Robot design starts with mechanical planning and CAD discipline.
2026-27 season · Auckland
Join now so you are ready for the 2026-27 season on September 14, 2026
Training is already underway. This is the best time to join because students who start now have time to build the skills, habits, and technical confidence they need before the FTC competition season starts on Monday, September 14, 2026.
2026-27 season starts 14 Sep 2026Join now for the best runwayReal engineering standards
National titles
4 in a row
Learning style
Real engineering
Competitive robotics in practice
Design, drive, analyse, and perform as one team
Drive-team roles demand composure, communication, and strong decision-making.
Programming and diagnostics are part of every competitive cycle.
What students do
Students design and build robot systems, write and test code, solve mechanical and electrical problems, and prepare for judged competition environments.
FTC is one of the frameworks where that technical depth, communication, teamwork, and execution under pressure become visible.
Where FTC fits in
FIRST is the wider organisation and FTC is one of its robotics programmes for students. For families new to it, that matters mainly because it gives a real-world competition structure for the engineering work students are doing.
Visit the official FIRST Tech Challenge pageResults
Recent results and awards
Here are the outcomes, standards, and competition milestones that show the pathway works.
Four consecutive NZ national titles in competitive robotics
We have won the New Zealand FTC national title four seasons running - sustained proof that the competitive robotics pathway is working.
World-stage competition experience
Students are coached against the standards needed for high-pressure events, international exposure, and judged award environments.
Engineering and judging support
Coaching covers robot build quality, programming, electronics, documentation, and competition strategy rather than only match-day performance.
Joining close to the season start
This is the most optimal time to join
Mid-year can make families feel like they have missed the window, but this is actually when new students can make the strongest start. Training is already underway, so joining now gives students time to build the required skills before the 2026-27 FTC competition season starts on Monday, September 14, 2026.
FAQ
Competitive robotics questions from parents
How does FTC fit into this pathway?
FTC stands for FIRST Tech Challenge. It is one of the competition frameworks we use to test real robotics, software, teamwork, and judged engineering standards in practice.
Is competitive robotics only for advanced students?
Competitive robotics is best for teens who are ready for more serious commitment and technical work, but not every student needs to start there immediately. Some progress into it over time.
Why use FTC as part of the pathway?
Because it creates a broader development environment. Students learn engineering, software, communication, judging preparation, and team execution rather than only match play.
Want to join in time for the 2026-27 season?
The best next step is to apply now so we can talk about commitment level, readiness, and how your child can start building skills now before the FTC competition season starts on Monday, September 14, 2026.