Maker Festival (MakerFest)

The Greatest ‘Show and Share’ on Earth.

Tauranga – Aotearoa New Zealand

The STEM Wana team thanks all the makers, suppliers, partners and supporters who have shown interest in participating in MakerFest and for their continued contribution to the Maker cause. MakerFest will now be scheduled for October 2026.

Event postponed until 2026

Read the official statement

If you’re interested in MakerFest 2026, please get in touch with the team

Makers from Aotearoa New Zealand will have an event dedicated to them to showcase a movement that is celebrated around the world.

Promoting Innovation

By bringing together diverse minds and talents, MakerFest will excite and engage the next generation to become Aotearoa’s future problem solvers and workforce.

Fostering Creativity

In today’s rapidly evolving world, creativity is a valuable skill that drives problem-solving and innovation. MakerFest encourages participants to explore creativity through hands-on activities.

Calling all Makers…

We’re looking for unique makers, artisans, engineers, tinkers, designers, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs from all over Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you have a passion for making and a desire to share your knowledge with the next generation, we want to hear from you.

If you’re interested in MakerFest 2026, please get in touch with the team

Expression of Interest (CLOSED)

Meet our sponsors

MakerFest is a community driven kaupapa and relies on sponsorship, funding, and support by the leading STEM organisations in the Bay of Plenty and across Aotearoa New Zealand. If you’re interested in MakerFest 2026, please get in touch with the team

FAQs

What kind of sponsorship packages do you offer?

We have sponsorship packages for all budgets. Benefit from pre-event and post-event activities as well as on the day exhibiting space. Get in touch with us via the contact form for more information. If you are part of a Not-For-Profit/For Purpose organisation we also want to hear from you.

Is MakerFest the same as STEMFest?

While both events are about hands-on learn by doing, MakerFest is suited to older rangatahi and young adults. We welcome all ages, but some activities at MakerFest will be unsuitable to those under 12 years of age. Please check our programme for the day for more information on what to expect to avoid disappointment.

I’m a maker, but I don’t have a company or business, can I still get involved in MakerFest?

Yes! We would love to hear from you if you are a hobby maker or a maker in your spare time working on a cool project. If you have a passion for sharing your love of making with the community, submit an Expression of Interest now.

My company sells supplies for Makers can I attend?

All exhibitors will be curated to ensure that makers and visitors have the best festival experience. We will have very limited spaces for Maker Sellers, please submit your Expression of Interest so we can discuss further.

Sponsorship

  • If you’re interested in MakerFest 2026, please get in touch with the team
  • Take part in a brand new first of its kind event in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Help to inspire and create the next generation of talent that could be part of our future workforce
  • Showcase who you are and what you do to ~3,000 people at the main MakerFest day
Contact Team