Search on for Far North's next budding young scientists

'Ragwort to Riches' was a winner for Kerikeri High School's Sophie Piesse at last year's Far North Science Fair for researching an environmentally friendly way of fighting ragwort.

Year 7-13 students from 13 schools will take part in this year's Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair, at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri later this month.

From August 29 to 31 students representing schools from Kaitaia to Russell, Broadwood to Kerikeri, and including some home-schooled students, will showcase their science projects.

About 160 projects will compete for a range of prizes, including from main sponsor Top Energy and other sponsors who, the organisers say, willingly support the innovation and enthusiasm of young people in the exploration of science and technology in the Far North.

"Each year the diversity and quality of the projects at the fair continue to impress," an organising spokesman said.

"In previous years students have gone forward to participate in the National Science Fair, Powering the Potential. One of these projects was very successful at this event last year.

''And over past years the sponsors and organisers have been delighted with the level of participation and quality of innovation shown in the students' exhibits.''

The fair will be open to the public from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Thursday, August 30, and again for the prizegiving, 5.30pm on Friday 31. Admission will be free.

For more information go to www.sciencefairfarnorth.ac.nz