Patch to the Future
30 April 2026 - 05 June 2026
Region(s): Nationwide
Type(s): competitions
The New Zealand Space Agency is inviting students from across New Zealand to join the mission through Patch to the Future, a national design competition for Year 1–8 students (aged 5–13).
Students are invited to design a space‑themed mission patch for the New Zealand Space Agency, expressing their creativity, imagination, and ideas about space and New Zealand’s place in it.
To get involved, download the competition entry form on this page and submit your design by email before the closing date.
Who can take part
The competition is open to Year 1–8 students (ages 5–13) enrolled at New Zealand schools.
Entries may be submitted by a school or teacher, or by a parent or caregiver.
All entries must be the student’s own original work.
How to enter
Students design their mission patch using the official entry template.
Designs may be hand‑drawn or digitally created.
Students briefly explain the idea behind their design and complete the required details on the form.
Entries must be submitted digitally as PDF files by email to: nzspaceagency@mbie.govt.nz
Key dates
The competition opens on 30 April 2026
Entries close at 11:59 pm on Friday 5 June 2026
Please note that parent or caregiver consent is required for all entries. Entries must not be submitted unless the consent section on the entry form has been completed and signed.
Judging and prizes
Entries will be assessed fairly within their age group. Judges will be looking for:
Creativity and originality
Simple, bold shapes and colours
A design that works well within a circular format
A clear connection to a space‑related idea
Suitability for translation into an embroidered patch
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
Years 1–3
Years 4–6
Years 7–8
Each category winner will receive a certificate of recognition.
One overall winner will be selected from the category winners.
The overall prize includes:
The winning design produced as an official New Zealand Space Agency patch
A New Zealand Space Agency jacket featuring the patch
A certificate of recognition
A school visit from a New Zealand Space Agency representative
For more information and entry forms: www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/about-nzsa/celebrating-10-years-of-new-zealands-space-sector.
Related content
Aotearoa New Zealand in space introduces a suite of resources, which though created for the middle school years – has something for everyone. Aotearoa in space – a context for learning provides curriculum information and other pedagogical information to help you get started. See this recorded PLD webinar – full of of ideas on how to use these resources in your classroom.
The articles below introduce the range of other resources we have:
Space revealed – discover the secret lives of planets, stars and galaxies
Investigating satellites – learn about natural and artificial satellites
Investigating rockets – taking science and technology to new heights
You can also browse the resources under these topics:
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