OUR PURPOSE

The New Zealand International Science Festival Incorporated Society (and registered Charity) was established in Ōtepoti Dunedin in 1996, tasked with developing a science festival. We deliver an annual, city-wide festival that offers diverse, engaging, and interactive science experiences.

We make science accessible, relevant and exciting for everyone, by curating a diverse programme of events to welcome and interest people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of scientific knowledge

Since our inaugural festival in 1998, we have engaged hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Aotearoa, New Zealand and beyond, celebrating all areas of science, from the mysterious outer limits of the universe to the marvellous inner workings of robotics, with all the weird, wacky, weighty and wonderful stuff in between.

The festival features guests from wider New Zealand and abroad alongside amazing local talent, celebrating Dunedin’s place as a city of science, literature and festivals.

OUR GOALS

To inspire, engage and spark curiosity
To foster learning
To make science in all its forms accessible to all communities
To demonstrate the critical role science plays in everyday life and its power to drive positive change.

OUR VALUES

Honesty, Transparency & Integrity – We act with respect and fairness.
He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata – People are at the heart of our mission.
Scientific Excellence & Trustworthiness – Upholding rigorous, evidence-based science that informs and inspires
Commitment to Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Embedding indigenous knowledge and perspectives in our work.
Kindness, Accessibility & Inclusivity – Science is for everyone, and our festival reflects that.

WHY DUNEDIN?

Ōtepoti Dunedin is a city where science, creativity and innovation collide!

Home to New Zealand’s oldest university, Ōtepoti boasts world-class researchers, passionate artists, musicians and writers and a thriving community of entrepreneurs. Its compact scale makes connections and collaborations inevitable, and the spectacular natural environment and rich cultural heritage bring inspiration and meaning. Add to that, Dunedin’s impressive festival calendar and it becomes obvious that Dunedin is the perfect home for New Zealand’s Science Festival.

Make the festival your reason to visit Ōtepoti Dunedin. Come for the discoveries and creative collaborations, then stay for the wildlife, spectacular coastline, live music, galleries, literary heritage and thriving food scene. Leave with fresh perspectives, inspiration and a new appreciation for this amazing place at the bottom of the Pacific.

Want to learn all about what Ōtepoti Dunedin has to offer alongside your visit to the Science Festival? Find out everything you need to know at dunedinnz.com.