Updated: Apr 10
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 which arise from time to time. Join our mailing list.
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click the drop-down arrow below for more details about each item
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES (Term 2, 2026)
Arts, Culture, & Fashion
*OnScreen National Short Filmmaking Challenge | Arts (film)
What? A short filmmaking competition for young creatives in NZ.
Who? Students Years 7 - 13
Where? Nationwide.
When?
Registrations are open now, and final film submissions are due in September.
Register early and get access to free mentoring, workshops and filmmaking opportunities throughout the year.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... A group or an individual.
OnScreen is a challenge for kiwi students to create an original short film, documentary or music video of up to 7 minutes.
OnScreen is free to enter and open to all intermediate and high school students across Aotearoa. Its goal is to facilitate students learning new skills, trying new things and taking on creative leadership. Students are encouraged to run their production like a real film set and learn how to be a Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Cameraperson, Audio Technician, Editor, Lighting Technician, Performer and Animator.
The total prize pool is over $12,000, with various categories and age divisions.
Registrations are open now, and filmmaking tools, workshops and mentoring is available for students as soon as they register.
*MEXT Japanese High School exchange scholarships | Culture (Japanese, travel)
What? A partially-funded, 1-month cultural exchange, giving Kiwi students the opportunity to experience school life in Japan.
Who? Years 11 - 13 students studying (or willing to start studying) Japanese.
Where? Japan.
When?
Applications for the exchange are are open now and close 27 April.
The exchange programme takes place 7 October - 8 November 2026.
Cost? Through the MEXT scholarship the cost of the 4-week programme is $4,000, with the Japanese Government funding the remaining of the programme cost.
Apply as... An individual.
There are a number of 'info sessions' coming up to provide more information to parents/guardians about what to expect.
*NZ Youth Film Festival | Arts (film)
What? A film competition for young creatives in NZ.
Who? Students aged 15 - 24.
Where? Nationwide.
When? Entries are now open, and close 31 May 2026.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... A group or an individual.
The NZ Youth Film Festival is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to finding, celebrating, and empowering the next generation of New Zealand filmmakers and creators. The festival provides a national platform for emerging talent to showcase their work, gain industry exposure, and access invaluable learning opportunities.
Students can enter any type of short film, animation, video advert, documentary, or music video. This includes entries of any genre, story, or theme. NCEA student assessments, coursework, vlogs and explainer videos are accepted.
Awards are available across different categories, and the achievements of the students are celebrated at a final awards ceremony.
Funding in the form of financial support is available for students to help develop their short film.
*Rockquest | Arts (music)
What? New Zealand's nationwide, live, original music, youth event giving young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting.
Who? Students Years 1 - 13.
Where? Nationwide.
When?
Entries open on 30 April.
Regional heats and finals take place across the country, in May - July.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... An individual or a band.
Mentoring is available to participants. A wide range of awards are available both at the regional competitions and at the national finals.
*Bandquest | Arts (music)
What? NZ's premiere live music event, encouraging aspiring musicians onto the stage.
Who? Students Years 1 - 8.
Where? Nationwide.
When?
Entries open on 30 April.
Regional finals take place across the country, in August or September.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... A group of 3 - 10 students.
Thousands of dollars of prizes are up for grabs.
The kaupapa is to encourage Primary and Intermediate aged musicians onto the stage; learning through experience and developing their performance skills alongside their teamwork, communication, goal-setting and leadership skills.
Rockshop Bandquest is designed for students who are not quite at the point of writing their own songs yet, to give them a chance to get up on stage and get a taste for it. Entrants get to perform in a supportive and encouraging competition format, with a focus on education, inspiration, and entertainment.
Play It Strange | Arts (songwriting, visual art)
Play it Strange is a NZ organisation which encourages young songwriters to write, record and perform their own songs.
They have a number of fantastic songwriting competitions coming up.
Junior Songwriting Competition
What? A songwriting competition for junior aspiring song-writers in New Zealand.
Who? Students Years 9 - 11.
When? The deadline for entries is 3 May.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
Peace Project
What? A songwriting competition inviting young people to explore what peace means to them.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13.
When? The deadline for entries is 24 May.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
Waiata Māori Competition
What? A songwriting competition inviting young people to share their kōrero and bring reo rangatira to life through waiata.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13.
When? The deadline for entries is 28 June.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
National Songwriting Competition 2026
What? A songwriting competition for junior aspiring song-writers in New Zealand.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13.
When? The deadline for entries is 28 June.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
Enter these competitions by submitting your details, a recording of your song and the lyric sheet. The recording and performance quality of the entry is not taken into account in the judging process.
