FAQ
Who can attend KiwiHacks Nova?
Any high school student in New Zealand, aged 13 to 18. Come on your own or bring a team of friends. No experience is needed.
I'm not a good coder. Can I come?
Yes. Total beginners are welcome and a lot of KiwiHackers write their first line of code at the event. We run workshops and have mentors on hand all weekend. Designers, artists, and storytellers fit right in too.
What should I bring to the hackathon?
A laptop and charger, any devices you want to build with, a water bottle, toiletries including deodorant, a change of clothes, and a sleeping bag and small pillow. It runs for 24 hours, so pack like a sleepover. The full packing list is in the parent's guide on your city page. We cover the food, Wi-Fi, and the space.
All of this, for free?
Yes, completely free to attend. Food, mentors, workshops, and swag are all included. Cost is never a barrier at KiwiHacks.
What can I make at KiwiHacks Nova?
Anything you can build in 24 hours: a game, a website, an app, a hardware project, or something completely unexpected. Every team leaves with a real project they built themselves.
Do I sleep at the venue?
Yes, if you want the full experience. The event is closed-door and staffed with security for the whole 24 hours, and there are gender separated sleeping areas inside the venue, camping style on the floor. Bring a sleeping bag and a small pillow. There are no showers at any of the three venues.
What if my parents are concerned?
We are happy to talk. Every city page has a parent's guide covering cost, supervision, sleeping, food, the venue, and drop-off and pick-up times. The venue is supervised the whole time, a signed waiver is required to take part, and you can call or text Niko on 022 135 0419, or ring the KiwiHacks line on 09 243 0984, any time.
How about safety?
The event is supervised by the KiwiHacks team around the clock. There is a secure venue with sign-in and sign-out, first aid on site, police-vetted mentors and organisers, a clear code of conduct, and guardian contact details collected at sign-up. Our full safeguarding policy is on this site.
What if I have more questions?
Email niko@kiwihacks.org, call the KiwiHacks line on 09 243 0984, or join the KiwiHackers Discord at kiwihacks.org/discord. We reply fast.
Looking for venue, schedule, or drop-off times? Those live on your city page, along with the attendee and parent guides.