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New Zealand’s Most Creative Chain Reaction Attempt
Tue
19 Jan
2027
Celebrity inventor and YouTube star Joseph Herscher is coming to Tauranga, and creative teams from across New Zealand are invited to help make history!
STEM Wana Trust will host an ambitious New Zealand Chain Reaction attempt at Masonic Park, bringing together 24 teams to design, build and connect an incredible chain reaction during one incredible day.
Known for his wildly inventive machines on YouTube’s Joseph’s Machines, Joseph Herscher will guide teams as they use everyday objects, simple machines and plenty of imagination to create a spectacular sequence of cause and effect.
Team Entry Call-Out: Your Team. Three Hours. One Epic Mission. Applications to enter a team are open until 15 December 2026!
Teams of 4-6 people are invited to submit a video, no longer than two minutes, showcasing a chain reaction using at least three of the six simple machines steps. Teams will be selected based on creativity, clever use of reusable materials and, above all, fun.
Twenty teams will be selected by the organisers, with four additional teams earning their place through a People’s Choice vote.
Ready to take on the challenge? More information and entry details.
Everyone is welcome to come along and view the action.
Two building sessions running from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm. Visitors can also meet Joseph Herscher from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, build their own mini chain reactions and enjoy other activities in the Library Community Space.
Whether you’re building, watching or cheering on the teams, this is a chance to celebrate creativity, STEM learning and Kiwi ingenuity.
Location
Masonic Park
Event Dates
January 19, 2027
at
9:00 am
Show
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