Northland Regional Council grants two $1000 awards annually recognising student achievement at the Central Northland Science Fair (Whangarei) and the Far North Science Fair (Kerikeri).
2009 Central Northland Science Fair
A study into phosphate levels on the shores of Lake Omapere earned Whangarei Boys High School student Hugh McKenzie the Regional Council Award at the Central Northland Science and Technology Fair.
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2008 Far North Science and Technology Fair
James Berghan's study on mangroves in the Hokianga Harbour earned him the 2008 Northland Regional Council ‘Excellence Award’ at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair.
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2006 Central Northland Science and Technology Fair
In 2006 a novel solution to thwart poachers raiding her father’s crayfish pots earned a Whangarei student a $1000 Northland Regional Council award at the Central Northland Science and Technology Fair.
Frustrated by the ongoing poaching, 16-year-old Kamo High School student Sarah Trass developed a system that uses a timer to keep the pots’ location hidden beneath the sea surface until they are ready to be collected.
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Sarah receiving her award from NRC Councillor Peter Jenson.
Sarah’s invention – developed over the past two-and-a-half-years - has already earned her national and international recognition.
She added to her accolades this week when she won ‘Best Overall Exhibit’ and Genesis Energy ‘Realise Your Dreams’ Award at the Whangarei-based Central Northland Science and Technology Fair. The young inventor also won this year’s $1000 Northland Regional Council ‘Consistent Excellence Award’
The Year 12 (6th Form) student was one of 175 students from 17 schools around the wider Whangarei District competing at the New Zealand Refining Company-sponsored fair, now in its 28th year.
The five-day event at Forum North in Whangarei ends on Friday (25 August) and is organised by Central Northland science and technology teachers.
Regional Council Deputy Chairman Peter Jensen says Sarah is an excellent example of the kind of young Northlander the Council is keen to reward through its ‘Consistent Excellence Award’.
“She identified a need for a product and followed it through, developing and then continually refining her invention.”
The Regional Council prize contributes $1000 towards the cost of a student’s university studies and must be used within three years. Sarah hopes to use her award money to study either genetics or performing arts.
For further information:
For further information about the Science Fair Awards, contact Susan Botting, Education Officer at the Northland Regional Council. Phone 0800 002 004 or email susanb@nrc.govt.nz