Zoe Eather

Jonathan Reichental

Sam Johnson

Mike Manson

Michele Wong

9:00 - 5:00 Empowering Communities: Local Government Workshop

An invite-only workshop designed for local government officials, where we delve into essential topics such as smart communities, AI, and future generations planning. This session provides a unique platform for councils from New Zealand and Australia to connect and share innovative solutions.

Full programme available here.

9:30 - 1:30 Discover Innovation: Schools Experience

Inspiring the Future

Kicking off with a fun 20-question investigation, students try to guess the jobs of inspiring role models. After the big reveal, where each role model shares their job and a unique prop, students break into smaller discussion groups encouraging the sharing of exciting career pathways. Led by the Tertiary Education Commission.

Calling Next Gen Innovators: Design your Expo

This workshop invites students to take the lead at this year's Innovation Expo by exploring and challenging the current format. They'll engage with exhibitors, gather insights, and then jump into a rapid design thinking challenge to reimagine what the Innovation Expo could look like next year. Led by Josh Hough and Johnson Keast.

Sessions are pre-booked for school groups.


9:00 - 5:00 Interactive Robotics

Take part in an interactive robotics experience with Kiwibots. You will have a short time to work on building and programming a robot. There will also be some robots that you are able to control and drive.

Venue : Exhibition Hall
9:30 - 4:20 Minecraft Build Ōtautahi Challenge

Join us and watch the ingenuity of ākonga from Christchurch as they harness the power of Minecraft to bring their creative visions for the city centre to life. This year's event revolves around the theme of sustainable design, as the "Build Ōtautahi" challenge takes center stage. Watch as these young minds present their imaginative and innovative building concepts, all aimed at shaping a brighter future.

Venue : Exhibition Hall
10:00 - 4:00 VEX V5 and IQ Robotics Competitions

Students from across Canterbury have been working on their robots to compete in the VEX V5 Robotics Competition (High School) and VEX IQ Robotics Competition (Primary ages up to Year 9). This is a step on the way to attending the New Zealand national championships and hopefully qualifying for the World Championships in Dallas, USA.

Venue : Exhibition Hall
9:30 - 12:50 Minecraft Build Ōtautahi Challenge

Join us and watch the ingenuity of ākonga from Christchurch as they harness the power of Minecraft to bring their creative visions for the city centre to life. This year's event revolves around the theme of sustainable design, as the "Build Ōtautahi" challenge takes center stage. Join us and watch as these young minds present their imaginative and innovative building concepts, all aimed at shaping a brighter future.

Venue : Exhibition Hall
10:00 - 4:30 Valorant Innovation Expo Exhibition Tournament

Experience the thrill of competitive gaming at the Valorant Esports Tournament, where top teams battle it out for glory and prizes amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the expo. Join us for intense matches and live commentary.

Venue : Dobson 4