In 2026 the Founders and Future Edition marks a major transitional phase for FIRST LEGO League (FLL). The Founders Edition uses the established LEGO Education SPIKE hardware, including SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential, while the Future Edition introduces a new AI-enabled Computer Science platform. Both editions will run at the same time at Regional and National events in New Zealand.
FIRST® LEGO® League challenges children ages 9 to 16 to think like scientists and engineers. During each season, teams of up to 10 members will choose and solve a real-world problem in the Project. They will also build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO® MINDSTORMS and LEGO® SPIKE PRIME technology to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under Core Values celebrating discovery, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism®.
Releasing on August 4, 2026, experience the vibrancy of the world’s ecosystems in the BIOGLOW™ Challenge. The final season of FIRST LEGO League.
Requirements
FIRST® LEGO® League is an incredibly rewarding programme for young students, and teams can come from schools, social groups, community groups, homes, church groups, etc.
If you want to start a team, there are a few things you’ll need:
• A dedicated adult coach
• A LEGO® Education Mindstorms EV3, NXT, Spike Prime or Science and AI robot kit
• A FIRST® LEGO® League Game Kit (a new themed game kit each year with registration)
• A place to meet to build robots, practise games and work on the project.
• You will need to buy or build your own Game table.
*Please note that the LEGO® robotics kits are not part of the yearly FIRST® LEGO® League game kit and must be purchased separately from the New Zealand authorised distributor Modern Teaching Aids. You will receive your game kit(s) from FIRST® New Zealand.
2026 FIRST LEGO League Challenge Events
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HURRICANES REGIONAL (Hastings)
Date - Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th November
Venue: Havelock North Intermediate
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CRUSADERS REGIONAL (Christchurch)
Date - Friday 30th October
Venue: TBC
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HIGHLANDERS REGIONAL (Dunedin)
Date - Saturday 1st November
Venue: TBC
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BLUES REGIONAL (AUCKLAND)
Date - Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd November
Venue: Bucklands Beach Intermediate
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Championship Progression
For teams to compete at the National Championship this season, they will first have to compete at a regional qualifying event. Fifty percent of teams at each Regional will be invited to compete at the National Championship. Progression will be awarded as follows.
1. Team receives an award at Regionals2. Team receives an invitation based on competition ranking
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AOTEAROA CHAMPIONSHIP (Auckland)
Date - Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th December
Venue: Te Matauranga School
We couldn’t run this competition without our fantastic team of volunteers who give up their time to support your teams. If you would like to volunteer at this years competition please register here. Don’t forget to encourage your friends to join in on the magic.
VOLUNTEERS
