Two exceptional New Zealand robotics teams—Auckland’s Referees 11511 and Otago’s Indiana Drones—have both qualified for the FIRST World Championship in Houston. We’re encouraging businesses to back either Referees 11511 (Auckland based), or support the Indiana Drones (Otago based), ensuring students from both regions can represent New Zealand on the world stage.

Referees 11511, New Zealand’s most successful FIRST Tech Challenge team, has earned seven national titles and a place at both the World Championship and the European Premier Event. Their students work at an advanced level with CAD, CNC machining, laser cutting, electronics, and sophisticated software—developing exceptional problem‑solving and technical capability that makes them highly employable and strong future candidates for engineering, tech, and manufacturing roles.

The Indiana Drones recently won the national FIRST LEGO League Championship and are also heading to Houston. Their late qualification meant many funding avenues had already closed, leaving these high‑performing, engineering‑minded students needing urgent support. United Machinists has stepped forward with a $1,000 contribution and is calling on other manufacturers to match their support.

By contributing $1,000, you’re not only helping these teams reach Houston—you’re investing in the future workforce of New Zealand, supporting students who are already demonstrating advanced learning, technical skill, and the kind of problem‑solving every employer looks for.

To get involved, please contact Evelien at evelien@amanz.nz. 

Referees 11511 are also seeking support from businesses to assist with manufacturing custom parts for their robots.  Often these are small items that can be made from off cuts.  Currently they either 3D print them or import from Canada.

NB:

FIRST LEGO League uses LEGO‑based robots for younger students while FIRST Tech Challenge involves advanced, custom‑built metal robots for older students—and both programs will hold their 2026 world championships together at the FIRST Championship in Houston from April 29 to May 2, 2026.