Pinnacle Exam Centre
International Economics Olympiad – New Zealand (IEO NZ)
International Economics Olympiad – New Zealand (IEO NZ) is a national economics programme organised by Pinnacle Exam Centre (PEC) for secondary school students across New Zealand.
The IEO NZ programme includes the following stages and academic activities:
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School Round (FREE Participation) – an online examination held on 7 May 2026;
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National Final Round (NFR) – held on 6 June 2026 at Massey University;
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Youth Forum on Economics – an academic forum held on NFR day at Massey University
The Economics Olympiad (EO) is one of the world’s most recognised international competitions for secondary school students with an interest in economics. It provides a platform for students to deepen their understanding of economic concepts, develop analytical thinking, and engage with peers who share an interest in global economic issues.
Through a series of challenging assessments and activities, participants explore how economic principles shape modern societies and influence real-world decision making. The Olympiad seeks to foster intellectual curiosity, academic rigour, and the development of globally minded thinkers.
In 2026, students in New Zealand will have the opportunity to participate in the Olympiad through IEO NZ, organised by Pinnacle Exam Centre, with academic involvement from scholars connected to Massey University. This marks the first year the programme is being organised in New Zealand, creating a new pathway for students interested in international academic competitions.
Outstanding IEO NZ participants may be selected to participate in the Economics Olympiad International Final Round (IFR), held annually in Ancient Olympia, Greece. The top five students from New Zealand will represent the country on the global stage, joining students from around the world in an international competition celebrating academic excellence in economics.
Sponsor of IEO NZ
Healthy n Fresh is one of New Zealand’s leading growers and wholesale suppliers of fresh produce, recognised for delivering high-quality fruits and vegetables nationwide while maintaining high standards in the industry.
As a sponsor of the International Economics Olympiad – New Zealand (IEO NZ), Healthy n Fresh is proud to support initiatives that promote academic excellence and inspire the next generation of talent.
IEO NZ 2026 Handbook
Download the official handbook (click the PDF icon or the link here) to learn more about the programme structure, competition stages, academic content, and participation details.
The Timeline
The Mission
Our mission is to inspire secondary school students to deepen their understanding of economics, strengthen analytical thinking, and engage thoughtfully with global economic challenges. By supporting participation in the Economics Olympiad, we aim to help students in New Zealand develop their academic potential and connect with the international community of young economists.
Eligibility
Students wishing to participate in the International Economics Olympiad in New Zealand should meet the following criteria:
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Age Requirement
Participants are generally between 14 and 20 years old at the time of participation. Students remain eligible until they complete their secondary education or reach the age of 21. -
International Final Eligibility
Students who qualify among the Top Five nationally may still compete in the International Final even if they turn 21 before the international competition takes place. -
Educational Background
No prior formal study of economics is required. The Olympiad welcomes students from all academic backgrounds who have an interest in economics and global issues. -
School Registration
Students must register through their secondary school, which registers them via the official EO National Organiser in New Zealand (i.e. Pinnacle Exam Centre). Each school should appoint a teacher coordinator to oversee the registration process.
IEO NZ National Awards
School Round (May)
NFR Qualifiers (Top 100):
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Electronic Invitation Letter to participate in the NFR
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Electronic Certificate
Gold Award (Top 10%): Electronic Gold Certificate
Silver Award (Top 25%): Electronic Silver Certificate
Bronze Award (Top 50%): Electronic Bronze Certificate
Remaining participants: Participation Certificate
Note: Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be granted only where participant numbers make percentile-based awards meaningful.
National Final Round (June)
IFR Representatives (Top 5 in NFR)
IFR Representatives receive:
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Physical Invitation Letter to participate in the EO IFR
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Top 5 Medal
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Top 5 Physical Certificate
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Free Farm Tour at Healthy n Fresh
IFR Reserves (Top 6-30 in NFR):
IFR Reserves are preliminary reserve candidates ranked according to NFR results. They receive:
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Physical Letter of Reserve Selection for the EO IFR
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Top 30 Physical Certificate
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Healthy n Fresh Gift Package
Distinction (Top 10%): Physical Certificate
Merit (Top 25%): Physical Certificate
Remaining participants: Participation Certificate
Note: Distinction and Merit awards may be adjusted depending on the number of participants.
Student Data & Privacy
IEO NZ collects a minimal amount of student information solely for the purpose of administering the competition.
The information requested from participating schools may include:
• Student name
• Date of birth
• Student email address
This information is used only for:
• participant registration
• exam administration
• communication regarding the competition
• qualification for the National Final Round
IEO NZ does not collect unnecessary personal data, and all information provided by schools is handled responsibly and used exclusively for competition-related purposes.
IEO NZ does not share student personal data with third parties except where necessary for the administration of the competition.
When announcing results or publishing lists of qualifying students, personal data will be partially anonymised.
For example, names may be displayed in the format: J. Doe to protect student privacy.
Students will also be required to agree to the Economics Olympiad (EO) GDPR data processing agreement when accessing the official EO testing platform for the School Round.