This year's competitions will be judged by a panel of judges. All finalists will have their song recorded in a professional recording studio, and feature on to the 2026 Junior Songwriting Competition digital album (or another digital album). Prizes also include 1:1 mentor sessions with one of the competition judges, performance at Play It Strange's annual awards, a $10,000 music video package thanks to NZ on Air, and artist development sessions.
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 and close 22 May 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.
Tangata Beats | Arts (music)
What? Smokefree Tangata Beats is a live, original music, nationwide, youth competition.
Who? Groups of students or soloists Years 1 - 13.
Where? Regionals take place throughout New Zealand.
When?
Registrations are open now and close 1 May.
Regional competitions take from 15 May - 20 June (depending on location).
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... A group of students (bands) or soloists/duoists.
The prizes up for grabs include thousands of $$ of Rockshop equipment, mentoring, and the opportunity to record your song in a professional studio.
Environment & the Outdoors
Untouched World Foundation: Whakaraupō Moana Programme | Environment & the Outdoors, Leadership & Community
What? 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?
Takes place 13- 18 July 2026.
Applications are now open and close on 1 June 2026, 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
*Girlboss: Future CEO programme | Leadership & Community
What? A fully-funded leadership experience for female student leaders in Auckland.
Who? Auckland's Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls, Prefects, and senior student leaders who want to deepen their impact in their schools and communities.
Where? AUT, Auckland.
When?
Applications for the programme are open now.
The programme takes place overnight, 25 June.
Cost? Free (fully-funded).
Apply as... An individual.
Participants will join a select group of student leaders from across the city to develop their leadership skills, connect with New Zealand’s top CEOs, and build relationships with other ambitious young women.
The programme culminates in participation in the Lifewise CEO Sleepout on 25th of June: an iconic event where many of New Zealand’s leading CEOs sleep outside for one night to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
*Voice of Aroha: Youth Empower Summit | Leadership & Community
What? A three part leadership experience bringing together 200+ rangatahi from across Pōneke, Te Awa Kairangi, and Porirua.
Who? Young leaders and aspiring leaders, aged 15 - 25.
Where? Pataka Art + Museum (Porirua, NZ).
When? 29 - 31 May.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... A group of 8 students.
The summit begins with an Official Launch Evening at New Zealand Parliament, setting the tone for a transformative weekend of youth leadership, storytelling, and connection.
The following two days at Pataka Art + Museum in Porirua will feature interactive leadership workshops, youth-led panels and discussions, creative sessions and storytelling, and networking with changemakers and community leaders.
Untouched World Foundation: Whakaraupō Moana Programme | Environment & the Outdoors, Leadership & Community
What? 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?
Takes place 13- 18 July 2026.
Applications are now open and close on 1 June 2026, 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.
YES - Team up for Change | Problem-solving, Innovation, Community
What? A cross-curricular learning experience which gets students working in teams to design, plan and carry out a project to make a positive change in their local community.
Who? Students Years 7- 8
When? Proposals are developed through Term 2 or Term 3, and carried out in Term 4.
Where? Registrations of interest from schools in Auckland, Greater Wellington, and Canterbury are sought.
Cost? Free to participate.
Apply as... A teacher (for a group of students). The programme is designed to be teacher-led, so participation in this competition is via school only (or, at minimum, with school consent). If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Team Up is powered by Young Enterprise Scheme.
Students make and submit a video of their project proposal by the end of August. They could win a share of $20,000 to help make their project happen. An award will be up to $2,000.
Mathematics
*NZ Physics and Mathematics Competition | Science (Physics), Mathematics
What? Annual academic competition that tests students' ability in Physics and Mathematics.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13 (split into 2 separate age divisions).
When?
Registrations for Round 1 is open now and closes 26 April.
Round 1 takes place 9 May.
Regional finals will follow for high-achievers.
Where? Round 1 takes place nationwide (online).
Cost? $14.99 per student.
Apply as... An individual.
The competition is a perfect opportunity for passionate students who wish to be challenged and learn about Physics and Maths at the same time. Online information workshops take place early-mid April.
*CAM Kiwi Competitions (English, Mathematics, Science, and Spelling Bee) | Science, Mathematics, English
What? Annual skills-based competitions which align with the NZ Curriculum.
Who? Students Years 7 - 10.
When?
Registrations close 15 May.
Online competitions take place 15 June - 24 July.
Where? Nationwide (online).
Cost? $9.90 per student.
Apply as... A school. Please note that participation in CAM competitions is via school. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Problem-solving, Innovation, & Business
*New Zealand Economics Competition | Business (economics)
What? A secondary school Economics competition in New Zealand.
Who? Students Years 11 - 13
When?
Registrations open 20 April and close 25 May.
The online competitions take place 24 June.
Where? Nationwide (online).
Cost? Free.
