Marvellous mould, black holes and crazy hair were among the subjects explored by Marlborough students last week at the Marlborough Lines Science and Technology Fair (SCITEC).
A total of 341 students competed at the regional fair, selected from 800 students who took part at school level.
Running for more than 60 years, the fair aims to spark interest in science and technology among Marlborough youth.
SCITEC organiser Hugh Lensen, who helps select students for the regional stage, says the standard of exhibits exceeded previous years.
“This year, it’s a smaller fair than usual but the quality is much higher. Normally we have about six to 10 Above and Beyond awards. This year we’ve got 19. So it’s a big jump up in what the judges thought were wow.”
The “Above and Beyond” awards recognise students whose research, thoroughness and scientific understanding exceed expectations for their age group.
Eighteen-year-old Oscar Mason, of Marlborough Boys’ College, was named Best in Fair for his exhibit, Ocean In Balance, which measured the precipitation of calcium carbonate to reflect ocean chemistry and ocean acidification.
Oscar, who also won Best in Fair in 2025 for a biology project completed with another student, says he is “really happy” with the result and it’s “really cool to do it again”. He thanks the Marlborough Boys’ science department for the late nights spent measuring data and helping him prepare his exhibit.
Rapaura School student Blake Williams won Best Primary Exhibit for Amygdala: The Alarm Within, while Bohally Intermediate students Ruby Roni and Bella Buntha took out Best Intermediate Exhibit for The Feather Whisperer.
The pair explored how owls fly almost completely silently, after becoming fascinated by the sounds birds make in flight while studying sound waves in class.
Ruby says she was “really amazed” by the win, especially as it was her first fair.
“I just feel really happy,” she laughs.
Bella says she was surprised they had made it to the fair, let alone won:
“I feel really good. Like I’m surprised we even made it.”
Reflecting on the process of creating their exhibit, the girls gave some advice to other students: “When people give you advice, don’t be angry. Just take it and encourage yourself.”
