In 2025, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: ten years of astrobiology in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This work started as an initiative of Milky-Way.Kiwi back in 2013, so it is a very proud moment to see how it expanded into a vibrant network of researchers, educators, and students, all connected by some of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? How did it all start? And probably, the best question yet, what is life’s and humankind’s future and evolution?
This anniversary is very special to us. It’s a story of collaboration across borders, disciplines, and generations — from NASA scientists visiting geothermal fields in Rotorua, local teachers bringing the search for life into their classrooms, and university students who now see astrobiology as a path for their future careers.
From Rotorua to the Red Planet
Astrobiology in New Zealand found fertile ground in the landscapes of Aotearoa. Geothermal fields, ancient rocks, and pristine night skies became natural classrooms for exploring life’s origins and searching for signs of habitability beyond Earth.
Field trips to hot springs, workshops with teachers, and collaborative expeditions have created opportunities for scientific discovery and weaving indigenous knowledge and cultural perspectives into the narrative of life in the universe.
Teachers and Students at the Heart
A defining feature of the past decade has been the commitment to education and outreach. Through our Spaceward Bound New Zealand programme, we visited more than 200 schools, engaging over 40,000 students, teachers, and whānau, people who all heard the word “astrobiology”. Teachers have stepped into the field alongside scientists, learning about extremophiles and planetary exploration and inspired curiosity in their classrooms.
Astrobiology has moved from an abstract idea for students to a living discipline. Two universities across Aotearoa offer courses and modules in astrobiology, giving young people the tools to connect Earth science, biology, astronomy, and ethics into a unified story about life.
Looking Ahead
The ten-year celebration is a time for reflection and for looking forward. Astrobiology is set to play a key role in New Zealand’s contribution to international science, space exploration, and sustainability conversations. Events throughout the year will bring together teachers, researchers, and students to mark what has been achieved — and to imagine what comes next.
Astrobiology reminds us of our shared humanity and our fragile planet, asking us to consider how life began, whether it exists elsewhere, and how we can sustain it here at home. After ten years, Aotearoa’s contribution to this journey is already significant, and the next decade promises to be even more exciting.
What is happening
We are holding events across New Zealand
In Wairarapa
In Rotorua
In Tauranga
In Christchurch
Here’s to ten years of curiosity, connection, and courage to ask the most significant questions. And here’s to the next ten, as New Zealand continues to explore life’s greatest mysteries.