16 April, 2008
Promoting intellectual property by recognising young kiwi talent

A former Upper Hutt student was the focus of today’s Ministerial celebration that promoted intellectual property by recognising the innovation and creativity of enterprising young New Zealanders.

Associate Commerce Minister, Judith Tizard, says 18 year old Yang Gan, who was a Year 13 student at Hutt International Boys’ School last year, won a pilot secondary school competition aimed at encouraging teachers and students to recognise, respect and celebrate kiwi innovation and creativity.

“Yang Gan and two of his fellow students demonstrated the flair and creativity that drives our intellectual property regime,” says Judith Tizard. “I am delighted to be part of the celebration that helps to raise the awareness of intellectual property, especially among our youth who continue to amaze us with their creative and innovative minds,” she said.

The celebration is part of events aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of Intellectual Property, nationally and internationally. World Intellectual Property Day falls on 26 April.

The Labour-led government is undertaking a wide-ranging reform of intellectual property law. “A robust, up to date intellectual property regime is an essential part of an innovative, growing economy,” says Judith Tizard.

The 2008 ‘Intellectual Property Respecting Creativity Design Competition’ will offer another opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity and work towards completing their NCEA studies.

They can develop design work, a short film, soundtrack or article for a copyright and intellectual property campaign aimed at the under-18 age group. Visual art and design, music, media studies, technology, graphics and English students can develop their entries as part of study towards assessment of relevant achievement standards and unit standards.

The competition is administered by the Ministry of Education with the active support of the Ministry for Economic Development and the Copyright Council of New Zealand. It is open to all Y11-13 students this year and closes on 28 October 2008. Full details can be found on the website: www.lovemusic.co.nz/site/ and www.nzfact.co.nz

ENDS

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