Team DOT BOT’s Next Big Splash!

Team DOT BOT is a group of bright and talented students from St Mark’s School in Christchurch. In 2024, we built our first Aquabot DOT BOT, from new and recycled parts during a build day with the Ministry of Inspiration. DOT BOT is an underwater ROV (remote operated vehicle).

In 2025 Team DOT BOT won the Regional & NZ Aquabots National contests. After winning the primary division at the Nationals, we were selected to represent New Zealand at the International SeaPerch Challenge in Washington D.C. this May.

SeaPerch is a global underwater robotics competition that brings together young innovators from around the world. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent our school, community, and New Zealand on the global stage. We are also connecting with local schools, sharing our learning and resources with future NZ Aquabots engineers.

Funds raised will support 9 travellers (students, parents and teacher/coach) to Washington. If we don't meet our goal, the trip will still happen, but families will have to cover the shortfall. Without fundraising, the cost would be too prohibitive. As a primary school team we are relying on support to make the trip affordable for families.

Team DOT BOT are now working hard on their teamwork, resilience, and dedication to optimise DOT BOT's hydrodynamic performance and learning through STEM how to best use technology to protect our natural world.

Thanks to all our supporters as we continue to raise $40,000 to make our SeaPerch dream a reality!