)
What? The largest chamber music event for high schoolers of its kind in New Zealand.
Who? Groups of students Years 7 - 13.
Where? Regionals take place throughout New Zealand.
When? Registrations are open now and close April 2026.
Regional rounds take place in June 2026.
National Finals take place in August 2026.
Cost? $20 per student per entry, up to a maximum of $100 per group.
Apply as... A group of 3 - 8 students.
The NZCT Chamber Music Contest is the largest and longest running chamber music event of its kind in the country and each year provides the opportunity for thousands of secondary school students to perform together and enjoy the thrill of making music. Groups of 3 - 8 students can enter either the Instrumental Performance category, or the Original Composition category, or both.
The contest is made up of three parts, starting with the District Rounds happening across 14 centres throughout the country, progressing through to the three Regional Finals from which eight ensembles are then chosen to proceed to the National Finals.
Hokonui Fashion Design Awards | Arts (fashion)
What? A competitive platform for young, amateur fashion designers in NZ to showcase their designs.
Who? All students Years 1 - 13.
When? Entries open in February 2026. The awards event is TBC.
Where? Participation is available to students nationwide. The awards take place in Gore.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... An individual
The Hokonui Fashion Design Awards are an opportunity for Kiwi amateur fashion designers, from primary school age all the way up, to showcase their creativity and talent.
2025 marks the 37th anniversary of the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards - a significant achievement as the longest running fashion design awards of their type in New Zealand. Over the previous years the judging panel has included Karen Walker, Nic Blanchet, Francis Hooper, Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester, Liz Findlay, Doris Du Pont and Margi Robertson (of NOM*d).
There are a wide variety of awards for different categories and age divisions.
TOI Wearable Arts Contest | Arts (fashion)
What? Wearable arts competition for kiwi students.
Who? All students.
When?
Registration is open now and will remain open until 2 April 2026.
Deadlines for costume submissions are 23 April 2026 (South Island and Northland) and 14 May 2026 (rest of North Island).
Regional events run from 12 May to 29 June 2026.
Where? Events take place in up to 11 regions across NZ: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū, Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
Cost? Free to apply. If selected, $25 fee to attend your regional event.
Apply as... An individual or in a group.
TOI is run in collaboration with World of Wearable Art (WOW). It is an opportunity for students across Aotearoa to express their creativity by creating an imaginative wearable art garment that tells a story, either solo or in groups.
Students exhibit their creations at Showquest regional events, which run in May/June throughout the country.
Prizes include a trip to the WOW show in Wellington, Bernina sewing machines, WOW prize packages and more.
Environment & the Outdoors
Untouched World Foundation: outdoor programmes | Environment & the Outdoors, Leadership & Community
Applications are now open for a number of fantastic expeditions in 2026 around the South Island, provided by the Untouched World Foundation.
Toitū Tōtaranui programme (Apr 2026)
Toitū Tōtaranui empowers rangatahi to take action for biodiversity, explore what thriving ecosystems on the mainland look like, and develop leadership, teamwork, and changemaker skills.
Over the course of seven days, you’ll engage with early-stage conservation efforts, hands-on fieldwork, and bold new ideas for ecosystem restoration, including concepts and aspects from te Ao Māori that connect people, whenua, and biodiversity.
Who? Rangatahi aged 16 - 25 years
When?
April expedition: Takes place 13 - 18 April 2026. Applications are now open and close on 2 March 2026, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where? Waikawa Marae, Marlborough
Cost? Both fully-funded (free) and partially funded ($800) places are available.
Apply as... an individual.
Whakaraupō Moana programme (March 2026 & July 2026)
This is a five-day, immersive wānanga designed to grow the next generation of leaders who are connected to place, confident in themselves, and committed to a thriving future for people and planet. It brings together rangatahi from across Canterbury to explore the environmental, cultural, and social dimensions of sustainability in Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour).
Who? Rangatahi aged 16 - 25 years
When?
March expedition: Takes place 23 - 27 March 2026. Applications are now open and close on 9 February 2025, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
April expedition: Takes place 13- 18 July 2026. Applications are now open and close on 1 June 2025, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where? Banks Peninsula, Christchurch
Cost? Both fully-funded (free) and partially funded ($800) places are available.
Apply as... an individual.
Leadership, Community, & Activism
*Race Unity Speech Awards | Speech, Activism
What? The Speech Awards are competition for senior high school students looking to express their ideas for how we can improve race relations in New Zealand.
