Posted: 28 August 2006
Pollution research earns Kerikeri student NRC award
A 17-year-old Kerikeri High School student’s study of waterway pollution has earned him this year’s Northland Regional Council ‘Excellence Award’ at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair.
Student Marco Eugster’s project ‘Pollution Solution’ was one of 140 science fair entries from 11 Far North schools.
The science fair – which began in 1978 - was held over three days recently at The Centre in Kerikeri and is organised by Far North science teachers.
The Northland Regional Council prize contributes $1000 towards the cost of the winner’s university studies and must be used within three years.
Marco, a Year 13 (seventh form) student, plans to use his award next year to study towards a university degree in business and science at Auckland University.
His award-winning work investigated the amount of nitrogen in two Kerikeri waterways - Puketotara Stream and Kerikeri River - and the effects of using duckweed to reduce this.
Kaikohe-based Northland Regional Councillor Jim Peters says it was pleasing to see the number of projects that had demonstrated an interest in examining the environment.
“It’s very important nationally that science continues to occupy a major place in the secondary school teaching curriculum. Children who are knowledgeable, curious and innovative represent a significant future asset for our country.”