STUDENTS showcased their teamwork and engineering skills at the Eastern Bay Aquabots competition, held last weekend at the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre.

Organised by the Ministry of Inspiration, this event provided Aquabot kits to schools, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning across various disciplines, including engineering, technology, and science.

Jessica Cathro, a trainer for the programme, said they were thrilled to have 19 teams competing from eight schools. Whakatāne High School teams clinched first and second places in their category, while Tarawera College secured third. Te Kura o te Paroa won the intermediate division. Allandale School took top honours in the primary category, followed by Galatea School and Te Kura o te Paroa in third.

During the competition, students faced multiple challenges in the water with their Aquabots, in addition to delivering presentations and participating in a quiz.

The top three teams in each age group will now prepare for a national competition, to take place at Auckland’s AUT Millennium Pool on December 1.

Erin Nolan, science teacher at Whakatāne High School, said it was a great day at the pools and if either of their teams finish in the top two at nationals, they would be heading off to the US for an international Aquabot competition next year.

Allandale Primary School principal Josh Te Aomarere said Aquabots was a great opportunity for tamariki to be actively engaged in engineering, science and technology.

“The skills they are learning in Aquabots really are preparing them for the future,” he said.

“Watching young people problem-solve in real time was great to see. The nature of Aquabots means that things can go wrong, particularly with their robots, so being able to remain calm and find solutions is a key to success.”

Galatea School Principal Vanessa Koroa was also delighted with their two teams.

“Both teams enjoyed the challenge and gained valuable insights into robotics, problem-solving, and teamwork.”

Ms Koroa said this STEAM challenge was also a great way to integrate a number of different curriculum areas in a fun and purposeful way.

The principals praised the teachers who supported the Aquabots teams.

Ms Cathro said huge thanks had to go out to the sponsors for the event, Trust Horizon, Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board and Murupara Community Board, as well as to the judges, who came from various industries in the Eastern Bay, plus other volunteers.