Who? Students Years 11 - 13.
When?
Registrations are open now, and close 6 March.
Regional events take place 23 March - 28 March around the country, depending on location. Check here for your region dates.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... An individual.
The Speech Awards are a platform for senior high school students to express their ideas on how we can improve race relations in Aotearoa. The Speech Awards give eloquent and thoughtful young people a chance to speak their minds and give the rest of New Zealand a chance to listen to the leaders of tomorrow.
Each of the 21 National Semi-finalists will receive $100. The most outstanding speaker at the national level receives the New Zealand Police National Champion’s Award and $2,000 ($1,000 for the speaker and $1,000 for their school). Special awards are offered at the national final to recognise speakers for specific types of excellence, as outlined below. In addition, the 6 or 7 national finalists receive an equal share of the $4,000 award money.
*Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize | Writing, Activism
What? Essay-writing competition. Newsroom are calling for essays from young people campaigning for a more equitable, sustainable and compassionate world.
Who? Anyone under 25 years of age.
When? The closing date for entries is 27 March.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
The winning essay will receive $1000 in prize money and will be published at Newsroom.co.nz. Other essays may also be published at Newsroom’s discretion.
Youth Councils - General Membership | Leadership, Community, & Activism
Applications are now open for a couple more youth councils across New Zealand.
All regional councils in New Zealand have their own youth council, all with different application/recruitment timelines. As 2026 applications open for each youth council in New Zealand, they will be posted in this newsletter.
Being a part of a youth council is an excellent opportunity to:
Grow skills in leadership, public speaking, communication, finance, and more.
Gain training opportunities in areas that interest you.
Build experience for your CV and future mahi.
Form lasting friendships and connections.
Deepen your understanding of diverse communities and perspectives.
Whau Youth Board 2026
Who? Young residents of the Whau area.
When? Applications open now (closing date unknown).
Where? Whau (Green Bay, Avondale, New Lynn, New Windsor, Blockhouse Bay, Glenavon, and Kelston).
Cost? No cost.
Apply as... An individual.
Rangitīkei Youth Council 2026
Who? Young Rangitīkei residents aged 15 - 24.
When? Applications close 6 February 2026.
Where? Rangitīkei.
Cost? No cost.
Apply as... An individual.
Untouched World Foundation: outdoor programmes | Environment & the Outdoors, Leadership & Community
Applications are now open for a number of fantastic expeditions in 2026 around the South Island, provided by the Untouched World Foundation.
Toitū Tōtaranui programme (Apr 2026)
Toitū Tōtaranui empowers rangatahi to take action for biodiversity, explore what thriving ecosystems on the mainland look like, and develop leadership, teamwork, and changemaker skills.
Over the course of seven days, you’ll engage with early-stage conservation efforts, hands-on fieldwork, and bold new ideas for ecosystem restoration, including concepts and aspects from te Ao Māori that connect people, whenua, and biodiversity.
Who? Rangatahi aged 16 - 25 years
When?
April expedition: Takes place 13 - 18 April 2026. Applications are now open and close on 2 March 2026, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where? Waikawa Marae, Marlborough
Cost? Both fully-funded (free) and partially funded ($800) places are available.
Apply as... an individual.
Whakaraupō Moana programme (March 2026 & July 2026)
This is a five-day, immersive wānanga designed to grow the next generation of leaders who are connected to place, confident in themselves, and committed to a thriving future for people and planet. It brings together rangatahi from across Canterbury to explore the environmental, cultural, and social dimensions of sustainability in Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour).
Who? Rangatahi aged 16 - 25 years
When?
March expedition: Takes place 23 - 27 March 2026. Applications are now open and close on 9 February 2025, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
April expedition: Takes place 13- 18 July 2026. Applications are now open and close on 1 June 2025, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where? Banks Peninsula, Christchurch
Cost? Both fully-funded (free) and partially funded ($800) places are available.
Apply as... an individual.
Youthweek 2025 | Leadership & Community
What? Grants of up to $1,000 are available to young people for hosting Youth Week events.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13
When? Grant applications are open now and close 15 March 2026. Youth Week takes place 18 - 24 May 2026.
Where? Grant-funded events can take place anywhere (can be the student's school, library, swimming pool, park, online, or other community area).
Cost? Free to apply.
Apply as... an individual or a group.
