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New Zealand Students' Pathway to ISEF - Current Status

Document Date: February 2, 2026
Researcher: Dave (Career Advisor, Digital Technologies)
Purpose: To clarify the current situation regarding New Zealand students' pathway to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Executive Summary

The situation is unclear and in transition. AUSSEF claims that New Zealand now has its own national fair and is no longer a pathway for NZ students, but evidence shows that: 1. No operational NZ national science fair currently exists (as of May 2025) 2. NZ students in May 2025 still went through AUSSEF to reach ISEF 3. Plans are underway to establish a NZ national fair, but it is not yet operational

What AUSSEF Says

From the AUSSEF website (https://aussef.com.au/):

"New Zealand now has their own National Fair so AUSSEF is no longer a pathway to ISEF for New Zealand students."

However, this statement appears to be premature or aspirational.

The Reality on the Ground

Recent NZ Students at ISEF (May 2025)

Two Wellington students competed at ISEF 2025 in Columbus, Ohio: - Jesse Rumball-Smith (Wellington College, Year 13) - Won 1st place in Behavioral and Social Sciences category - Isabelle Aduna (Wellington Girls' College, Year 11) - Won 3rd place in Chemistry category

Critical point: These students went through AUSSEF as their pathway to ISEF, not a NZ national fair.

Official Statement from Key Organizer

Amanda Hood (Science educator and NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair Organising Committee member) stated in May 2025:

"Currently we don't have a national STEM fair in New Zealand, and there has been little opportunity for talented students to compete internationally."

She also stated:

"New Zealand's regional science fairs provide an incredible opportunity to highlight excellence in science and technology, but that we're missing a national competition."

Historical Context

  • Last time before 2025: Only ONE NZ student attended ISEF, in 2013
  • May 2025: First time TWO NZ students attended together (only second time NZ was officially represented)
  • Previous pathway: Regional NIWA fairs → AUSSEF → ISEF selection

What's Being Developed

Plans for NZ National Science Fair

There are active discussions and plans to establish a New Zealand national science and engineering fair, with support from:

  1. Royal Society Te Apārangi
  2. Provided funding support for the 2025 ISEF students
  3. Assembled expert judges to select students for ISEF 2025

  4. Stated that funding "will also assist the development of a National Science and Engineering Fair for New Zealand"

  5. NIWA Regional Science Fair Organizers

  6. Amanda Hood and other regional fair organizers are advocating for a national pathway

  7. Want top qualifiers from NIWA regional fairs to have direct opportunity to be selected for ISEF

  8. Student Advocates

  9. Isabelle Aduna expressed hope "that plans for New Zealand to have its own national science and engineering fair come to fruition"
  10. Jesse Rumball-Smith stated: "For a country that wants to be a science-driven nation, we're a bit late to the party!"

Proposed Pathway (Not Yet Operational)

Regional NIWA Science Fairs → NZ National Fair → ISEF Selection

Current Regional Science Fairs in New Zealand

NIWA sponsors major regional science and technology fairs across NZ:

  1. NIWA Auckland Science & Technology Fair
  2. Website: https://www.scifair.org.nz/

  3. Contact: webmaster@scifair.org.nz

  4. NIWA South and East Auckland Science & Technology Fair

  5. NIWA North Harbour Science & Technology Fair

  6. NIWA Waikato Science & Technology Fair

  7. Website: https://waikatosciencefair.org.nz/

  8. Contact: [email protected]

  9. NIWA Wellington Regional Science & Technology Fair

  10. Website: https://sciencefair.org.nz/
  11. Dates (2025): Entries closed August 1, Fair held August 30-31

  12. Key organizers: Amanda Hood (St Patrick's College teacher) and Sylvia Nichol (NIWA Atmospheric Scientist)

  13. NIWA Bay of Plenty Science & Technology Fair

  14. Website: https://www.bopscifair.org.nz/

  15. NIWA Canterbury - Westland Science & Technology Fair

Key Contacts for Students and Teachers

Royal Society Te Apārangi

Role: National academy of sciences, supporting science education and providing expert advice

Email format: firstname.lastname@royalsociety.org.nz

For media enquiries: Nancy de Bueger - 027 458 8982

Why contact them: - They assembled expert judges for ISEF selection in 2025 - They provided funding support for NZ students attending ISEF - They are involved in developing the national science fair pathway

NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair Organizers

Key People: - Amanda Hood - Science educator and organizing committee member (St Patrick's College teacher) - Sylvia Nichol - Atmospheric Scientist at NIWA and science fair coordinator

Website: https://sciencefair.org.nz/

AUSSEF (Australian Science and Engineering Fair)

Website: https://aussef.com.au/

Note: While AUSSEF states they are no longer a pathway for NZ students, they supported the two NZ students who attended ISEF in May 2025.

