Kiwibots is inspiring and empowering the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers.
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Our programmes provide our rangatahi (youth) with opportunities to develop the technical, social, practical and emotional skills that future-proof our Kiwi kids, and future-proofs New Zealand.
We proudly run New Zealand's only large scale robotics education and competition programme that covers all levels of schooling from primary through to university.
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 products who are a global leader in robotics education, as well as supporting many robotics programmes and initiatives across New Zealand.
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We know that early engagement with STEAM education ensured young kiwis are equipped for a technological work future, where our our unique 'Number 8 wire' flavour of problem solving and design will play a key role.
Kiwi kids 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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International relationship building
Kiwibots are the current World Champions with VEX Excellence (Team JANK) and Design (Team WINGU5) Awards at the University level.
We have worked with over 10,000 NZ students aged 8yrs and up through the VEX competitions, and even more with their education programmes. More than 1,000 young kiwis have represented NZ at the VEX World Championships, and our teams have been Tournament Champions at this international level 11 times - a feat no other country has yet to achieve.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Kiwibots manages three levels of competitions aimed at different school ages - VEX IQ (up to age 14), VEX VRC [VEX Robotics Challenge] (up to age 18), and VEX U (University). Teams can comprise school groups or independents, and 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.
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If you're interested in starting a team or seeing how you can get involved, check out the link below.
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VEX 123
Kindergarten - Y3
VEX Go
Primary School
VEX IQ
Primary / Intermediate
(Elementary & Middle)
VEX VRC
Intermediate -
High School
(Middle & Secondary)
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 VRC alumni
CONTACT KIWIBOTS
Get in touch with Kiwibots to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
Fill out the form on the right with your enquiry and someone from the team will be in touch as soon as possible.
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If you don't hear from someone at contact@kiwibots.co.nz or have a pressing matter, feel free to reach our
National Operations Manager, Michelle Hazeleger-Mollard, directly at michellem@kiwibots.co.nz or on +64 21 298 9492