This is a great opportunity for young people to demonstrate & grow their skills in leadership, initiative and event-planning.
Youth week have funded a wide range of events in their time. Events can be anything from hosting an online hui with a group that feel isolated in their region and sending kai to their houses, it can be running a volleyball tournament at the local park, flight stimulation experiences, free swimming classes, movie nights, art installments, bbq hangs, learning about the moana and its stories followed by diving and fishing, market place, comedy nights, to all sorts.
Mathematics
*Junior Maths Competition | Mathematics
What? A nationwide mathematics problem solving competition, funded by the University of Otago.
Who? Students Years 9, 10 and 11.
When?
Registration is open now. Registration must take place via the student's school.
The first part of the competition runs on the week beginning 23 March.
The second part of the competition runs on 6 - 8 May.
Where? Nationwide, online.
Cost? $6 per child entered.
Apply as... An individual, but through school. Note that participation in this competition is via school only. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
2026 is the 41st year of this competition. At each level (Year 9, 10 and 11) there will be a first prize of $300, a second prize of $250, a third prize of $200, and 27 outstanding awards of $50. Certificates are also awarded for Top 100 and Top 200 placings. In addition, Certificates of Distinction will be awarded to approximately the top 15% of students at each level, and Certificates of Merit will be awarded to approximately the top 50% of students at each level.
Problem Challenge (Maths) | Mathematics
What? A mathematics problem solving competition for Intermediate students in New Zealand.
Who? Students Years 6, 7 and 8.
When?
Registration is open now and will remain open until 31 March.
The exams take place between 30 April and 20 August 2026.
Where? Nationwide, online.
Cost? $20 per school plus $0.50 per child entered.
Apply as... A school. Note that participation in this competition is via school only. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Problem Challenge has been offered to schools throughout New Zealand for the past 34 years.
Students participating in the competition attempt to answer five questions in 30 minutes on each of five problem sheets, which are done about a month apart. They do the problems individually.
Students who do well in Problem Challenge are invited to enter a final competition in October.
Problem-solving, Innovation, & Business
*iNVENTIONATOR | Problem-solving, Innovation
What? An online, four-day event, where students work in teams formed from various schools across Aotearoa to solve real-life problems.
Who? Students Years 6 - 9.
When? Two separate events are currently scheduled for 2026.
Event 1:
Applications are open now and close 27 April.
Takes place 4 - 7 May.
Event 2:
Applications are open now and close 15 May.
Takes place 8 - 11 June.
Where? Nationwide (online).
Cost? Free to participate.
Apply as... A group of students.
iNVENTIONATOR is powered by Tātai Aho Rau and funded by the Ministry of Education.
Attendance is digital, through a virtual meeting space. On the leadup to the event, students will have 6 online resources/challenges to work through, each taking 1-2 hours to complete. These can be done individually, or with parent/teacher support.
Following the event there is a celebration evening.
Science
*Royal Astronomical Society of NZ Conference (scholarships) | Science (Astronomy)
What? A fully funded scholarship for 10 NZ students to attend the annual RASNZ conference. The scholarships will pay for their conference registration, meals, the conference banquet, travel to and from the conference venue with respect to their place of residence in New Zealand (by air, train, bus or car) and accommodation at or near the conference venue (normally in a backpacker hostel) with the other SWAPA students.
Who? Students Years 11 - 13 with an interest in Astronomy.
When?
Applications: Open now, closing on 10 April.
Takes places: 15 to 17 May.
Where? Blenheim.
Cost? No cost - fully-funded (including travel from throughout New Zealand).
Apply as... an individual.
Astronomers from throughout New Zealand and overseas will participate in the annual conference. Many of these will be amateur astronomers, and RASNZ is pleased that amateurs in New Zealand contribute so much to the strength of the Society, together with a core of professionals, mainly in our universities. This provides a unique opportunity for students to network with astronomers in New Zealand and to get to know RASNZ. They also organise special events for the SWAPA scholars during the conference, e.g. a breakfast with the keynote speaker and meetings with University students.
NZ Young Physicists' Tournament | Tags: Science (Physics)
What?
1. NZ physics tournament for high schoolers.
2. The opportunity to be selected for NZ's team to the 39th international YPT in Zurich, Switzerland.
Who? Years 11 - 13 students in NZ studying Physics.
When?
