Organisation

NZ International Science Festival

Description

Join the team of Superstar Tūao/Volunteers for the 2026 NZ International Science Festival! You'll be helping to run a wide range of events across our festival dates: 15 - 19 July 2026. A variety of roles are available.

The New Zealand International Science Festival Trust's mission is to inspire and have people of all ages and backgrounds consider the importance of science in our daily lives, and to provide quality science education while inspiring the public to consider its implications for both today and tomorrow. Since 1998 the festival has engaged over 200,000 participants across Aotearoa New Zealand, celebrating all areas of science, from the mysterious outer limits of the universe to the marvellous inner workings of robotics and all the wonderful stuff in between.

This year's Science Festival dates are 15 - 19 July in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Over those dates they'll host 50+ events on all areas of science in multiple venues across Dunedin.

As an Event Supporter there are a range of opportunities available:

• Public Facing Support: Ticket-taking and general event management

• Event Supervision

• Education: Leading hands-on interactive activities

• Event Setup & Pack Down

Training provided:

• Complete the initial 30 minute training/induction (only required for some roles)

The NZ SciFest team will make every effort to match volunteers with a role that aligns with their interests!
(please note that there are limited roles available, especially in leading hands-on activities)

• Volunteer shifts available daily from 15 - 19 July in the mornings, afternoons and evenings (most shifts last between 2-4 hours)

• Additional pre-festival volunteer roles available

• You'll be helping to bring a highly engaging and informative event to the community

• You'll be helping to entice members of the public to consider the fascinating role science plays in their daily lives

Requirements

Science Festival Volunteers must:

• Be over 16 years of age

• Be genuinely interested in the world around you

• Be excited to be part of a fun & busy team during the Festival

Please note:

• No science background needed, but let them know if you have an area of expertise!

• Many different types of roles available, they can often find one to suit your requirements

• Volunteer T-Shirts to be worn (a shirt will be provided upon confirmation of volunteering roles; T-Shirts must be returned upon completion of volunteering)

• A police background check may be required for some roles, especially where volunteers are working with children (this would be provided).

Time commitment

• Ideally, volunteers will take on 2-4shifts during the festival

• Commit to 4 - 10 hours in total

• Some volunteer roles will require a brief training/induction (~30mins)

Background Check

Police vetting, children (not all roles)

How to apply

Please fill in this form https://forms.office.com/r/EjwFu76pU0

For more information please email programmes@scifest.org.nz

Please copy (cc) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email