
Blog.
Stories about the mahi we love

Celebrating Our Code Club Heroes – National Volunteer Week 2025
At Code Club Aotearoa, we know that behind every flashing LED, Scratch game, or Python script is someone who made that learning moment possible—a volunteer.

Code Club: Ākonga Spotlight Meet Amani & Lilith!
In our latest Code Club Ākonga Spotlight, we chat to Amani and Lilith—two young coders from Auckland. Amani, a Year 6 student, shares her experience creating an ocean-themed shop app in Scratch, while Lilith, age 10, talks about the inspiration behind her find the bug game!

Looking Beyond a Funding Crisis
We’ve said it many times before, and we’ll say it again: the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in Aotearoa—and therefore the wellbeing of our nation as a whole—often relies on charities and non-profits.

Let’s Go Global: Coolest Projects 2025 is Open for Entries!
Coolest Projects 2025 is open — and we want Code Clubs across Aotearoa to get amongst it! This online showcase celebrates creativity and code from young people around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or already building epic projects in Scratch, Python or robotics — this is your chance to shine!

Tech Opportunities in Term 2
We know the curriculum is full and the school year moves fast. That’s why one of the most effective ways to include digital technologies is to connect them with the learning already happening in your classroom.

Child Poverty in Aotearoa: Looking Back, Moving Forward
After the Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2018 was passed, the number of children living in households experiencing material hardship did begin a downward trend—until 2022, when the graph began to rise again. The latest numbers from Stats NZ demonstrate that this number has returned to 2018 levels: 13.3% then, and 13.4% now.

Code Club Spotlight: Self Directed Learning at Ao Tawhiti Code Club
Started by a passionate parent in 2018, Ao Tawhiti’s Code Club has grown into a vibrant, hands-on space where creativity and tech collide. From Scratch animations and Micro:bit math bots to LEGO robotics and paint-splattered Sphero art, tamariki are learning to lead their own digital journeys—one code block at a time.

Exciting News! Drop Off Your Laptops at Noel Leeming St Lukes 🚀💻
Big news! You can now drop off your old but usable laptops at Noel Leeming St Lukes, making it simple to support digital equity while also doing your part for the environment. 🌏

Code Club Spotlight! Inspiring Young Minds: Insights from Avondale Library Code Creatives
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Avondale Library Code Creatives, a newly established Code Club making waves in Tāmaki Makaurau. We caught up with club leader Amanda to learn more about their journey and impact.

Why Digital Technologies Should Be In Your 2025 Planning
As kaiako and kura in Aotearoa, we hold a vital responsibility: to provide quality educational opportunities in all curriculum areas. In 2025, one area that deserves special attention is Digital Technologies (DT). Here's why DT is not just an add-on but an essential part of the learning journey for tamariki.

Why Your School Needs a Code Club
A Code Club is opportunity for tamariki - here’s why we think you should offer one at your school!

Kickstarting the Year with Digital Pīkau: Engaging Activities for Term 1 🚀
Welcome to a fresh new school year! Find out how Digital Pīkau resources can make your Term One awesome by integrating tech into your classroom programme!

Why Code? What’s the Point?
In a world that runs on technology, coding might seem like a skill reserved for software developers or engineers. But coding is much more than that for our tamariki!

Back to School in a Digital World
The end goal: an Aotearoa in which every person has access to the digital resources and skills they need to fully participate in modern life and take advantage of the opportunities available.

What Does the Digital Divide Look Like at Christmas?
All socio-economic disparities can be amplified during the festive season, with the emphasis on buying gifts and preparing extravagant spreads. Digital inequity can be both a symptom and a cause of poverty, and limited access to the internet has additional implications for Christmas celebrations.

Code Club Spotlight: Physical Computing with Amesbury School Code Club
Discover how Amesbury School Code Club in Pōneke, Wellington, is sparking curiosity in young learners through hands-on physical computing projects. Led by Kaiako Brydon and volunteer Beilei, the club combines digital creativity with practical skills, inspiring tamariki to explore the inner workings of technology. From tinkering with batteries and diodes to fans and switches, this new club is already making a big impact. Read on for insights, challenges, and tips for starting your own Code Club!

Bring the Holiday Cheer to Life with Digital Technology! 🎄🎅✨
As the year winds down, get some ideas on how to mix learning with play!

Reflecting on 2024: Empowering Through Digital Connection
As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to reflect on the incredible impact of our efforts this year and the journey ahead.

Bringing Stories to Life: Digital Storytelling in Today’s Classrooms 📖✨
As we move further into the digital age, our storytelling toolkit expands, offering new and exciting ways for students to craft and share their own narratives through technology.

End-of-Term Code Club Presentations: Showcasing Young Coders’ Progress at Shirley Library in Ōtautahi Christchurch
At Code Club Aotearoa, the end of each term is more than just a conclusion—it’s a celebration of creativity, growth, and community. At Shirley Library, club members take center stage, sharing their projects and reflecting on their coding journeys. Through these presentations, tamariki not only showcase their technical skills but also build confidence, learn to communicate their ideas, and inspire one another!