Families looking to attend the annual STEM Festival are being urged to book tickets now with organisers saying over 7000 of the 10,000 free tickets have already gone, just a few weeks out from the festival on Sunday, October 1.

Billed as the largest of its kind, and a blockbuster event for all ages, the highly interactive festival showcases opportunities and latest advancements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Founder Tia Lush says families coming to this year’s festival are in for the most incredible day.

“Every year we increase the range of offerings and this year’s line-up is so exciting.  For the first time we will have a live stage show as part of the day with live science demos, giant drones and, if you're familiar with Boston Dynamics, a very famous four-legged robot!

STEMFest 2023 will also see NZ Fire & Emergency setting fire to a kitchen, an amazing new emergency response vehicle from St John, New Zealand's largest amateur rocket, a LEGO building area and interactive maths games.

Tia says they have been overwhelmed by the diversity and calibre of exhibitors this year and only have a few spaces left.

“Our STEMFest exhibitors play the crucial role of inspiring, empowering and nurturing a new generation of young people and with the global shortage of people becoming scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians, this is crucial. 

“Studies show that children have decided if STEM is for them by the time they are eight years old, so, if we leave engagement until secondary school, it’s too late. 

“We need to pique their interest through fun and learning so that we can inspire and nurture our next generation of leaders.”

As a major event for the region, organisers are grateful once again to receive a major grant from the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event fund, continuing on its legacy as the biggest and best free community event in the region.

Hailed each year for delivering the unexpected and wowing the crowds, this year’s festival is billed as bigger and better again.

“Over the past six years we have been rapidly growing the festival with more and more offerings. 

“This year we will have NASA Astronaut Colonel Nicole Mann broadcast a video where she will be answering questions submitted by young kiwi space enthusiasts, ” says Tia,

“So, anyone who would love to know just what it’s like to be an Astronaut can submit a question via our social media or website, and we will pose the questions for Nicole to answer.”

With many families travelling from Auckland, the Waikato and across the North and South Island to attend the event, the STEMFest organisers have also partnered with Tourism Bay of Plenty to offer a special prize pack for out of towners.

“We’re giving away a STEMFest package that includes a VIP Family Pass to the festival, 2 nights accommodation, a Tesla rental, dinner and hot pools voucher.  To be in to win, anyone from out of town simply needs to visit the STEMFest or Tourism Bay of Plenty Facebook pages or our website for details to enter.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan says the festival is a welcome and unique feature in the region’s annual events calendar.

“We appreciate the way that STEMFest inspires young people to think about the essential careers that support the growth and prosperity of our region.

“It’s perfect timing, in the middle of the school holidays, and we’re sure that these out-of-town visitors will also take the time to explore other activities and attractions in the area, which will create a positive flow-on effect for our economy.”

With tickets expected to sell out in the next couple of weeks Tia says there’s one simple message to share.

“Bring your kids along and inspire and excite New Zealand’s future problem solvers with some incredible hands-on experiments, we can’t wait to see you, but you better be quick to get the last tickets available.”

To book tickets visit https://www.taurangastemfestival.co.nz/