Mysteries of Waikato River revealed

Hamilton students where in a group which investigated past and present conditions of the Waikato River.

Students from Hamilton Christian and Fairfield colleges, Hamilton Girls' and Hillcrest high schools, St John's and St Paul's collegiates and Waikato Diocesan were among the group of 39 from throughout the North Island at a summer school at the University of Waikato.

The week-long Hill Laboratories Waikato Science Summer School ran in December and gave the students a taste of what it can be like to study science and engineering at a tertiary level.

The week opened with a visit to The Mighty River Waikato exhibition at the Waikato Museum, followed by a road trip up river with stops at Lake Taupo, Tokaanu Power Station and an overnight stay at Turangi.

The following day, the group returned, with stops to explore and collect samples at the Craters of the Moon, Wairakei, Aratiatia Rapids, Waipapa Dam, the Karapiro Stream and the Hamilton Water Treatment Plant.

Students spent the remainder of the week in the university's science and engineering labs, analysing samples and conducting experiments to determine the environmental and physical changes to the river and the surrounding land as it flows between Taupo and Hamilton.

Group presentations by the students ended the week.

Topics of focus included the natural, unmodified Waikato River, dam and power generation on the river, the influence of rural land use and the effects of urban development on the river.

Dr Ian Duggan, Science Summer School convenor, says he was incredibly impressed with the quality of students coming through the school.

"They appeared interested in what was presented to them, and undertook the tasks given to them more than competently. If this is a reflection of the quality of the students we have coming through, then the future of science in New Zealand is in good hands."

Main sponsor Hill Laboratories is the country's largest, privately-owned, analytical testing laboratory

"Good science is close to our heart, and our strategic plan includes an intention to support young people as they pursue their interests in science," says Steve Howse, the company's general manager.

Waikato's Summer School is an annual event run by Rotary District 9930 and Waikato University's Faculty of Science & Engineering, with sponsorship from Hill Laboratories.