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.
* indicates a new addition.
click the drop-down arrow below for more details about each item
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES (Term 3 & 4, 2026)
Arts, Culture, & Fashion
*Artstart 2027 Exhibitions | Arts (fine arts)
What? An opportunity for young artists to showcase their work at one of Artstart's annual exhibitions around the country.
Who? Students aged 15 - 18 in NZ.
When? Entries are open now, and close 6 November.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... An individual
*NZ Secondary School Choir | Arts (singing)
What? Auditions for NZ Secondary Students' Choir 2027 - 28.
Who? Years 9 - 13 students in NZ.
When?
Hamilton: 25 September.
Auckland: 26 - 29 September.
Wellington: 5 - 6 October.
Palmerston North: 7 October.
Christchurch: 8 - 9 October.
Dunedin: 10 October.
Online: TBC.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to audition.
Apply as... An individual
The NZ Secondary Students' Choir operates on a two-year cycle and the next auditions for the 2027-28 NZSSC cycle are upcoming. NZSSC membership requires full commitment to the two-year cycle.
Environment & the Outdoors
*Save the Children NZ: Youth COP 2026 | Environment, Activism
What? An annual United Nations climate conference,
Who? Ages 14 - 20.
When? Takes place 19 September,
Where? University of Auckland, Science Centre.
Cost? $20.
Apply as... an individual.
The COP will give you a chance to step into the shoes of a COP delegate for the day. Throughout the event, you'll:
See what it is like to take part in climate negotiations.
Learn about climate policy,
diplomacy, and international decision-making.
Collaborate with other young people to tackle real-world climate challenges.
Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
*Youth Climate Action Fund: Christchurch City Council | Environment, Community & Activism
What? Council grants of between $1,600 and $8,500 for young people leading bold climate projects that make a real difference in our community.
Who? Ages 15 - 24.
When? Applications close on 28 September.
Where? Open to Christchurch residents.
Cost? Free to apply.
Apply as... Groups of at least 2 young people, supported by an organisation (like a school, charity, etc).
Untouched World Foundation: Oruawairua/Blumine Island Leadership Programme | Environment & the Outdoors, Leadership & Community
What? An immersive eight-day wānanga where rangatahi step into conservation leadership, connecting heart, Based in Oruawairua/Blumine Island, where you'll live and learn surrounded by te taiao.
Who? Rangatahi aged 16 - 25 years
When?
Takes place 30 November - 7 December 2026.
Applications are now open and close on 27 September, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where? Oruawairua/Blumine Island
Cost? Both fully-funded (free) and partially funded ($800 per participant) places are available.
Apply as... an individual.
Leadership, Community, & Activism
*Puāwai 2026 (Leadership Lab) | Leadership
What? A five-month leadership experience for young people in Canterbury.
Who? Young people aged 15-18.
When?
Expressions of interest are open now.
The programme takes place from September to December.
Where? Canterubry.
Cost? Fully funded.
Apply as... An individual
Leadership Lab has delivered Puāwai for six years.
Puāwai is for rangatahi who have already demonstrated their involvement within their whānau, friend group, school or community but are not yet recognised for their mahi.
The rangatahi in the Puāwai programme will:
Receive Strengths Coaching on their Top 5 strengths
Attend a two-day wānanga of workshops, experiences, networking and leadership
Design and facilitate Activator events – youth-led practical projects
*United Nations Youth NZ | Community & Activism
UN Youth NZ have a couple of fantastic upcoming opportunities for North Island students.
Auckland Model Parliament '26
What? A two-day event for high school students to experience the workings of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliamentary system.
Who? Years 9 - 13 students.
When?
Applications are open now and close 7 September.
The event takes place 26 - 27 September.
Where? University of Auckland, Auckland CBD.
Cost? $55 (full scholarships available).
Apply as... An individual
At AMP, students will be immersed in a realistic simulation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament. Participants will be assigned to political parties and engage in debating legislation, forming coalitions, and participating in select committees. The event also includes workshops with political experts and guest speakers, providing insights into civic engagement and the legislative process.
