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 ākong 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," 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 – Register your students for the May event here

Event 2 Monday 8 to Thursday 11 June – Register your students for the June event here

Please register for one event only.

“The kids came up with new unrestrained ideas. It’s the type of thing I would really like my own children to be involved in!”

iNVENTIONATOR Mentor and Director of Digital Promotions

“...Didn’t exactly know what it was when I was coming.... But when I got here it was like ...cool... I was surprised at how good. I was expecting it to be good, but it was way better than I expected.”

Student, Highlands Intermediate

How does it work?

A range of digital tools enrich the online event including a virtual meeting space such as Gather, Google suite and other digital participation tools such as word cloud and wheel deciders.

In the lead up to the event students will have 6 online resources and wero | challenges to work through. Each resource will take 1–2 hours to complete. The pre-event online resources can be done individually, or with teacher, whānau or peer support.

As we get closer to the event a tech check date/time will be shared. We will meet via Zoom to mihi | acknowledge and manage access, smoothing any issues and guiding ākonga into the event space Gather pre-event.

iNVENTIONATOR takes place over four half-days, meeting online in Gather, usually from 9:15–12:30pm each day. Ākonga work in teams, formed from various schools or learning spaces across Aotearoa, which huddle around a self-selected challenge to solve.

An evening whakanuitanga | celebration event for whānau and friends will be held to celebrate the selected six teams and all of the incredible mahi | work of the ākonga.

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 six key resources leading up to an 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 and local business people 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.

Enquire about iNVENTIONATOR

Want to know more about iNVENTIONATOR? Get in touch with us using the form below.

'Ingoa tuatahi | First name' is required
'Ingoa whānau | Last name' is required
'School' is required