Apply as... A school. Please note that participation in this competition is via school. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
The New Zealand Economics Competition began in 1997, and since then it has become the biggest and most prestigious national competition of its kind for secondary students.
In 2024, over 2,000 students from around 57 schools throughout New Zealand entered the competition. The 50-minute examination tests classroom theory and general knowledge of current economic issues.
After the results are finalised, there is an award event ceremony to celebrate the highest achievers. The top-performing students will receive monetary prizes and the National Winners will also receive a trophy.
*Da Vinci Decathalon | Problem-solving
What? An academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students.
Who? Christchurch students years 9 - 11.
Where? Christ's College, Christchurch.
When?
Entries are open now.
Year 9 event - takes place 5 May.
Year 10 & 11 event - takes place 8 May.
Cost? $260 per team of 8.
Apply as... A group of 8 students. Please note that participation in the Decathlon is only via school. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy.
YES - Team up for Change | Problem-solving, Innovation, Community
What? A cross-curricular learning experience which gets students working in teams to design, plan and carry out a project to make a positive change in their local community.
Who? Students Years 7- 8
When? Proposals are developed through Term 2 or Term 3, and carried out in Term 4.
Where? Registrations of interest from schools in Auckland, Greater Wellington, and Canterbury are sought.
Cost? Free to participate.
Apply as... A teacher (for a group of students). The programme is designed to be teacher-led, so participation in this competition is via school only (or, at minimum, with school consent). If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Team Up is powered by Young Enterprise Scheme.
Students make and submit a video of their project proposal by the end of August. They could win a share of $20,000 to help make their project happen. An award will be up to $2,000.
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?
Applications are open now and close 15 May (or until capacity is reached).
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
*NZ Physics and Mathematics Competition | Science (Physics), Mathematics
What? Annual academic competition that tests students' ability in Physics and Mathematics.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13 (split into 2 separate age divisions).
When?
Registrations for Round 1 is open now and closes 26 April.
Round 1 takes place 9 May.
Regional finals will follow for high-achievers.
Where? Round 1 takes place nationwide (online).
Cost? $14.99 per student.
Apply as... An individual.
The competition is a perfect opportunity for passionate students who wish to be challenged and learn about Physics and Maths at the same time. Online information workshops take place early-mid April.
*CAM Kiwi Competitions (English, Mathematics, Science, and Spelling Bee) | Science, Mathematics, English
What? Annual skills-based competitions which align with the NZ Curriculum.
Who? Students Years 7 - 10.
When?
Registrations close 15 May.
Online competitions take place 15 June - 24 July.
Where? Nationwide (online).
Cost? $9.90 per student.
Apply as... A school. Please note that participation in CAM competitions is via school. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
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.
Technology & Computer Science
NZ Informatics Competition | Computer Science
What? An informatics competition for NZ school students, aimed at testing students' programming abilities and logical thinking, as well as having a bit of fun.
Who? Students Years 13 and below.
When? The competitions take place as follows:
Round 1: 23 March - 29 March.
Round 2: 29 June - 5 July.
Round 3: 17 August - 23 August.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... An individual
From the official rankings, high performing students are invited to attend our yearly programming camp, from which students are chosen to represent New Zealand internationally in informatics.
Writing, Literature & Speech
*Sargeson Prize - Short story competition | Writing
What? New Zealand's biggest short story prize, sponsored by the University of Waikato.
Who? Aspiring and emerging writers aged 16 - 18 (secondary schools division).
When? Entries are open now and close 30 June 2026.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual
Entries must be original pieces of work, under 3000 words. The prizes for the Secondary Schools Division are:
First Prize: $2,000
Second Prize: $1,000
Third Prize: $500
The winning story will also be published by Newsroom in its literary section 'ReadingRoom'. In addition, the winning author will be offered a one-week live-in summer residency at the University of Waikato (meals, accommodation, and travel fully-covered), to be taken up in January or February of the following year.
*CAM Kiwi Competitions (English, Mathematics, Science, and Spelling Bee) | Science, Mathematics, English
What? Annual skills-based competitions which align with the NZ Curriculum.
Who? Students Years 7 - 10.
When?
Registrations close 15 May.
Online competitions take place 15 June - 24 July.
Where? Nationwide (online).
Cost? $9.90 per student.
Apply as... A school. Please note that participation in CAM competitions is via school. If you are interested as a parent or student, check whether your school intends to participate this year.
NZ Poetry Society International Poetry Competition | Writing
What? A poetry competition for young poets which has run by NZPS every year since 1987.
Who? Students aged 17 or under.
When? Entries are open on 15 March and close 31 May 2026.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Nominal cost (~$10).
Apply as... An individual
All entries are eligible to be published in NZPS's annual poetry anthology.
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