Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaako Pūtaiao | The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

The Prime Minister's Science Teacher Prize has opened again for 2026!

This award is the highest-level teacher award in Aotearoa New Zealand. The award includes a prize of $50,000 for the teacher, and an additional $100,000 to the recipient's school.

https://youtu.be/k2ujT2JpZ0E?si=JIy44xmbAi4ZZ6M5

2025 winner Whaea Nan Walden-Moeung is an innovative educator who combines technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital modelling with traditional textiles and cultural narratives., awarded in 2025.

Applicants must be a registered teacher who has been teaching science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum to school-age children in a primary, intermediate or secondary New Zealand registered school or kura kaupapa.

Former prize winners include Madeleine Collins from Green Bay High School, Bianca Woyak from Burnside Primary School and Dr. Angela Sharples from Rotorua Boys' High.

Additional PM Science Prize categories include:

• Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia - The Prime Minister’s Science Prize

• Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea - The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize

• Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao - The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize

• Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata - The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize

Learn More | Apply Here

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