She was one of just four students selected for the event in which 80 countries will take part.
It was still sinking in.
"It’s a bit difficult to believe actually. I was very surprised but excited."
The selection process began with an online tutorial programme that took five months and finished with an online exam.
From there she was one of 25 pupils who attended a camp in Auckland over the school holidays.
They were taught practical skills and it finished with another exam.
The final four pupils were picked based off the final exam results.
To prepare, Anika studies in her own time and has a handful of online meetings with the team.
She also has to fundraise for the trip.
Anika has approached local organisations such as the Rotary Club to help with funding and hoped to organise a concert as a fundraiser featuring fellow pupils.
Waitaki Girls’ High School head of learning for science Vicky Lilley hoped the community would show their support for the concert.
"It’s a really amazing opportunity.
"Because the selection was two weeks ago, we’ve got such a precious, short amount of time to fundraise a lot of money."
She was "unbelievably proud" of Anika’s achievements.
"Just blown away. Couldn’t be prouder.
"It just goes goes to show, no matter the size of the school that you go to, no matter the size of the town that you come from, kids from smaller places can do phenomenal things on the world stage."
In what has been a whirlwind last few weeks for Anika, she was also presented with the award for the top scholar in Scholarship French for 2023.
She attended a prize-giving ceremony at Parliament last week.
