New Zealand’s Only Team Set to Compete in Australia’s Premier Rocketry Event

Waikato Students Conduct Final Rocket Launch Ahead of Australian Universities' Rocketry Competition

The University of Waikato, a distinguished research institution in New Zealand renowned for its commitment to innovation and academic excellence, has recently witnessed a significant achievement by its Astronautics Club. The club conducted a crucial rocket launch as a final test before participating in the prestigious Australian Universities Rocketry Competition (AURC), which will take place this August in White Cliffs, New South Wales. AURC, the largest amateur rocketry event in Australia, challenges university teams to design, build, and launch rockets to specified target altitudes. Held annually, the competition fosters innovation and practical aerospace engineering skills, featuring 5,000-foot, 10,000-foot, and 30,000-foot categories, where participants use either solid or hybrid fuel rockets.

As part of their preparation, a team of six students completed their fourth launch of the Takahe rocket in North Waikato. According to Reuben Buckley, a third-year engineering student and president of the University of Waikato Astronautics Club (UWAC), the team has entered the 10,000-foot category, where scoring is determined by how precisely the rocket reaches the target altitude. However, due to local regulations in New Zealand, their test flights have been restricted to 9,500 feet, making the upcoming international competition an exciting opportunity to push the rocket’s full potential.

Moreover, Buckley highlighted that Waikato will be the only New Zealand team competing in this year’s AURC, alongside teams from Australia and Europe. Looking beyond this competition, the team aims to participate in a 30,000-foot rocketry challenge in the United States next year, which would further cement their standing in international rocketry. For now, however, their focus remains on the upcoming event, and they are actively seeking sponsorship to cover travel expenses. While the School of Engineering has provided financial support for the rocket’s construction, additional funding from the community would significantly ease their international travel requirements.

Beyond the competition, Buckley emphasised the club’s broader mission—to inspire younger engineering students and provide hands-on experience that has already led to job placements for some members. Interest in the club has grown exponentially, with the beginner programme expanding from 12 participants last year to 40 this year, far exceeding expectations. This surge in engagement demonstrates the increasing enthusiasm for astronautics and aerospace engineering among students. The University of Waikato Astronautics Club’s participation in AURC not only showcases New Zealand’s growing presence in aerospace innovation but also highlights the university’s dedication to fostering practical engineering excellence.

Editor’s Note

The University of Waikato Astronautics Club’s participation in the Australian Universities Rocketry Competition (AURC) represents a significant opportunity for students to engage with real-world aerospace engineering challenges. Events like these are crucial in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to refine their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork in a competitive environment. Participants gain hands-on experience designing, building, and launching rockets, learning aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics. This prepares them for aerospace, defence, and engineering careers. International competition exposure enhances innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills under pressure. Beyond technical expertise, involvement in competitions like AURC also builds leadership, adaptability, and project management skills, preparing students for future roles in engineering and research.

Skoobuzz observes that with growing interest in astronautics and aerospace careers, events like these inspire the next generation of engineers while showcasing New Zealand’s capabilities in cutting-edge technology.