Mount Maunganui College was established in 1958 and is a state coeducational secondary school in Tauranga, New Zealand. Part of NZAN’s series of events, “Ten years of Astrobiology in Aotearoa”, Mt Maunganui College is hosting a public event where NZAN’s guests will present about the future of space exploration and possible career opportunities for New Zealand students interested in space.
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Special guest speakers:
Mt Maunganui College is thrilled to welcome leading astrobiologists and space science communicators from the U.S., thanks to the New Zealand Astrobiology Network (NZAN) coordination and grant funding, who made their presence possible.
- Dr. Mitch Schulte – Program Scientist, Mars Exploration Program, NASA Headquarters
- Dr. Sanjoy Som – Founder, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, NASA Scientist
- Dr. Graham Lau – NASA Research Investigator & Host of Ask an Astrobiologist programme
- Sarah Marcotte – NASA STEM Engagement Network lead at JPL, managing the Solar System Ambassadors Program.
NZ Universities & Science Communities
Various Earth and Space departments from universities across Aotearoa will showcase their programmes, illustrate course pathways, and outline career opportunities.
Immersive Space Experiences
Explore SpacewardBound New Zealand’s Mars Blueberry Astrobiology Dome – mobile planetarium, a 3D-printed Mars Rover, solar telescope (weather-dependent) and their astrobiology rocks.
Event Highlights at a Glance
| Time | Activity |
| 9:00 am | Doors Open / Exhibition Begins |
| 10:00–10:30 am | Welcome Speeches — featuring NZAN leadership and distinguished guests |
| 9:00–12:30 pm | Open Floor — meet the USA scientists, university representatives, and NZAN |
| 1:00–1:45 pm | Panel Discussion—Future Pathways in Space Science, moderated by Sam Leske (NZAN), with Dr. Mitch Schulte (NASA Headquarters), Dr. Sanjoy Som (BMSIS), Dr. Graham Lau (BMSIS), Sarah Marcotte (JPL), Haritina Mogosanu (NZAN and BMSIS) & Glen Willoughby (StaplesVR) |
About our sponsors
Join our landmark celebration of 150 years of scientific partnership between New Zealand and the United States of America. This event is presented in collaboration with the New Zealand Astrobiology Network (NZAN) and supported by the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand. It is a key highlight of NZAN’s Ten Years of Astrobiology in Aotearoa programme, commemorating a decade of science, exploration, and education across our motu.
The New Zealand Astrobiology Network Story
Since 2015, NZAN has been the heart behind connecting New Zealand’s scientists, educators, and communities to the forefront of astrobiology through its flagship Spaceward Bound New Zealand programme:
- Reaching 40,000+ students, teachers, and visitors nationwide
- Visiting 200+ schools across Aotearoa
- Forging strong partnerships with international institutions such as NASA, JPL, and the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
- Organising the first astrobiology conference in New Zealand in 2018.
- Supporting astrobiology teaching at the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington.