1. NZ Physics Tournament: Takes place over two days, 21 - 22 March 2026.
2. Selection for NZ's IYPT team: Video entries are due in by 14 February 2026.
Where?
1. NZ Physics Tournament: Auckland.
2. Selection for NZ's IYPT team: Nationwide, online.
Cost?
1. NZ Physics Tournament: $135 per team.
2. Selection for NZ's IYPT team: Free to apply.
Apply as...
1. NZ Physics Tournament: A group, from your school.
2. Selection for NZ's IYPT team: An individual.
Elaine P Snowden Astronomy School Residency (University of Canterbury) | Science (Astronomy)
What? A fully funded five-day residential astronomy camp. Students will enjoy interactive workshops, inspiring seminars, and fun social activities as well as 2 nights at Takapō (Lake Tekapo), with a trip to UC's Mt John Observatory to explore our cosmic neighbourhood with modern astronomical instruments.
Who? Rangatahi entering Year 13 (Year 12's on a case-by-case basis) with an interest in Astronomy, Physics, or Mathematics.
When?
Applications: Open now, closing on 15 February 2026.
Takes places: April 2026.
Where? Lake Tekapo and the University of Canterbury.
Cost? Fully-funded (including travel from throughout New Zealand).
Apply as... an individual.
Technology & Computer Science
None this month - check back next month.
Writing, Literature & Speech
*NZ Society of Authors - Youth Mentor Programme | Writing
What? A mentorship programme, supported by Creative New Zealand, for four aspiring writers, nationwide.
Who? Students between the ages of 15 and 18.
When? Entries are open on 6 February and close 31 March.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to apply.
Apply as... An individual
The aims of the NZSA Youth Mentor programme, supported by Creative New Zealand, are to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through the mentoring process. The highly-successful mentoring programme has been run since 1999.
There are four 9-hour mentorships available nationwide. Students will be matched with an experienced published New Zealand writer. Student applicants should have a writing project they want to develop. This could be working on a short story collection; collecting together a themed group of poems; or developing the first draft of a long form piece of writing.
*Landfall Tauraka Young Writers’ Essay Prize | Writing
What? An annual writing competition looking for original essays that reflect life in Aotearoa today and capture the concerns and creativity of our emerging writers.
Who? Young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
When? Entries are open now and close 31 March.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual
This competition is organised by the Otago University Press and the prize is judged by the editor of Landfall Tauraka. The winner receives NZ$1500 and a year’s subscription to Landfall Tauraka.
*Kids Lit Quiz | Literature
What? A annual global literature competition, founded and born in NZ.
Who? Students under 14 years of age.
When?
Registrations are open now.
Regional events take place 25 March - 22 May around the country, depending on location. Check here for your region dates.
National finals take place 13 June.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to participate.
Apply as... A group of 4. Note that participation in this competition is via school only. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Teams of four students work together to answer questions on children's literature, which vary from year-to-year. This would suit a student who has done a fair bit of reading, but by no means do students need to be literature experts to compete. The vibe is competitive but fun.
The winning teams of each regional event participate in Nationals, and the winning team from there goes on to the Global final.
*Race Unity Speech Awards | Speech, Activism
What? The Speech Awards are competition for senior high school students looking to express their ideas for how we can improve race relations in New Zealand.
Who? Students Years 11 - 13.
When?
Registrations are open now, and close 6 March.
Regional events take place 23 March - 28 March around the country, depending on location. Check here for your region dates.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... An individual.
The Speech Awards are a platform for senior high school students to express their ideas on how we can improve race relations in Aotearoa. The Speech Awards give eloquent and thoughtful young people a chance to speak their minds and give the rest of New Zealand a chance to listen to the leaders of tomorrow.
Each of the 21 National Semi-finalists will receive $100. The most outstanding speaker at the national level receives the New Zealand Police National Champion’s Award and $2,000 ($1,000 for the speaker and $1,000 for their school). Special awards are offered at the national final to recognise speakers for specific types of excellence, as outlined below. In addition, the 6 or 7 national finalists receive an equal share of the $4,000 award money.
*Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize | Writing, Activism
What? Essay-writing competition. Newsroom are calling for essays from young people campaigning for a more equitable, sustainable and compassionate world.
Who? Anyone under 25 years of age.
When? The closing date for entries is 27 March.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
The winning essay will receive $1000 in prize money and will be published at Newsroom.co.nz. Other essays may also be published at Newsroom’s discretion.
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