2026 Edition

28 Feb, 2026

The 2026 edition marked a major step for the New Zealand AI Olympiad. Across training, selection, travel, and competition, the year showed what New Zealand students can achieve when they are supported to engage seriously with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational problem-solving.

Summer camp and team selection

NZAIO held its first successful AI summer camp to help select the New Zealand team for the International AI Olympiad (IAIO). The camp ran over three days at the University of Canterbury and brought together seven students from across the country, aged 12 to 18, representing Peachgrove Intermediate School, Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland Grammar School, ACG Strathallan, The Taieri High School, Macleans College, and Long Bay College.

Students received technical and theoretical guidance from:

Dr Vithya Yogarajan, University of Waikato
Dr Heitor Murilo Gomes, Victoria University of Wellington
Anton Lee, Victoria University of Wellington
Dr Tobias Milz, University of Canterbury

Preparing students for IAIO required both theoretical depth and practical problem-solving skill. Camp assessments included two theory tests across ten AI topics and one practical machine learning test designed to reflect the international competition format.

Students working through AI olympiad problems

Lecture session during the summer camp

Arrival in Slovenia

After months of preparation, the New Zealand team arrived in Slovenia ready to represent Aotearoa on the international AI stage. The student team for IAIO 2026 was:

Jenny
Neev
Tymon
Victor

The team was led in Slovenia by Vithya Yogarajan, PhD, with Anton Lee as deputy team leader, and supported from New Zealand by Nick Lim and Heitor Murilo Gomes. NZAIO also acknowledges the support of the TAIAO project, which made it possible to provide team hoodies and T-shirts.

The New Zealand team arriving in Slovenia

At IAIO, students competed in a genuinely international environment alongside peers from many countries, testing both technical depth and composure under pressure.

Students taking part in the IAIO competition

International results

The New Zealand team earned an exceptional result at IAIO in Slovenia:

Gold medal: Victor
Silver medal: Tymon
Honourable Mention: Jenny
Slovenia national television interview: Neev

For a volunteer-led programme operating without ongoing core funding, this result is a strong signal of what New Zealand students are capable of when given the opportunity. It also helped establish NZAIO as a serious contributor to high-level AI education and competition.

The New Zealand student team with their medals

Victor with his certificate of accomplishment and gold medal

International recognition

The 2026 edition also brought broader recognition for New Zealand’s contribution to the international AI olympiad community. Vithya Yogarajan, PhD, was elected to the IAIO Science Committee for a three-year term, a significant appointment on a globally small committee with most members based in Europe.

The team also faced unexpected return-travel disruption due to conflict-related flight cancellations, creating real uncertainty and stress. Safe travel arrangements were later confirmed.

Looking ahead