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Jim Anderton with 3 of the 4 directors of Comet Technologies on the steps of Parliament.

The Comet Technologies team, fresh from their success at the National (YES) Awards in Wellington visited Minister of Agriculture and local Wigram MP, Jim Anderton in his Beehive office today.

The four Year 12 students, Nigel Salmons, Jordan Adams, Thomas Veitch and Stuart Jackson are directors of Comet Technologies, the Young enterprise company from St Thomas of Canterbury College who have launched AcciLink on August 1st 2006. The AcciLink is similar to a GPS device and monitors distance, travel and speed.

"This product is a great accolade to the students' innovation, creativity and hard work. They have taken a concept through to creating a marketable and award-winning product. The principal and the staff at St Thomas' have to take credit for fostering a learning environment in the school where both enterprise and social responsibility are considerations for business ventures," Jim Anderton said.

"Parents will find uses for the AcciLink I'm sure," Jim Anderton said. "If the device is installed in a car, parents are able to track it, monitor how fast the car is travelling and where it has been. There are a lot of dangers for young drivers, including the boy racer culture, and parents want to be able to do something about it.

"The boys have designed AcciLink as part of a Youth Enterprise Scheme (YES) competition, which has seen St Thomas of Canterbury College reap regional and national titles in previous years. This year has been no different."

Comet Technologies awards include:
Comet Technologies - Regional Runner-Up (2006)
Comet Technologies - Regional Marketing and Media Award (2006)
Comet Technologies - National Technology (2006) NZ Trade & Enterprise

Mark Stewart, Business Mentor - Comet Technologies - YES Canterbury Business Mentor of the Year (2006)

Nigel Salmons, Comet Technologies Joint Managing Director, University of Canterbury - Economics and Management Business School - Company Director of the Year 2006

Comet Technologies have also won a National Excellence Award (2006). AcciLink was launched on 1st August 2006. The Senior Young Enterprise team's product has appeared on 'Campbell Live' and 'ASB Business' and they have now been nominated for a Royal Society Award for 'Realise the Dream' competition.

"These talented students represent a bright future for New Zealand. Although the Comet Technologies team are now mentored by Christchurch businessman, Mark Stewart, they raised the capital for their company by busking in Cathedral Square dressed as penguins.

"Comet Technologies have identified the need for curbing excessive driving by some young drivers. AcciLink will hold interest for commercial fleet operators but also offers a credible new traffic and road safety enforcement device," Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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