iNVENTIONATOR
An innovative programme designed to awaken and foster ākonga talents through innovation and teamwork.
iNVENTIONATOR - what is it and who is it for?
iNVENTIONATOR is a free, interactive online programme designed for Year 6–9 ākonga to foster innovation and teamwork by solving real-world problems. Grounded in the philosophy of "PLAY. THINK. DESIGN.", it empowers learners to explore their unique talents while connecting with peers in a collaborative digital environment. By focusing on authentic issues that matter to the students, the programme encourages them to take agency over their learning through a structured and creative process.
The programme utilises a specialised "solution incubation" methodology, adapted from industry practices to align with The New Zealand Curriculum. It specifically targets ākonga who exhibit "Māui characteristics (gifts)," such as critical thinking, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. Through this modified approach, participants develop essential skills as designers, planners, and team players, successfully bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial innovation.
iNVENTIONATOR virtual youth events for 2026 will be held from:
Event 1: Monday 4 to Thursday 7 May (Registrations close Friday, 27 March) – Register your students for the May event here
Event 2 Monday 8 to Thursday 11 June (Registrations close Friday, 15 May) – Register your students for the June event here
Please register for one event only.
How does it work?
A range of digital tools enrich the online event including Google suite and other digital participation tools such as word cloud and wheel deciders. The event takes place in Zoom.
To help your tamariki step confidently into the event, we’ve created a set of resources for you to explore beforehand. These will support preparation and spark some early ideas and energy!
A Kaiako orientation hui will be held in the week following the close of registration. During this hui we will go through the website and share preparation tips for you and your tamariki before the event. The kaiako responsible for the tamariki should attend.
iNVENTIONATOR takes place over four half-days, meeting online in Zoom, usually from 9:00–12:30pm each day. Ākonga work in teams, formed from various schools or learning spaces across Aotearoa, which huddle around a self-selected challenge to solve.
On Thursday evening the final selected teams present their mahi via Zoom to whānau and friends and we celebrate all the incredible mahi | work done by all participants.
What are the benefits of iNVENTIONATOR?
- Encourages future-fit skills such as: problem solving, innovation, teamwork, digital technology and fluency, design thinking and entrepreneurship.
- Focuses on problems that matter to students in their context – local or global – building healthier communities as a result.
- Participants work through resources with their kaiako leading up to the event, building confidence and capabilities before the event.
- Community-based model enables ākonga to reference their local environment and experience as part of the inquiry process.
- Whānau, kaiako and our Tātai Aho Rau kaimahi are involved as mentors and judges – playing both a learning and celebration role.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about iNVENTIONATOR by clicking on these FAQ’s.
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Who is it for?
Years 6–9 gifted learners.
Find out more about Ngā pūmanawa kia manawa tītī | Characteristics of the gifted.
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What will ākonga do?
- Explore innovative mind frames through six online resources.
- Complete related wero | challenges to sharpen their skills.
- Bring an idea or skill set to pitch.
- Collaborate and think critically to solve an everyday problem of local relevance.
- Use the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a guide.
- Participate in an awesome iNVENTIONATOR experience.
- Continue to grow your team's idea beyond iNVENTIONATOR.
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Does it cost?
No, the programme is completely FREE! iNVENTIONATOR is funded by the Ministry of Education as part of the events and opportunities for gifted learners initiative.
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What do you mean by gifted?
iNVENTIONATOR supports learners to use their gifts and talents to solve problems that matter to them and build better communities. It’s about further developing potential.
Read more about the characteristics of gifted learners.
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How many learners can participate?
Up to five ākonga per school.
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How much time is involved?
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The virtual events are usually run over four half-days (mornings). Face-to-face events are usually run over 2–3 days depending on locality and circumstances for attending schools.
In the lead up to the event learners will have online resources and wero|challenges to work through. -
The time-frame to complete these resources can be adjusted depending on learner ability and time before the event. One suggestion is to complete one resource per day or each week if you have a longer lead in time to the event. They are designed for kaiako to use with their whole classes and align with the Social Studies Curriculum.
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Who receives the online resources?
Learners will receive information to access the resources through the iNVENTIONATOR portal. Teachers, family and whānau can support students, helping them work through the resources and complete the wero.
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Do students need to have an idea before the event?
Learners will bring an idea, but their idea doesn’t need to be fully developed and may change once they join a team.
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When will the learners be put in teams to work?
During the virtual event, learners will work in teams, formed around ideas or skills pitched.
The pre-event online resources can be done individually, or with teacher, whānau or peer support.
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What is the role of a teacher/whānau member during the virtual event?
To help ākonga make the most of iNVENTIONATOR you can:
- prepare a comfortable physical space for participants to work together
- ensure access to equipment needed i.e. stable wifi, devices, headphones, a large screen for groups if possible
- awhi or support students by checking in with them regularly
- support wellbeing of students and liaise with CORE facilitators if you think collaborative coaching or individual support is required.
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Listen to the podcast
What is iNVENTIONATOR and how can you use it to work with ākonga?
Enquire about iNVENTIONATOR
Want to know more about iNVENTIONATOR? Get in touch with us using the form below.