6 August 2003 High Standard Expected in Science Fair

Budding young scientists and technologists are counting down to make this year's Canterbury-Westland Science and Technology Fair the best yet.

“With many schools now running their own mini-fairs ahead of the provincial-level event and sending in only their top entries, we are expecting a particularly high standard this year," says Gordon McNabb of Christchurch Kiwanis Club, chair of the fair's organising committee.

Along with the Canterbury Science Teachers' Association, members of Christchurch Kiwanis clubs provide people-power and other support for this important local event.

Over 400 exhibitors have signalled their intention to take part in the fair which is in the Christchurch Convention Centre on Sunday and Monday 17-18 August.

Entries are well up on last year's total of about 350, says Chief Judge Dr Jonathan Hickford of Lincoln University, principal sponsors of the fair.

At stake as "Best in Fair" prize is a three-year fees scholarship for tertiary study at the winner's choice of either Lincoln University or Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

Numerous category prizes provided by a wide range of local sponsoring organisations and businesses make the fair a glittering event for Year 7-13 students. The prize-giving is on the Sunday night in Christchurch Town Hall.

Judging takes place on the Sunday morning and the fair is open to the public from 1.30 to 5.00 in the afternoon. It is also open to the public all day on Monday 18 August. There is an admission charge.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand