Bay innovators net awards

Bay of Plenty innovators were recognised at the ASB Arena at Bay Park last night in the Young Innovator Awards.

Established in 2009, the annual YIA aimed to inspire and engage secondary school students and people under 40 years of age who reside in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

This year the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic promoted YIA to their students and tutors along with the 10 secondary schools in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty and Priority One's Young Professionals Group.

Fifty-five finalists were selected from more than 100 entries. The top winners were as follows:

Seniors:

Supreme Winner

Multi Twister by Maraea Ranui from Tauranga Girls' College
A multi plug that will swivel around 90 degrees in blocks of units.

Highly Commended

Share Chair by Tessa Livingston-Pooley from Otumoetai College
Rent out the jigs to make children's chairs to schools and preschools.

Juniors:

Supreme Winner

Swim Safe App by Hayden Christie, Lachlan Farron, & Frano Gabric from Otumoetai College
A phone app that uses the camera to evaluate the sea's movement patterns and identify the signs of a rip.

Highly Commended

Medical Bracelet by Cassie Chapman, Roos van Gorp, & Katelyn Wallbank from Otumoetai College
A medical bracelet/necklace and GPS tracker with GSM and instructional speaker to help those who have allergies get the proper help they need, faster, when having a reaction.

Under 40s:

Silent Light by Glen Storey & Monique Storey
An iPhone/iPad app that helps manage classroom noise levels.

People's Choice:

Walk The Dog by Lucy Beaton, Blake Fairweather, Emily Farron, Annie Freeman, Jess Gadsbey, Seniors from Otumoetai College
A hassle-free dog walking storage and clip-on lead belt.

Internship:

Swim Safe App by Hayden Christie, Lachlan Farron, & Frano Gabric, Juniors from Otumoetai College
A phone app that uses the camera to evaluate the sea's movement patterns and identify the signs of a rip.