Eco-Geniuses & Motocross finalists in Big Break

MEDIA RELEASE
August 6 2004

Eco-Geniuses and Motocross rider
finalists in NESCAFÉ BIG BREAK
Two Kiwi youths are in with a chance to win AUD$50,000

Three talented young New Zealanders with dreams as diverse as sport and eco-inventing have been selected as finalists in this year's NESCAFÉ BIG BREAK, which means a guaranteed win of AUS$5000 and a shot at the major award of AUD$50,000.

Motocross champion Katherine Prumm from Bombay and eco-genius inventors Vaughn Cooper and Blazej Kot are through to the final round of NESCAFÉ BIG BREAK, a programme which aims to recognise young people's dreams and helps to transform them into reality.

Katherine, a Pukekohe High School student has earned herself a place in the final round of NESCAFÉ BIG BREAK to help fund her passion for dirtbike racing and become world women's No 1 champion before her 20th birthday.

"As with many other sports in New Zealand, you have to travel overseas to compete to test yourself against the best in the world and - as athletes such as Sarah Ulmer and Barbara Kendall will attest - an extended visit to the United States is inevitable and at some cost," Katherine said.

University mates Vaughn and Blazej need the break to help fund their business - EcoPlug Standby Powersaver, a revolutionary energy-saving device which could save every New Zealander thousands of dollars.

"We struck upon this idea while having dinner one night during the 2001 power crisis. We were talking with my dad about it and thought it must be possible to help people save power without having to physically turn everything off all the time," said Vaughn.

Offering a total prize pool of AUD$205,000, Nescafé BIG BREAK is a unique concept that has been inspiring youth to chase their dreams for five years in New Zealand. This year prizes include six awards of AUD$5,000, five awards of AUD$25,000 and one award of AUD$50,000.

The two New Zealand entries have made it through to the finals outdoing thousands of trans-Tasman entries. Vaughn, representing himself and Blazej, and Katherine will be flown to Sydney later this month to present their ideas to a judging panel comprising Nescafé BIG BREAK past winners, where from the 12 trans-Tasman finalists six will win AUD$25,000 and six will win AUD$5000.

After final judging the New Zealand public can show its support by voting to help take Katherine or Vaughn and Blazej's total prize winnings to AUD$50,000. As well as helping Katherine, Vaughn and Blazej live their dreams, voters will also have a chance to win a share in AUD$25,000 worth of prizes. Voting opens in October.

NESCAFÉ BIG BREAK is for anyone with a dream or ambition and is not an achievement award. There are no categories - the winner could be a 'wannabe' pop star or a business-minded entrepreneur.

For more information on NESCAFÉ BIG BREAK check out http://www.nescafebigbreak.co.nz or call 0800 430 043.

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