Bay of Plenty Science & Technology Fair returns

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22 August 2008

Hundreds of hopeful school students will showcase their science talent at the 32nd annual Bay of Plenty Regional Science & Technology Fair next week. The Fair, sponsored by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), will be held at the Rotorua Convention Centre on 28–29 August.

“NIWA is proud to again sponsor this event as part of our long-term commitment to enhancing science and technology for young New Zealanders,” says NIWA’s Education Coordinator, Dr Julie Hall. “Participation in Science and Technology Fairs is on its own a powerful learning tool and should also be fun. The enthusiasm of the participants in researching, constructing, and presenting their exhibits is plain to see.”.

Around 180 exhibits are expected from Year 7 to Year 13 students, from more than 20 schools throughout the Bay of Plenty region, covering all areas of science and technology. On 28 August, a team of around 55 judges will interview all the students and select the best projects in each of the age classes.

Over $7,000 worth of prizes are being donated by a range of businesses and science organisations, including the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Environment Bay of Plenty, and the Department of Conservation. The overall winner will receive $600 and will also be nominated for a place at Genesis Energy’s Realise the Dream. This is a week-long festival of events for young scientists, technologists and others, to be held in December in Wellington. Some students will also be eligible for the “Hands on Science” week, to be held at Otago University in January 2009.

“NIWA hopes that many of the students exhibiting at this year’s Fair will take up careers in science, which are vital to sustaining New Zealand’s economy and environment,” says Dr Hall.

NIWA is also a major sponsor of the Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, and Nelson Science & Technology Fairs, as well as the NIWA Discovery Room, an interactive marine discovery centre at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World in Auckland.

Public viewing (free):

Rotorua Convention Centre, 1170 Fenton Street, Rotorua.
1pm – 6pm, Thursday 28 August
9am – 1pm, Friday 29 August

Prizegiving:

1pm, Friday 29 August, Concert Chamber, Rotorua Convention Centre.

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