Budding young engineers compete in local challenge

The events, brought to the region through the support of Counties Power, sees students in Years 5-13 representing their school in teams for the title of EPro8 Challenge Champion.

Counties Power Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says the challenges are engineering focused, an apt partnership for the electricity distributor. “We’re proud to be part of an initiative that supports, promotes and encourages excellence in the sciences and engineering fields with our youth. The challenges incorporate science, electronics, engineering, mathematics and problem solving, with teamwork another essential element. It’s inspiring to see the smart, talented students we have here in Franklin.”

The challenges were varied across the years and involved various tasks including building a swing or crane capable of lifting 1kg, to an electricity powered rat wheel or a Mars Rover.

The EPro8 Challenge Champions are; Years 5-6 Pukekohe Christian School and St Josephs School, Years 7-8 Pukekohe Intermediate and Waiau Pa School and Years 9-10 and 11-13 Pukekohe High School.

Every year more than 10,000 students from 800 schools throughout New Zealand take part in the challenges.  EPro8 stands for engineer, problem solve and innovate – key factors in the challenge.