BOP Science & Technology Fair

The NIWA BOP Science & Technology Fair will be held on Thursday 17 August 2023 at Equippers, 324 Malfroy Rd, Rotorua. This year it will be a one-day event.

Open to the public after judging has been completed - approximately 12 noon.

Big wins for budding scientists at NIWA BOP science fair
A love for animals has landed Year 8 Mount Maunganui student Nathan Appleton top prize in this year’s Bay of Plenty NIWA Science and Technology Fair.
Nathan’s project, Karaka Catcher, saw him design, prototype and test a reusable and eco-friendly product that effectively catches karaka berries, which are poisonous to dogs. His ingenious project won him the $500 prize for Best in Fair.
Around 100 students competed at the fair, which was assessed by panel judges from all branches of science, technology, and engineering.
Chief Judge, Scion’s Science Operations and Optimisation Manager Louise Sandford said the calibre of the science & technology projects this year has been outstanding.
“The students should all be incredibly proud of the work they've put into their projects, especially the intermediate schools. The future of science and technology is in very safe hands. I’d like to extend my congratulations to Nathan and all the other winners for their fantastic achievement, and my gratitude to everyone who took part,” Louise said.
Top prize winners
NIWA Best in Fair went to Nathan Appleton, Year 8, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, for his technology project Karaka Catcher. Nathan designed, prototyped, and tested a reusable product that effectively catches karaka berries, which are very poisonous to dogs, without impacting the local ecosystem.
Kiwanis Runner Up in Fair went to Ellen Thompson, Year 11, ACG Tauranga for her project on effects of peppermint oil on short - term memory.
Don Raynor Memorial Award for Judges Choice went to Alissa Gaulger, Year 9, Rotorua Lakes High School for her project Battle of the Beans. The judges were incredibly impressed by her methodology, replication and statistical analysis.
Scion Award for Bio-Circular Economy went to Max Farrar, Mount Maunganui Intermediate for the creation of his app - recycle it, which lets you know where you can recycle.
Sponsoring science and technology fairs throughout New Zealand is part of NIWA’s long-term commitment to enhancing science and technology for young New Zealanders.
The NIWA Bay of Plenty Science and Technology Fair took place at Harvest Centre in Rotorua on 18 and 19 August, with other fairs also taking place across the country.

Please note that the Harvest Centre, Malfroy Rd, Rotorua has recently changed its name to Equippers Rotorua.

The NIWA Science & Technology Fair will be on 18/19 August 2022.

Draft poster for the Fair. A few details to change.

NIWA Science & Technology Fair 2022 will be held on 18/19 August at the Harvest Centre, Malfroy Rd, Rotorua. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Science Fair organising committee have decided with great regret to cancel the Fair for this year. The ongoing uncertainty regarding covid regulations and the government's announcements about announcements are making life impossible for many organisations to plan events. We intend to run the Fair in 2022 and will work towards that end next year.

And once again the Fair is canceled! An update will be posted here when we have an alternative date.

NIWA Bay of Plenty Science & Technology Fair is back again on 19/20 August. Bigger and better than last year. See you at the Harvest Centre, Malfroy Rd, Rotorua.

Science Fair is coming back again on 19/20 August 2021 at the Harvest Centre, 324 Malfroy Rd, Rotorua. Open to the public for viewing free, 1.00 pm - 6.00 pm Thursday 19th, and 9.00 am - 2.00 pm Friday 20th. Prizegiving will be held at 1.00 pm Friday 20th.

A selection of the prize-winning entries (in no particular order) from this year's Fair. Congratulations to all the winners.

NIWA Science & Technology Fair 22 October 2020.

BOP Science Fair is on this week, 22/23 October finally!!!