The 2013 Science Fair was by all accounts a great success. There were 180 entries, with 30% achieving Commended, Highly Commended or Outstanding awards. The large number of entries gave the judges a much larger than anticipated workload. Their diligence and commitment is once again commended as they read, questioned and supported the students.

The major sponsor of the 2013 Science Fair was Eastern Institute of Technology. EIT also hosted the event, provided considerable staff support and gave senior student entrants a tour of the science facilities. Many other organisations, including our Branch, also provided awards.

The Hawke’s Bay Branch sees the Science Fair as one of the very important events of the year. We are fully focused on elevating the role of science, especially among the new generation who will be the leaders of research and development in years to come.

Acknowledging this, the Branch once again sponsored prizes. We made the following Science and Technology Fair Awards in August 2013:

Winner of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society of NZ Scientific Award for excellence in science or technology in a Year 9-13 exhibit was Hannah Brownrigg of Woodford House school for her project “Maize moisture management”.

Winner of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society of NZ Scientific Award for excellence in science or technology in a Year 7-8 exhibit was Oliver Wilson of Sherwood School for his project “Colourful Chromatography”.

Winner of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society of NZ Scientific Award for merit in science or technology was Max Simcox of Puketapu School for his project “Up & Go”.

We again congratulate these students, and all the others that won awards.