31 July 2002 Science fair untroubled by action

Despite the industrial action turmoil in secondary schools, this year's Lincoln University Canterbury Westland Science and Technology Fair has drawn as many entries as ever – currently around 350.

Chief Judge Dr Jon Hickford of Lincoln University says he is thrilled with the enthusiasm and response the fair has generated in what has been a difficult year for schools, teachers and students.

This year's fair, in the Christchurch Convention Centre, Kilmore Street, runs over Sunday 25 August - Monday 26 August. Sunday is the judging day – a departure from previous years when it has been held on Saturdays. Public viewing will be on Sunday afternoon, 2.00 - 5.30pm – and again all day Monday, 9.00am - 5.00pm.

The prize giving will be on Sunday night at 7.30pm in the Limes Room at Christchurch Town Hall.

The fair, which is open to intermediate and secondary school pupils throughout Canterbury and Westland is organised on a voluntary basis by a committee made up of members of the Canterbury Science Teachers' Association, Kiwanis Clubs of Christchurch, and staff and students of Lincoln University.

It is supported by a large number of sponsoring organisations and in addition to Lincoln University as Principal Sponsor it has the backing of Environment Canterbury, Canterbury Development Corporation, the University of Canterbury and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology plus a whole range of professional and learned institutes CRI's, businesses and commercial enterprises.

The top prize includes a three-year fees scholarship for tertiary study at the choice of Lincoln University or Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology; a $1000 book voucher to Lincoln University Bookshop; and automatic right of entry to the Genesis Energy NZ Science & Technology Fair.

Other prestige prizes are provided by Environment Canterbury, Canterbury University (a cash grant towards first year tuition fees) and Otago University (a Summer School attendance fee contribution).

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