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The Rodney College Aquabots team is off to the United States next year after winning the high school section of the NZ Aquabot Competition in Tauranga earlier this month.
The team, called the Rodney Rays, featured on the front cover of the Mahurangi Matters on November 7. It was captained by William Clapham, and included Reef Brown, Thomas Tameris, Peter Sundvick, Bhavya Sharma and Azariah Hare. All are Year 11 students.
Clapham said last week that the win was still sinking in.
“The competition in the pool was pretty tough and very close, but we did really well with our technical report and oral presentation, which possibly gave us the edge,” he said.
The win qualifies the team to compete in the international finals at the University of Maryland, 45 minutes north of Washington DC, next May.
As well as the written and oral reports, the remote-controlled Aquabots had to complete two challenges in the pool, which included an obstacle course and a surprise event. This year’s challenge focused on the practical applications of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) on aquaculture.
Nearly 200 Year 4 to 12 students competed in the event.
Clapham says all members of the team are hoping to make the trip to the US final, but this will depend on fundraising. Conservatively, for airfares, accommodation and expenses, he estimates they will have to raise around $30,000.
Clapham thanked everyone who had helped the team make it to the national final.
