Students may enter their exhibit for one Special Awards Theme.
Each Special Award is open to all exhibitors: Years 7 through to 13 inclusive. We have grouped the Special Awards into 6 Themes to aid student choice. Each student exhibit should be entered for one Special Awards Theme. The exhibit will then be considered for all the Special Awards within the chosen Theme.
Theme 1. The Living World:
Earth Science Award
An exhibit in the field of earth sciences or geology. Think earth stability, rocks, volcanoes, erosion – anything to do with the earth.
Sponsored by the Geoscience Society of NZ-Auckland Branch and Auckland Geology Club
NorthTec Innovation and Enterprise Award
An exhibit linking science and/or technology to real world benefits and the economy.
Sponsored by NorthTec
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Biological Monitoring Award
A project where the application of an appropriate or innovative monitoring protocol has been used to accurately estimate the abundance or size of a biological population.
Sponsored by Ballance Agri-Nutrients
Theme 2. Dairy and Primary Industry:
Fonterra Dairy Industry Award
An exhibit dealing with matters/issues relating to the Dairy Industry in Northland. Think farming, milk/milk products, environmental issues.
Sponsored by Fonterra Northland Operations
Farmlands Primary Industry Award
An exhibit that promotes a Northland Primary Industry. Think agriculture, horticulture, forestry or aquaculture.
Sponsored by Farmlands
Baking Industry Research Trust Award
An exhibit which shows the best understanding of flour usage or bakery products in their food related project. This award primarily deals with cereal products such as wheat, rye, oats, barley, rice etc. and their derivatives, e.g. flour, baking powder etc.
Sponsored by the New Zealand Baking Industry Research Trust
Advancement of Food Science & Technology Award
An exhibit relating to the study of food related topics including food safety, new or advancing formulations/ recipes, foods role in heath and well-being, the study of food ingredients, etc.
Sponsored by NZ Institute of Food Science & Technology
Tropical Fruit Growers of New Zealand Award
Investigations MUST focus on the Production of tropical fruit in Northland, including any aspect of propagation, cultivation, harvesting, processing or marketing. In addition to the award, qualifying entrants will be offered a year membership to TFGNZ which will give them access to TFGNZ newsletters and activities like field trips to plantations in the area.
Sponsored by Tropical Fruit Growers of New Zealand
Theme 3. Technology:
McKay Electrical Award
An exhibit that investigates, or develops a process involving; electrical use, electrical components, electrical systems, etc.
Sponsored by McKay Electrical
Chilltech Energy Efficiency Award
An exhibit that promotes energy efficiency in the home or workplace. Think insulation, heating/cooling issues.
Sponsored by Chilltech Energy
BDX Engineering Award
An exhibit which shows an innovative and/or sustainable solution relating to an engineering issue.
Sponsored by BDX Group Ltd
Theme 4. Conservation/Environmental Management:
Eco Awareness Award
An exhibit which encourages the responsible stewardship of our planet’s resources. This could include ways to reduce, reuse, recycle or replace existing technologies, practices or techniques.
Sponsored by The Boorer Family
Forest and Bird Protection Award
An exhibit that promotes the education of the public on the protection and appreciation of New Zealand’s native species, natural ecosystems and landscapes.
Sponsored by Forest and Bird
Bream Head Conservation Trust Award
An exhibit that covers a biosecurity or diversity issue for a given area within Central Northland with a view to enhancing the local environment.
Examples might include:
Biosecurity: Kauri dieback, introduced invertebrates and reptiles, introduced weeds, introduced bird and mammal species.
Biodiversity: survival of endangered species, reintroduction of absent species.
Sponsored by Bream Head Conservation Trust
DOC Conservation Award
An exhibit which shows an outstanding study on the conservation of one or more of New Zealand’s natural resources.
Sponsored by the Department of Conservation (DOC)
Theme 5. Science (Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology):
The Statistical Award
An exhibit displaying the best application of statistical methods and reasoning. Students will need to work through some or all of the following actions: Identify a problem, carry out an experiment or survey, analyse data and report conclusions using words, numbers and graphs working together to communicate the findings from their data. An exhibit that uses the most suitable mathematical modelling for their project.
Sponsored by New Zealand Statistical Association
Northern Benchtops Manufacturing Award
An exhibit displaying the best use of sustainable materials in an innovative way to improve people’s everyday life.
Sponsored by Northern Benchtops Ltd
Central Northland Regional Science Award
An outstanding exhibit which investigates a scientific issue related to Central Northland.
Sponsored by Farmlands
Theme 6. Health:
Dental and Oral Health Award
An exhibit which investigates methods to impove or technology which assists in the improvement of oral or dental health. This includes oral health education tools, causes of disease, disease prevention and improved oral hygiene.
Sponsored by The Northland Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association
Northland District Health – Public Health Safety Award
A scientific investigation of a safety issue, or development of a tool which enhances safety.
Sponsored by Northland District Health Board-Public Health
NorthTec Sports Specialist Award
A project that promotes the advancement of training for, or prevention of injuries in, sport.
Sponsored by NorthTec
Theme 7. Mātauranga Māori:
GNS R-CET te ao Māori Awards ($200 plus Hokianga trip for each of three awards)
Three awards for the best projects incorporating te ao Māori into a Central Northland Science Fair project.
Award 1: Years 7-8
Award 2: Years 9-10
Award 3: Years 11+
Prize: Cash prize, plus an expenses paid trip to the Hokianga for the winner and one adult (someone from your whānau or a special teacher with your whānau’s permission). Includes transportation, accommodation and entry to the Manea Footprints of Kupe.
Sponsored by GNS Science Rapid Characterisation of Earthquakes & Tsunamis (R-CET)