A science first for Far North students

Ten of the Far North's Brain Bee Challenge finalists: Symphony Morunga, Wikitoria Watene-Kowhai, Te Manawanui Tawhara-Crown, Aden Moses, mentor Conor O'Sullivan, Tihei Mataira, Waimirirangi Wikitera, Te Aroha Pawa. In front: Te Rere Sofa, Te Wairua Piripi, Aylah-Rose Narbey-Nimeti.

Fifteen Year 11 students from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Kaikohe and Northland College are the first from the Far North to take part in the NZ Brain Bee Challenge, or anything similar - and they made the national finals.

Now they are anxiously awaiting the results.

The Brain Bee Challenge is an Australasian competition designed to teach Year 11 students about the brain and its functions, encouraging them to discover the latest in neuroscience research, to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses, and to display the career opportunities brain research has to offer.

Far North university students Conor O'Sullivan (third year Bachelor of Health Science) and Kapowairua Stephens (fourth year medical student), along with fifth year medical student Chris Sadler (Dunedin), ran tutorials and teaching wananga to prepare the students, through Kaitaia charitable trust the Moko Foundation.

Chief executive Deidre Otene said the trust was dedicated to connecting young people with opportunities to further themselves, and by so doing to normalise success for Far North youth.

The students were well received at the competition, at Auckland University, she said, where they had support from two onetime Far North students, Associate Professor Maurice Curtis (Rawene) and Professor Peter Shepherd (Kaitaia).

Ms Otene said she was not at all surprised they had made the finals.

"The Far North breeds success; how we nurture and create opportunities for young people will determine their success."