Kiwibots inspires and empowers the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers.
Our programmes provide rangatahi (youth) with opportunities to develop communication, collaboration, and creativity: skills that future-proof Kiwi kids.
We are a charitable organisation that proudly facilitates Aotearoa New Zealand's only large scale robotics education + competition programme covering all levels of schooling from primary through tertiary.
Kiwibots at a Glance
Kiwibots helps students to learn science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in a fun and engaging way. We achieve this through various robotics tools, primarily VEX Robotics; a global leader in robotics education.
Early engagement with STEAM education ensures that young Kiwis are equipped for a future in the tech industry. Our unique Kiwi ‘Number 8 wire' methods of design & problem-solving play a key role.
Rangatahi that go through our programmes gain invaluable experience in:
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Creative problem solving
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Teamwork (especially under pressure!)
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Engineering design
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Working with complex electronics
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Hands-on building and material work
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Coding and IT Skills
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Cross-cultural relationship building
Accolades
Kiwibots are World Champions with VEX Excellence (Team JANK) and Design (Team WINGU5) Awards at university level.
We've worked with 10,000+ NZ tauira (students) aged 8 and up through VEX competitions, and even more with our education programmes. More than 2000 young Kiwis have represented Aotearoa at the VEX World Championships, and our teams have won awards at international level 15 times.
How Does it Work?
Kiwibots manages three levels of competitions, aimed at different school ages:
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VEX IQ – Up to age 15
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VEX V5RC (VEX Robotics Challenge) – Up to age 18
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VEX U (University)
Teams can comprise school groups or independents. With the support of a coach, the students do all the design, building, programming and operating themselves.
Each year, in line with the Northern Hemisphere school calendar, VEX releases a new design challenge for students across the world to solve by designing and building innovative robotic solutions.
VEX 123
Kindergarten – Year 3
VEX Go
Primary School
VEX IQ
Primary – Intermediate
(Elementary – Middle School)
VEX VRC
Intermediate – Secondary
(Middle – High School)
VEX U
University
(College)
"Achieving success with the smallest things on a robot started me down a path of becoming interested in all things mechanical."
- Vincent, Auckland VEX V5RC alumni
Contact Kiwibots
Fill out the form to learn more about our mahi & how you can get involved – we'll be in touch as soon as possible.
If you have a pressing matter, reach out to our National Operations Manager directly:
Michelle Hazeleger-Mollard
+64 21 298 9492