Wellington CompMUN '26
What? A two-day Competitive Model United Nations event for high school students to experience international diplomacy.
Who? Years 9 - 13 students.
When?
Applications are open now and close 14 September.
The event takes place 26 - 27 September.
Where? Victoria University of Wellington.
Cost? $85.
Apply as... An individual
This event is great for delegates experienced in UN Youth events and who want to challenge themselves further with more stimulating debate and content, but we’re still open to first timers! Delegates have the chance to win awards like best speaker and best amendment.
*Young Neurodiversity Champions | Community & Activism
What? An advocacy opportunity for young neurodiverse New Zealanders.
Who? Ages 15 - 24 in NZ.
When? Applications are open now and close 8 September.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free.
Apply as... An individual
Young Neurodiversity Champions, part of the Neurodiversity in Education Project, is recruiting rangatahi who want to use their voice and lived experience to advocate for a more inclusive Aotearoa.
*Save the Children NZ: Youth COP 2026 | Environment, Activism
What? An annual United Nations climate conference,
Who? Ages 14 - 20.
When? Takes place 19 September,
Where? University of Auckland, Science Centre.
Cost? $20.
Apply as... an individual.
The COP will give you a chance to step into the shoes of a COP delegate for the day. Throughout the event, you'll:
See what it is like to take part in climate negotiations.
Learn about climate policy,
diplomacy, and international decision-making.
Collaborate with other young people to tackle real-world climate challenges.
Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
*Youth Climate Action Fund: Christchurch City Council | Environment, Community & Activism
What? Council grants of between $1,600 and $8,500 for young people leading bold climate projects that make a real difference in our community.
Who? Ages 15 - 24.
When? Applications close on 28 September.
Where? Open to Christchurch residents.
Cost? Free to apply.
Apply as... Groups of at least 2 young people, supported by an organisation (like a school, charity, etc).
Untouched World Foundation: Oruawairua/Blumine Island Leadership Programme | Environment & the Outdoors, Leadership & Community
What? An immersive eight-day wānanga where rangatahi step into conservation leadership, connecting heart, Based in Oruawairua/Blumine Island, where you'll live and learn surrounded by te taiao.
Who? Rangatahi aged 16 - 25 years
When?
Takes place 30 November - 7 December 2026.
Applications are now open and close on 27 September, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where? Oruawairua/Blumine Island
Cost? Both fully-funded (free) and partially funded ($800 per participant) places are available.
Apply as... an individual.
Mathematics
None this month - check back next month.
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.
Science
NZ Chemistry Olympiad competition | Science (Chemistry)
What? The NZChO test, typically in late September, is an opportunity for all students to be challenged and test skills that will extend them and prepare them for external exams.
Who? Years 11 and 12 students in NZ.
When? Registrations are open now and close 8 September. The test takes place on 15 September.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? $40 + fees.
Apply as... An individual
Students will be awarded Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit certificates based on their level of achievement.
The results of the NZChO competition will be used to select the students to be invited to participate in a training group for the International Chemistry Olympiad. This group will be provided with a series of modules that they can complete over the summer and that will extend their chemistry knowledge (up to a level suitable to help prepare students for Scholarship Chemistry).
Prime Minister's Future Scientist Prize | Science
What? A prize for a student with a project relating to natural, physical, mathematical, information, applied, engineering, technological, or other sciences. The winner will receive $50,000 to use towards their tertiary education in NZ.
Who? Years 12 and 13 students in NZ.
When? Applications are open now and close 30 September.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to apply.
Apply as... An individual
Prime Minister's Space Prize for Student Endeavour | Science (Space)
What? A prize for a student with a science, technology, or engineering project related to space or advanced aviation. The winner will receive $50,000 to use towards their tertiary education in NZ.
Who? Years 12 and 13 students in NZ.
When? Applications are open now and close 30 September.
Where? NZ nationwide.
Cost? Free to apply.
Apply as... An individual
Technology, Computer Science & STEM
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
None this month - check back next month.