Miss Kaur, who has recently finished Year 12, was recommended by her Physics teacher to get involved and submitted her application soon after.
"It seems like a really cool opportunity to challenge myself and also improve my leadership skills. Also to meet new people with the same mind set and interests in Science."
She plans to study Mathematics Science, or something physics related when she finishes school at the end of next year and is tossing up between Auckland University and Victoria University of Wellington.
"I have always been passionate about science. It is a great opportunity especially coming from a small community and a great challenge to get out of my comfort zone and get a taste for what it will be like at University," Miss Kaur said.
Mr Sales - a Year 13 student said it was "a blessing in disguise to be one of the people
chosen to work with other students across New Zealand with the same minds around science and technology".
"I wasn't born a genius, so it shows that if you work hard, you can get to your goal."
He is planning to study Health Science next year at Otago University, with the hope of getting accepted into Dentistry the following year.
"I found out from my Earth and Space Science teacher who read my internal and thought I would be good for it."
Like Miss Kaur, he is excited to take the opportunity, make friends around New Zealand and solve problems.
Chief Executive of Royal Society Te Apārangi, Dr Andrew Cleland said, "The calibre of the students who applied was excellent and some tough decisions had to be made by the selection panel to get the number down to 40."
"The students will need to think outside the square and use their creative capabilities to find solutions. They will also need to work well in a team situation and will be required to hone their research skills. At the end of the three days, each team will present its findings at a special presentation.
"To be selected for Powering Potential, each student was required to submit an in-depth application and video, which focused on their own science strengths or how they have contributed to an area of science in their school or community. The students have been selected because they are serious about going on to study science at a tertiary level and have demonstrated a passion for science."
He said the Society was delighted the following businesses and organisations have volunteered a science mentor to help the students over the three days - Plant & Food Research, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Dunning Thornton, Ferrier Research Institute, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Ministry of Primary Industries, University of Otago and Massey University.
Grandmaster of Freemasons New Zealand, Mark Winger said "Freemasons New Zealand is absolutely delighted to be involved in Powering Potential in partnership with Royal Society Te Apārangi. Education is a cornerstone of freemasonry. Our organisation is all about self-improvement and having the courage to make changes for the benefit of all."
This is the third year of Powering Potential., Which has seen three students selected last year and two students selected from the Hawke's Bay region in 2015.
All costs for the students, including flights, accommodation and social activities, are covered by Royal Society Te Apārangi, Freemasons New Zealand and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