What ISEF Is

  • Full Name: Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
  • Description: The world's largest and most prestigious pre-university science and engineering competition
  • Participants: Approximately 1,800 finalists from 75 countries compete annually
  • Recognition: Known as the "Olympics" of science fairs for high school students
  • Prizes: Over US$9 million in scholarships, awards, and prizes
  • Selection: Students are selected from affiliated regional, district, and national science fairs
  • History: Has been running for over 70 years

ISEF 2025: Held in Columbus, Ohio (May 2025)
ISEF 2026: To be announced
ISEF 2027: To be announced

Implications for NZ Students (2026-2027 timeframe)

The Pathway is UNCLEAR

  1. AUSSEF says: Not available for NZ students
  2. NZ National Fair: Not yet operational (as of May 2025)
  3. Recent precedent: NZ students in May 2025 went through AUSSEF

What Students Should Do

  1. Enter your local NIWA regional science fair
  2. These are well-established and run annually
  3. Regional fairs occur typically in August/September

  4. Win at the regional level first

  5. Contact Royal Society Te Apārangi for current information about:

  6. Status of NZ national science fair development
  7. Current pathways to ISEF for NZ students

  8. Any special selection processes being organized

  9. Stay informed:

  10. Monitor Royal Society Te Apārangi announcements
  11. Check with regional science fair organizers

  12. Ask your school science teachers to inquire

  13. Consider alternative international fairs:

  14. Jesse Rumball-Smith (2025 ISEF winner) also competed at Taiwan International Science Fair in 2023
  15. Research other international science fair opportunities

Questions to Ask Royal Society Te Apārangi

When contacting Royal Society Te Apārangi (enquiries@royalsociety.org.nz or +64 4 472 7421), ask:

  1. What is the current status of establishing a New Zealand national science and engineering fair?
  2. Is there a timeline for when a NZ national fair will be operational?
  3. What is the pathway for NZ students to compete at ISEF for 2026 and 2027?
  4. Will there be a selection process similar to 2025, where expert judges selected students from regional fairs?
  5. Are there any interim arrangements with AUSSEF or other organizations?
  6. How can students and teachers stay informed about developments?

Important Dates (Based on 2025 Pattern)

Regional Science Fairs (Typically August/September)

  • Entry deadlines: Usually late July/early August
  • Fair dates: Late August to September
  • Prizegiving: Usually within 1-2 days of fair conclusion

ISEF Timeline (Based on 2025)

  • ISEF event: Typically held in May
  • Selection process: Would need to occur several months before (likely December-February)

Note: Students aiming for ISEF 2026 (May 2026) need to understand the pathway NOW, as selection would likely occur in late 2025 or early 2026.

Sources and References

  1. AUSSEF Official Website: https://aussef.com.au/
  2. Royal Society Te Apārangi announcements (May 2025):
  3. https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/news/two-students-off-to-ohio-for-international-science-and-engineering-fair/
  4. https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/news/success-at-international-science-and-engineering-fair/
  5. NIWA/Earth Sciences New Zealand press release (May 2025):
  6. https://niwa.co.nz/news/students-representing-new-zealand-olympics-science-fairs-forging-pathway
  7. Scoop News (May 2025):
  8. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC2505/S00023/students-representing-new-zealand-at-the-olympics-of-science-fairs-forging-pathway-for-international-recognition.htm
  9. RNZ News (June 2025):
  10. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562889/wellington-students-win-big-at-world-s-oldest-and-largest-science-fair

Recommendations

For Students

  1. Don't wait - Enter your regional science fair for 2026
  2. Contact Royal Society Te Apārangi directly for the most current information
  3. Develop excellent projects - The quality of your work matters more than the pathway
  4. Be persistent - As Jesse Rumball-Smith demonstrated, persistence in finding pathways pays off

For Teachers and Career Advisors

  1. Proactively contact Royal Society Te Apārangi for official guidance
  2. Connect with regional fair organizers to understand any special opportunities
  3. Keep students informed about developments
  4. Document the process as pathways develop, to help future students

For Schools

  1. Support students entering regional science fairs
  2. Advocate for clarity in the pathway to international competitions
  3. Consider reaching out to Royal Society Te Apārangi to express interest from your school

Document History

  • Created: February 2, 2026
  • Research conducted: February 2, 2026
  • Sources: Multiple web searches of official organizations
  • Status: Current as of research date, but situation is evolving

Note: This is a transitional period for NZ science fair pathways. The information in this document should be verified with Royal Society Te Apārangi before making student plans.

Appendix: Success Story - May 2025 ISEF

The two NZ students who competed at ISEF 2025 achieved remarkable success:

Jesse Rumball-Smith

  • School: Wellington College (Year 13)
  • Project: "Building A Better Backseat Driver" (road safety smartphone app)
  • Achievement: 1st place in Behavioral and Social Sciences category
  • Prize: USD $6,000 + USD $1,000 for school and fair
  • Pathway: NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair → AUSSEF → ISEF
  • Background: Had been participating in science fairs since Year 7; won NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair in 2023; also represented NZ at Taiwan International Science Fair in 2023

Isabelle Aduna

  • School: Wellington Girls' College (Year 11)
  • Project: "Power-Up with Produce" (eco-friendly solar cells from food waste)
  • Achievement: 3rd place in Chemistry category
  • Prize: USD $1,200
  • Pathway: NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair → AUSSEF → ISEF
  • Background: Won NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair in 2024

Both students were supported by: - Amanda Hood (St Patrick's College teacher, NIWA Wellington fair organizer) - Sylvia Nichol (NIWA Atmospheric Scientist, science fair coordinator) - Royal Society Te Apārangi - AUSSEF team

Their success demonstrates that NZ students can compete at the highest level internationally when given the opportunity.

End of Document