What is iNVENTIONATOR?
iNVENTIONATOR is a free programme designed to awaken a wide range of ākonga talents through innovation and teamwork. At its heart, the programme aims to empower learners to solve real-life problems that matter to them. We want young people to PLAY. THINK. DESIGN.
This dynamic programme replicates elements of solution incubation, a process commonly used in industry to stimulate innovation. Tātai Aho Rau has modified this approach for ākonga, with great success, using the context of The New Zealand Curriculum.
iNVENTIONATOR is aimed at years 6–9 ākonga with Māui characteristics - problem solvers, critical and creative thinkers, collaborators, designers, curious, observant, questioning, planners and a team player.
Registrations for iNVENTIONATOR 2024 are closed due to the maximum number of 80 registrations being reached. Register below for iNVENTIONATOR 2025, taking place on 12–15 May, powered by Tātai Aho Rau and funded by Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education.
How does it work?
A range of digital tools enrich the online event including virtual meeting space 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 days, meeting online in Gather from 9:15–12:30 pm 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.
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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 six ākonga per year group per school.
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How much time is involved?
The first virtual event is run over four half-days (mornings) 18–21 November
In the lead up to the event learners will have six online resources and wero | challenges to work through. Each resource will take 1–2 hours to complete.
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.
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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.