FAQ

What is VIVITA Aotearoa?

VIVITA Aotearoa is an innovation studio and ideas accelerator that provides free access for all children aged 9-15 to create and innovate. The studio aims to enable creativity through a self-guided learning experience, workshops, and mentor pairing.

VIVITA Aotearoa is part of the VIVITA International network of innovation studios, which supports a large community of creative children around the world. Children who become members of VIVITA Aotearoa will have access to the network, and will be able to learn, explore, and create with other children around the world.

What is the purpose of VIVITA?

Innovation and creativity will be critical for the future of Aotearoa’s environment, economy, and manawhenua. VIVITA Aotearoa aims to bridge the gaps in our education system and support inclusive innovation learning for our youth in ways that address all four dimensions of their hauora – that is Taha Tinana (physical), Taha Hinengaro (emotional/mental), Taha Whanau (social well-being) and Taha Wairua (spiritual).

The studio is free, and open to any child between the ages of 9-15, regardless of their background. We believe all children should have equal opportunities to make and create if that is their passion. This should not be a privilege.

What is VIVISTOP, VIVISTOP Mini

VIVISTOP is a studio space for VIVITA members (VIVINAUTs) to attend at no cost. It is equipped with tools and technology to help ideas come to life! We have computers, 3D printers, laser cutter, hammers, saws, sewing machines, crafts materials, stationery and much more! VIVISTOPs are also staffed with friendly Crew and volunteers to assist the young creators with their projects.

VIVISTOP Mini is an event series that visits communities around Aotearoa to bring experimental workshops and sessions to kiwi kids. These workshops are co-created together with members and organisations from the community. Flick us an email or contact us through a form if you would like to collaborate!

Where is VIVISTOP?

Our VIVISTOP is located on the Ground Floor of 15 Willeston Street. We have recently established ourself in this spacious studio, equipped with all of the toys a buddy innovator could dream of. We are currently taking a maximum of 12 kids at this point. 8 VIVINAUTS (full time members) and 4 EXPLORERS (new members). If you’d like to visit our space, please book a first time studio visit via our EventBrite page FIRST TIME VISIT<–

What is a VIVINAUT?

A VIVINAUT is a VIVITA Member who has an active membership with VIVISTOP. They will have completed their induction exercises with evidence of natural drive and autonomy. 

How to become VIVINAUT (VIVITA Member)

If you have a child between the ages of 9 – 15, come and visit us. We will take you through a tour of our space, intro to our crew and even have a play with some of the tools. All visits are FREE! Simply sign up via our EventBrite page FIRST TIME VISIT <–

How much does it cost to become a member?

Access to our space is FREE. For the process of becoming a member, and all of your sessions from there on out. Including all of our workshops. We are always working hard to bring new and exciting ideas together for small and large scale workshops with the help of some talented community professionals. If you’d like to be in the know about when and where these workshops may be happening, sign up to our EventBrite  VIVITA Events <–

Why should I become a volunteer?

Volunteering at VIVITA is fun and inspiring. Whatever your expertise, we’d love to have you in to share with our kids and show them possibilities within your fields. Who knows, you may even be the inception story of their career! Flick us an email at [email protected] and we can tell you more about getting onboard!

How can organisations help?

We believe in the power of collaboration to make our communities thrive. It’s important that our kids know that their ideas matter and have the power to positively impact the wider community. We invite individuals to volunteer in our space, whether that be on a casual basis during their TINKER TIMES, or to lead a workshop(s) based around the principles of your field. If you have an idea, send it our way! 

Is VIVITA a school?

No, we’re not a school. We don’t have a set curriculum or teachers at our VIVISTOP. We are an afterschool space where members can come in their own time to work on the projects they feel passionate about. We don’t teach, but our Crew and volunteers are present to share their knowledge, provide help using tools, and explore new ideas. 

Is VIVITA a course? 

No, we’re not a course. Vivistop Wellington is an accessible space for kids to openly create whatever they would like with guidance from our crew and mentors. Occasionally we hold workshops which are more structured with a desired outcome, but our space is primarily for kids to attend with their goals and visions supported. 

Is VIVITA a charity?

No, VIVITA isn’t a charity. VIVITA operates like a social enterprise. Our operational overheads are funded by Mistletoe Inc. an impact investment fund dedicated to changing the way children learn innovation and creativity. We also partner directly with local communities and organisations who help us with in-kind services and supplies.

How does VIVITA operate under New Zealand COVID-19 Protection Framework?

To protect the most vulnerable in our community, VIVITA will be taking guidance from the government suggested framework advised for schools and more specifically for specialist interest education. This means:

• All our Crew, Kaiawhina and anyone else who will be dealing with kids will be required to be fully vaccinated
• Masks are optional under Orange, but mandatory under Red traffic light.
• We might consider additional safety measures to keep the spread of virus at bay within our staff and members. We will notify about changes as they happen through emails and social media

We will be continiously seeking advice and counsil from the governement as well as other VIVISTOPs who have experience and knowledge in setting up safe practices for everyone.