24 September 2025 — What better way to celebrate exploration than watching the story of NASA’s plucky Mars rover, Opportunity—aka “Oppy”—under the New Zealand sky? Gather for an unforgettable evening at Mount Maunganui College with a free screening of Good Night Oppy, introduced by NASA’s Sarah Marcotte, STEM Engagement Network Lead at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
From NASA to New Zealand
Sarah’s opening remarks will highlight the incredible journey of Oppy, a rover built for a 90-day mission that went on to explore Mars for nearly 15 years. Being directly involved in the outreach work for the exploration of Mars, her perspective connects NASA’s work with our classrooms and communities, showing how exploration inspires scientists and the next generation of explorers here in Aotearoa.
An Inspiring Documentary
Good Night Oppy tells the rover’s story with breathtaking visuals and heartfelt storytelling. The film celebrates engineering brilliance and the human spirit of discovery. It is a fantastic movie for families, students, and space enthusiasts alike.
Community + Science + Storytelling
Hosted by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network and Mount Maunganui College, and proudly supported by the U.S. Embassy, the evening is a shared experience to spark conversations about planetary exploration and the future of space science in New Zealand.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Possible
A heartfelt thank-you to Sarah Marcotte for joining us and sharing her NASA perspective; to the U.S. Embassy for their support; and to Mount Maunganui College for hosting.
