Ten Years of Astrobiology in Aotearoa – Programme Hub

Celebrating 150 years of U.S.–NZ scientific partnership — made possible with support from the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand.

About the Celebration

In 2025, we mark a decade of astrobiology in Aotearoa New Zealand — a field that asks the biggest questions of all: How did life begin? Are we alone? What is our future in the Universe?

Since 2015, Spaceward Bound New Zealand has connected scientists, educators, and communities, creating a nationwide network that has inspired more than 40,000 students, teachers, and visitors. Through school visits, hands-on expeditions, and public events, we’ve brought the science of life in the Universe into classrooms, wharenui, and planetariums across the country.

A Global Collaboration

This milestone also celebrates the strong partnership between New Zealand and the US, forged through international research collaborations, field expeditions, and cultural exchange. From the steaming terraces of Ōrākei Kōrako — a mirror to ancient Mars — to classrooms from Northland to Southland, our journey has been shared with scientists from NASA Headquarters, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science.

Our collaborations have led to new university courses, strengthened indigenous–science partnerships, and placed New Zealand on the global map as a leader in space education and research.

By the Numbers

40,000+ students, teachers, and visitors engaged
200+ schools visited nationwide
Partnerships with NASA, JPL, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
Fieldwork in some of the world’s most Mars-like landscapes

A nationwide celebration marking a decade of New Zealand’s astrobiology journey, bringing NASA scientists, global experts, and local researchers together for talks, school visits, and public events.

Thank you to our fantastic supporters

Ten Years of Astrobiology in Aotearoa marks a decade since New Zealand took its first steps into this exciting, interdisciplinary science—exploring the origins, evolution, and future of life in the Universe. Supported by the U.S. Embassy as part of the 150 Years of U.S.–NZ Scientific Partnership, this celebration brings together NASA scientists, international experts, and leading New Zealand researchers for a series of events across the country. From public talks and panel discussions to school visits and hands-on demonstrations, we’ll explore topics ranging from Mars rover missions to the unique astrobiological treasures of Aotearoa’s geothermal landscapes. It’s a rare opportunity to engage directly with the people advancing the search for life beyond Earth, and to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.

What's on

Scroll down to explore the events, speakers, and stories that mark this once-in-a-decade celebration.

Ten Years of Astrobiology in Aotearoa – Programme Hub

About the Celebration

A Global Collaboration

By the Numbers

What's on

Sign up for our Newsletter

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?

Create Account