Climate Ambassador Programme 2026
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
The Climate Ambassador Programme 2026 is a 15-week learning journey for passionate Year 13 students who want to contribute to a better climate future. Run by the University of Waikato, the programme blends online learning with on-campus opportunities—connecting rangatahi with climate science, leadership, and real-world action.
What’s Involved?
Students will complete the first-year paper Introduction to Climate Change Science (15 points), delivered fully online. This course covers the scientific basis of climate change, giving students university-level knowledge they can carry into the Bachelor of Climate Change or other tertiary qualifications.
Alongside weekly online workshops and mini-lectures, students take part in two on-campus hub days in Hamilton. These days include:
A case study competition focused on real-world climate issues
Workshops and talks led by climate leaders
Opportunities to network with like-minded peers from across Aotearoa
📅 Hub Day: Thursday 23 April 2026
📅 Summit Day: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Commitment
The programme is designed to fit around school life. Students commit to:
One 2-hour online workshop after school each week
Two to three short online lectures (around 20 minutes each), completed in their own time
Two on-campus hub days in Hamilton
Schools are only required to provide minimal administrative support, with approval being all that’s needed.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to all Year 13 students who:
Hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency
Meet discretionary entrance (DE) requirements, or hold NCEA Level 2 endorsed with Merit or Excellence
Have approval from their school
Students who do not meet DE or hold an endorsed Level 2 qualification may still apply with a supporting letter of recommendation from their school.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 programme are now open and close on Friday 13 February 2026. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To apply:
✅ Complete the application form
✅ Ask your school to complete the approval section
✅ Email your form (and a letter of recommendation, if required) to climate_ambassadors@waikato.ac.nz
✅ Create a MyWaikato account
More details: Climate Ambassador Programme – University of Waikato
Ngā mihi A special thank you to Jim Critchley for informing our network of this opportunity, and to the University of Waikato for running such a future-focused programme for Year 13 students. |
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