At the School of Computing, we’re passionate about sharing our expertise, research, and enthusiasm for technology with the wider community. Whether you're a student, educator, or just curious about computing, there are plenty of ways to engage.
Public events and activities
Staff and postgraduate students regularly contribute towards public events, including:
- NZ International Science Festival – Showcasing exciting innovations in computing
- RoboCup Junior New Zealand – Encouraging young students to explore robotics
- Hands on Otago – A chance for high school students to experience computing first-hand
- The Global Game Jam – A worldwide challenge where teams create games in just 48 hours
We also host the Dunedin regional Programming Competition for Girls (PC4G), designed for for year 9-10 students, with open practice sessions for anyone keen to improve their programming skills.
As an official ACM-W Professional Chapter, our External Engagement Committee supports international efforts to promote gender equity in computing and technology.
Visit the ACM website to read about the ACM-W Dunedin Chapter
Programming contests
We are running a Dunedin/University of Otago site for programming contests such as the New Zealand Programming Contest and the South Pacific Programming Contest (leading to the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC)).
Normally, contests will run from 2pm–7pm on a Saturday afternoon in Lab E, Ōwheo Building.
For more information please contact:
Zhiyi Huang
Email zhiyi.huang@otago.ac.nz
Student-led initiatives
Our students play a major role in outreach, mentorship, and community-building:
- Otago Computing Students Society (OCSS) and Comp Girls are active undergraduate groups supported by the School through mentoring, guest speakers, and networking opportunities.
- AI Hackathon Challenge – OCSS also leads the Dunedin site of the national AI Hackathon challenge, where teams pitch AI-driven solutions to real-world problems.
These student groups help foster a vibrant culture of leadership, collaboration, and inclusion within the School.
Special events and community engagement
We have also contributed to several special events, such as:
- "Hou Rongo - Moriori, Music, Manawa" exhibition at Tūhura Otago Museum
- Sci Fight Science Comedy Debate “We Should Fear AI ”
- Interactive virtual reality demonstrations at the 40th anniversary celebrations of Te Rau Aroha marae in Bluff.
These events help bridge research and community engagement in unique and creative ways.
Campus visits and school outreach
We regularly host school groups for interactive campus visits that include:
- Hands-on demonstrations of computing technology
- Insights into research and teaching
- Q&A panel discussions
Our goal is to inform and inspire the next generation of computing professionals while maintaining strong community connections across Ōtepoti Dunedin, Ōtākou Otago, and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stay connected
Want to know more about what’s happening at the School of Computing?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, events, and opportunities.
For more information about outreach activities, or to request a visit, please contact:
Professor Tony Savarimuthu
Chair of the External Engagement Committee
Email tony.savarimuthu@otago.ac.nz