Code Club Aotearoa

10/06/2026

The Big Shout Out 2026 is here, and now's the time to say a big THANK YOU to our wonderful volunteers that make Code Clubs happen week in and week out. Our kaimahi are a treasure, and we're very grateful for what they do.

Check out Volunteering New Zealand Volunteering New Zealand for more about what's happening with The Big Shout Out this June!

04/06/2026

This is an awesome entry point into a creative project for younger tamariki!

19/05/2026

Calling all Code Club leaders!

We know your kids have some pretty cool projects on the go. Why not have them enter Coolest Projects 2026? This global technology showcase is open to young people all over the world. Your Code Club tamariki could have their projects featured in the global project gallery, receive feedback, and earn certificates. There will also be a celebration livestream on the 24th of June.

Entering something like coolest projects and having their work included in the gallery can motivate and encourage young creators, boosting their confidence. The Coolest Projects 2025 Impact report found that 83% of young people felt inspired to continue learning and participating in computing after taking part, and that number alone is well worth it!

Follow the link in the comments for more information about Coolest Projects 2026. Submissions close on the 27th of May.

28/04/2026

A fun and easy activity to have available in Code Club this week! 👇

🌺 Did your ākonga enjoy learning about Anzac Day? Keep the kōrero going with Collecting Poppies - a fun Scratch activity where tamariki program their very own poppy-collecting game!

🎒https://shorturl.at/LLpVS

They'll get hands-on with variables, randomness and game design - all in one lesson, all for free! Perfect for Year 5–8 💻

19/04/2026

ANZAC day is coming, and you know we love a topical tech teaching resource! Follow the link in the comments for our collection of ANZAC-themed digital technologies lesson ideas, using several favourite programmes as well as an unplugged option.

Now's also a great time to brush up on some te reo! Here are some words and phrases to help you talk about ANZAC day in te reo Māori:

Te Rā o Ngā Hōia: Soldiers Day/Servicemembers Day

Te Rā Maumahara ki ngā Hōia o Ahitereiria me Aotearoa: Day to Remember the Soldiers/Servicemembers of Australia and New Zealand

Te Rā Whakamahara ki ngā Hōia o Ahitereiria me Aotearoa: Remembrance Day for the Soldiers/Servicemembers of Australia and New Zealand

Te Rā Whakamaumahara i Te Hononga Ope Kātua o Ahitereiria me Aotearoa: Memorial Day for the Australia New Zealand Army Corps

30/03/2026

The 2025 Reach and Impact Report for Digital Future Aotearoa has been released! Code Club Aotearoa made a splash last year, and we're proud of what we've achieved: 256 clubs across the country and 3,328 tamariki registered. We couldn't do it without the 480 incredible volunteers leading and hosting these groups.

One student, Max, had this to say about something he was working on:

“This is my passion project. I think it will take me about 1 to 2 1⁄2 years to finish because of how complex it is. I want to be a computer engineer designing CPUs. Hopefully, this is just the start.”

So great to hear, Max! Digital skills are not only crucial for everyday life, but can open up new horizons career-wise. We are wishing the absolute brightest future to all of our Code Club participants.

See the full report linked in the comments, and head to codeclub.nz to sign up to volunteer or host in 2026. We'd love to have you on board!

24/03/2026

The internet is a fantastic tool! We love to see our tamariki use it to fuel their creativity, as long as they're safe, confident, and in control.

Code Club leaders should check out our blog post (linked in the comments) containing simple tips for staying safe online. With a series of basic dos and don'ts around privacy, AI, and behaviour, it will help you help your students to form safe internet habits.

17/03/2026

This gets us moving!! ☘️ 💃 Why not give it a go with your coders?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all who celebrate 💚

26/02/2026

Sphero hardware is an ideal one to play with while the weather is still warm! These spherical robots can roll about according to your programmed commands, making them a very fun and engaging Code Club activity for tamariki.

Sphero bots are waterproof, opening up some marvellous maritime opportunities. Take a look at the link in the comments for the many activities you can enjoy with Sphero bots, including the swim series which will make a real splash with club members!

27/01/2026

Wondering what a Code Club could achieve for your school? Here are a few solid reasons to establish one! Code Clubs can:

• Empower students with skills for the future
• Foster creativity, collaboration, and community
• Connect students within the tech industry
• Support digital literacy and tech confidence

Our clubs are also fun for all involved, and a great way to close the digital divide. Read the blog linked in the comments for more about why your school needs a Code Club and get in touch to talk about how you can get one up and running in 2026.