The purpose of this newsletter is to connect Kiwi students Years 7 - 13 (and their parents) with the varied, and often free, extra-curricular (EC) opportunities which might touch upon a student's areas of interest. Join our mailing list.
click the drop-down arrow below for more details about each item
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Untouched World Foundation: outdoor programmes | Tags: environment, leadership
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 (Jan 2026 & 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?
January expedition: Takes place 19 - 25 January 2026. Applications are now open and close on 8 December 2025, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
April expedition: Takes place 13 - 18 April 2026. Applications are now open and close on 8 December 2025, but applications will be considered and positions offered on a rolling basis.
Where?
January expedition: Wild Waikawa, Marlborough
April expedition: 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.
Elaine P Snowden Astronomy School Residency (University of Canterbury) | Tags: astronomy, physics
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.
Stills | Tags: photography
What? Stills is New Zealand's only nationwide youth photography competition for students of all ages. Students simply submit an original photograph in their desired category for selection by the judges. Thousands of dollars of prizes are up for grabs, across multiple categories and age brackets.
Who? Students Years 1 - 13 with an interest in photography.
When?
Submissions are open now and close 21 January 2026.
Where? Nationwide.
Cost? Free to enter.
Apply as... an individual.
Trajectory provides 1 : 1 personalised, in-person tutoring for high school students in Christchurch, across Math, English, Science and all other subjects taught at NCEA level. Enquire about a risk-free trial lesson.