Computer gear on its way to school

WINNERS: All 11 students at Tuturumuri School with principal Lisa Malones (right) and HP representative Gill Brown during her visit to gauge the IT needs of the school, which won a $2500 technology products and services prize. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Students at tiny Tuturumuri School will soon be riding wireless waves in their classroom using $2500 worth of computer products won in the nationwide HP Rural Schools Competition.

Earlier this year HP New Zealand Printing and Personal Systems Group joined Rural Women New Zealand to give rural primary schools a chanceto win a share of $20,000 worth of HP products and support, says Rural Women New Zealand spokeswoman Jackie Edkins.

Rural schools were asked to submit an entry outlining why they needed a technology boost and how it would benefit the students.

South Wairarapa's Tuturumuri School was among a field of more than 60 competition submissions from schools across New Zealand, she said.

A panel of judges, including a Rural Women NZ representative, had narrowed the entries to five winners that would share in the $20,000 prize including Tuturumuri School, Pokeno School, Ruahine School, Kopuarahi School, and Te Kura o Hata Maria School.

Members of the judging panel visited Tuturumuri School in September to interview principal Lisa Malones, meet students and canvas the technology needs of the school.

Ms Malones said the prizes for the decile 7 school were "absolutely massive" and come ahead of a classroom overhaul next year.

An HP representative had gauged IT requirements at the school, which had 11 students and an existing broadband connection, and two chrome books, two touch tablets and a large flat screen monitor were expected to soon arrive, she said. There would also be training for teachers in using the new equipment.

"It's going to change our school and because we're the hub of our community the prizes will filter out to our community as well."

HP category manager Victoria Mahan said the competition had given her company "real insight into the need for technology in New Zealand's rural schools".

"It was humbling to see the effort schools made to enter the competition and to see the real need for technology in rural schools.

"Every school deserves access to technology to inspire students and support teachers.

"No matter what career path these students want to follow in years to come, students will need strong technology skills in an increasingly digitally driven world and we hope these HP products will get them off to a great start."

Rural Women NZ education spokeswoman Kerry Maw said the organisation was "delighted to be a part of this initiative".

"The HP technology boost is going to make a real difference to the winning schools."

Each school that entered the HP Rural Schools competition was also gifted an HP Action Camera. Schools that missed out on major prizes this time around will have the opportunity to enter again next year.