N E W S 7 Electric vehicle competition sparks interest Engineers and teachers are praising a new initiative they say is sparking renewed interest in science, maths and engineering in Waikato secondary schools. EVolocity Waikato is a region-wide competition where students design, build and race their own electric vehicles with assistance from teachers, tertiary tutors and mentors from engineering businesses. More than 70 students from 12 schools are taking part in the regional competition for the first time, designing and building their own electric cart or bike equipped with an electric motor kit. Next month they will go head-to-head, racing their vehicles in a drag race and on a street circuit to see which schools’ electric vehicles will go on to compete in the national finals in Christchurch on November 27. As well as speed, vehicles will be judged on economy, rolling resistance and motor control. Other prizes will be awarded for innovation and sustainability, with extra points for body design, bling, creatively dressed teams and community awareness. Waikato Engineering Careers Association NZTech backs $1 million for digital technology projects NZTech has backed the Government’s move to put $1 million into digital technology projects. Education Minister Hekia Parata announced the funding for education and digital technologies providers who have ideas for engaging projects. The funding is part of a broader package of curriculum support for schools to strengthen digital technologies in the New Zealand curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says the announcement is a positive sign from the minister. “One of the concerns of the tech sector was that the education system would move too slow, however this is a very clear message from the government that there is urgency, and that they are willing to start investing in helping the education system prepare for the introduction of digital technology,” Mr Muller says. “A phased approach is a sensible option as there is no silver bullet. It will take some time to develop some robust national curricula for digital technologies, ensure teachers have the professional development to deliver a new curricula and the teaching resources to deliver it well. “Digital skills are critical for our kids’ abilities to lead a productive working life. Additionally, with the tech sector growth accelerating at 7.5% per annum, our economy will also succeed or fail on our ability to produce tech savvy kids.” (WECA) manager Mary Jensen says EVolocity has been an excellent way to spark interest in important secondary school subjects and mechanical and electrical engineering. “EVolocity puts students in a workshop setting and sees them practising the subjects they are learning in the classroom in a hands-on way. For most students this will also be their first taste of engineering and hopefully will inspire the best students to pursue careers in this lucrative sector,” Ms Jensen says. WECA is co-ordinating EVolocity in the region and its engineering company members, along with Wintec and the University of Waikato, are supporting the initiative. “We’re facing a shortage of skilled engineers as a region and as a nation so our members and tertiary providers are very motivated to equip and inspire the next generation of engineers. We see EVolocity as complementary to the school curriculum as it gives students that extra taste of what engineering looks like in real world.” St Johns’ College head of technology Steve Andrew said 10 Year 13 students taking part in EVolocity at his school had embraced the challenge, renewing their vigour for technology, maths and science subjects. “They’re using core subjects like science and physics in the workshop and they’re so engrossed. It’s also probably the first time they have been exposed to mechanical and electrical engineering, so that’s a big part of it too,” Mr Andrew says. Team work among students and teachers had been another positive spinoff. “Our technology teachers are working together and students are working together to solve problems for a common purpose. The competition element of it has really motivated them. The response from everyone has been great,” Mr Andrew says. A final EVolocity Waikato Build Day will be held on September 3, where vehicles will be scrutineered and teams provided with a checklist of fixes required. Vehicles will be scrutineered a second time before the regional final, to be held at Kartsport Hamilton, Airport Rd, Friday September 16, from midday. Members of the public are welcome. Yacht opens versatility right up The new Italian-built EVO-43 is the sort of luxury speedboat that offers plenty of flexibility., Aft sections of its bulwark expand outward to create a large terrace for sunbathing and swimming. It's a marriage of quick, nimble motoring, creative engineering and spacious lounging. The 43 is so much more than just a sleek, sporty cruise. Hydraulic ‘XTension’ bulwarks around the aft platform extend outward at the touch of a mobile device or onboard control panel, stretching the maximum beam from 4.5 metres to 6.3 metres, in as little as 30 seconds, and floor panels automatically fold out as the sides move, seamlessly expanding total usable space by 40 percent. The extended wings give the 43 the look of an aircraft ready for takeoff, but it's much better prepared to stay put on the water's surface and host up to 12. The expansion creates a 25 square metre area and the 43 still drives forward when fully expanded.
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