Student Photography Ministerial Stamp of Approval

‘Ministerial Stamp of Approval for Student Photography’

2 May 2005

Student winners of the first New Zealand secondary school agriculture and science photography contest were this afternoon presented with their trophy awards in Parliament, gaining a ministerial stamp of approval for their work.

Christchurch Boys' High School took top honours in both sections of the contest.

The winning photos are on display in the Beehive Foyer from 2 to 5 May and will then move to Palmerston North's Te Manawa Museum where they will be displayed from 7 May to 7 June.

AgResearch created the contest to encourage students to explore science and agriculture and consider the value of study and careers in these areas.

The contest was also developed to help mark the Easter centenary this year of its Wallaceville campus, in Upper Hutt.

Rimutaka MP, Paul Swain, arranged for the parliamentary exhibition after viewing the photographs at the centenary.

“At a time when not enough young people are looking to science for a career, it is heartening to find a forum encouraging young people to look closely at the world around them."

“I arranged the viewing because I was impressed by the thoughtful and considered approach to the subject matter.”

This varied - from the very fresh approach shown to a very common subject of cows – to some thought provoking imagery on GM.

In awarding the trophy prizes to the students, the Minister for Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Steve Maharey, echoed those sentiments.

“Agriculture and science are key contributors to New Zealand’s economic security.

We need to do all we can to encourage young people to see them as exciting and fascinating places to work if we are to maintain our competitive edge.”

AgResearch CEO Dr Andy West says the contest has been such a success it will now be an annual event.

“From next year we’ll bring the winners to the nation’s iconic annual farming event – Mystery Creek – to present them with their prizes.

We hope the Minister for Research, Science and Technology will consider donning gumboots to join us and present the awards.”

The winning photographs were chosen from 368 entries. The contest was open to year 11, 12 and 13 pupils.

The winners were presented with cash and photographic prizes at the Wallaceville centenary and today were awarded framed trophy photos for their schools.

AgResearch thanks prize sponsors Ovita Limited, Air New Zealand, James & Wells, Agri-feeds Limited and the University of Waikato for supporting the contest.

1st Prize Science
Josh Townsend Christchurch Boy's High School – for Lightning Strike at New Brighton Pier

2nd Prize Science
David Gyde Hamilton Boy's High School – for Fargo versus Shrek

3rd Prize Science
Maria Alexandra Beck - Heretaunga College – for Potion

Upper Hutt Student Resident - Best Photo Award
Maria Alexandra Beck - Heretaunga College – for A closer look

1st Prize Agriculture
Hugh Mitton Christchurch Boy's High School – for Fruit Tree of the Future

2nd Prize Agriculture
Loren Came - Hamilton Boy's High School – for Quadruple Cow

3rd Prize Agriculture
Imogen Hutson - Carmel College – for Strange Growths on the Trampoline

ENDS

© Scoop Media