Updated: May 12
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
*Walk the Line | Arts (fashion)
What? A fashion design show for youth in Auckland.
Who? Students aged 13 - 18
Where? Shed 10, Auckland
When?
Entries are now open, and close 26 June.
The Dress Rehearsel and Event take place in August.
Cost? $80 (if selected in the top 60)
Apply as... An individual.
Walk the Line provides a platform for young aspiring fashion designers, and many participants have utilised this to forge successful careers within the fashion industry.
*FUSION design competition - Art supporting Science | Arts (design)
What? A design competition for the logo of the 'World Up of Physics' being hosted in Auckland in 2027.
Who?
Students Years 11 - 13
Where? Nationwide.
When? Entries are now open, and close 28 May.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual.
You do not need to study physics, or even design and visual communication - although the latter might help.
Five finalists will win art supplies. The winner will also receive an electronic drawing tablet and spend a day with the international award winning Onfire design agency. And of course the winning design will be used to promote the tournament across the world!
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.
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.
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
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
*Samsung: Solve for Tomorrow | Technology & STEM, Problem-solving & Innovation
What? A competition encouraging young people to use STEAM and design-thinking to solve a problem in their community.
Who? Students Years 7 - 13
When?
Entries are open now.
Project Plan deadline (optional, for feedback): 12 June.
Entries close: 18 September.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual or a group of students.
Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide competition challenging New Zealand’s next generation of innovators to unleash their creativity and use STEAM to help improve their communities.
Delivered in partnership with MOTAT and TENZ, the finalists will share $24,000 in prizes, including prize money and Samsung technology for them, their teacher and school.
*NZ Secondary Schools Case Competition | Problem-solving, Innovation, & Business
What? A business case competition for high school students.
Who? Students Years 9 - 13.
When?
Entries are open now and close 22 May.
Preliminary round: begins 25 May.
Final round: 13 June.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... A group of 3 - 4 students.
The competition this year is split into two rounds.
The preliminary round will begin on 25th May, where a business case will be distributed to all participants. Teams will have a week to build a business case presentation from this case which they will then record and submit for judging by 1st June. From these submissions, five teams will be provided feedback from industry professionals and proceed to the final round.
The final round will occur on June 13th from 9am to 4pm, and will entail a li
ve presentation of each team’s case to a group of industry judges at St Cuthbert’s College in Epsom. Along with their presentation, teams will also have a timed Q&A about their business case. From these presentations, winners of the competition will be selected. Note that finalists outside this region will present via Zoom an online presentation to the panel of judges.
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.
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
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.
Technology, Computer Science & STEM
*Robocup & Aquabots | Technology & STEM (Robotics)
Robocup Jr
What? A robotics competition for New Zealand school aged students.
Who? Students Years 3 - 13.
When & where?
Regionals take place around the country, in June (precise dates depend on the region).
Nationals take place in Rotorua in August.
Cost? Costs vary and support is available - inquire to learn more.
Apply as... A school. Please note that participation in this competition is mainly through school. If you are interested as a parent or student, please check whether your school intends to participate this year.
Aquabots
What? An underwater robotics competition for New Zealand school aged students.
Who? Students Years 3 - 13.
When & where?
Regionals take place around the country, in August - October (precise dates depend on the region).
Nationals take place in Malborough in November.
Cost? Costs vary and support is available - inquire to learn more.
Apply as... A school. Please note that participation in this competition is mainly through school. If you are interested as a parent or student, please check whether your school intends to participate this year.
*Samsung: Solve for Tomorrow | Technology & STEM, Problem-solving & Innovation
What? A competition encouraging young people to use STEAM and design-thinking to solve a problem in their community.
Who? Students Years 7 - 13
When?
Entries are open now.
Project Plan deadline (optional, for feedback): 12 June.
Entries close: 18 September.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual or a group of students.
Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide competition challenging New Zealand’s next generation of innovators to unleash their creativity and use STEAM to help improve their communities.
Delivered in partnership with MOTAT and TENZ, the finalists will share $24,000 in prizes, including prize money and Samsung technology for them, their teacher and school.
Writing, Literature & Speech
*NZ Writers' College Short Story Competition | Writing
What? A short-story competition for emerging NZ writers.
Who? Unpublished writers aged 16 and up.
When?
Entries are open now and close 31 May 2026 (free entry) or 30 September (small entry fee).
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter before 31 May.
Apply as... An individual
The top three winners will collect cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250, and publication in an anthology of winning stories.
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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