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Matthew's LEGO® Challenge 2026

Inspired by Matthew, built by our community

Build something amazing and let your imagination run wild! Whether it's a vehicle, building, invention, fantasy world, community space, or something completely unique, we want to see what you can create through this year's theme: Build Something Amazing.

Enter your original LEGO® creation for the chance to win one of three LEGO® prize packs valued at $100.

The competition honours the memory of Matthew Sampson, whose love of LEGO® inspired many imaginative creations. Through this challenge, Selwyn Libraries and Selwyn Life Churches celebrate Matthew's passion for creativity while encouraging young people across our district to create, share and bring their ideas to life.

Full competition terms and conditions.

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How do I enter?

Build an original LEGO® creation that fits the theme "Build Something Amazing" and take up to three photographs of it. Please note that only one entry per person can be accepted.

Email the photos of your creation to: programming@selwyn.govt.nz

Please make sure you include the following details:

  • The LEGO® builder's name and age
  • Title of the creation with optional description of the build
  • Parent or caregiver contact details
Who can enter?

Matthew's LEGO® Challenge is open to tamariki and rangatahi  who live in the Selwyn District. Entries will be accepted in the following age categories:

  • Junior Builders: 5 to 8 years
  • Intermediate Builders: 9 to 12 years
  • Teen Builders: 13 to 17 years

Children of employees of Selwyn District Council directly involved in administering the competition are not eligible to enter.

Prizes

One winner from each of the above three age categories will be selected, and will each receive a LEGO® prize pack to the value of $100.

For judging criteria, please see point no. 12 in the Terms and Conditions, below.

Matthew's LEGO® Challenge 2026 terms and conditions
  1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these conditions of entry. Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  2. In these terms and conditions:
    1. the "Promoter" is Selwyn District Council ("SDC"), 2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston, New Zealand.
    2. The "Entrant" is a child or young person who submits an entry to the competition, with parent or caregiver consent where required.
  3. The competition commences on 1 October 2026 and closes at 11.59pm on 31 October 2026. Entries received after the closing date and time may not be accepted.
  4. The competition is open to 5-17 year olds residing in the Selwyn District.
  5. Entries will be accepted in the following age categories:
    1. Junior Builders: 5 to 8 years
    2. Intermediate Builders: 9 to 12 years
    3. Teen Builders: 13 to 17 years
  6. Children of Employees of the Promoter directly involved in administering the competition are not eligible to enter.
  7. To enter the competition, participants must:
    1. Build an original LEGO® creation that fits the theme "Build Something Amazing".
    2. Take up to three photographs of their creation.
    3. Email their entry to programming@selwyn.govt.nz by 11.59pm on 31 October 2026.
    4. Include:
      1. Entrant's name
      2. Entrant's age
      3. Parent or caregiver contact details
      4. Title of creation
      5. Optional description of the build
      6. Up to three photographs of the creation
  8. All creations must be built primarily from LEGO® bricks or LEGO®-compatible building bricks.
  9. Entries must be the Entrant's own original work.
  10. One entry per person.
  11. Entries will be judged by members of Matthew Sampson's whānau following the closing date of the competition.
  12. Judges will consider:
    1. Creativity
    2. Originality
    3. Effort and detail
    4. Overall presentation
    5. Connection to the competition theme
  13. The judges' decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
  14. One winner will be selected from each category.
  15. Each winner will receive:
    1. A LEGO® prize pack valued at approximately $100.
    2. A winner's certificate
  16. Prizes are not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash.
  17. Winners will be contacted using the parent or caregiver contact details provided with the entry.
  18. If a winner cannot be contacted within 10 days of notification, or declines the prize, the Promoter reserves the right to select an alternative winner.
  19. The Promoter reserves the right to disallow entries in its absolute discretion and without giving reasons.
  20. The Promoter may share entrant information, including name and contact details with other persons or entities that assist in running the competition.
  21. By entering the competition, Entrants and their parents or caregivers agree that:
    1. Entries and photographs of entries may be  displayed in Selwyn Libraries and other Council facilities.
    2. Photographs of entries may be used by Selwyn Libraries, Selwyn District Council and Selwyn Life Churches for promotional and publicity purposes.
    3. Children's names will only be published with parent or caregiver consent.
    4. The Promoter may reproduce submitted photographs for promotional purposes without payment or compensation.
  22. The prize will be presented at a time and place arranged by the Promoter, within one of the Selwyn Libraries sites.
  23. To the extent permitted by law, the Promoter is not liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from participation in the competition or acceptance of a prize.
  24. Personal information will be collected and used by Selwyn District Council for administering the competition, contacting winners and related competition purposes. Information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. Individuals have the right to access and request correction of their personal information.