Bay of Plenty Regional Science Fair

TUHIPOKA: This article is about the annual NIWA Bay of Plenty Regional Science Fair. For information about Te Tūkohu Ngāwhā Mātauranga Māori Science and Design Fair, click here.

Bay Science has received an update about this year’s Bay of Plenty Regional Science Fair. Following the recent decision to wind down the BoP Science Fair Incorporated Society, long-time organiser Christine Laycock has stepped forward to continue running the fair independently. With continued support from NIWA—soon to be known as Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESI)—and other regular sponsors, the fair remains a key event in the region’s science calendar.

Image source: Adobe Stock

Key Info for Schools

🗓️ Fair Date: Thursday 14 August 2025

📍Venue: Equippers Rotorua (324 Malfroy Rd – free parking onsite!)

As with last year, judging and prize giving will take place on the same day. This means that only one full day out of school is required.

Timings (approximate):

• 8:00am – Setup begins

• 8:45am – Judging and interviews

• 11:00am – Students take a break

• 12:00pm – Public viewing

• 3:00pm – Prize giving
  

Registering for the Bay of Plenty Science Fair

• School registrations close: Tuesday 15 July, 5pm

• Student entries close: Friday 25 July, 5pm
  

Forms can be requested by emailing Christine (bopsciencefair@gmail.com) or via the links at the bottom of this post.

Can You Lend a Hand?

Christine is also looking for volunteers to help with:

• Wednesday 13 August (afternoon): Setting up tables, laying out certificates and ribbons

• Thursday 14 August: Manning the registration desk and helping with pack-down after the event
  

Even a couple of hours would make a difference—feel free to flick her an email if you or someone you know (including teen helpers) might be keen.

School Registration Form

Exhibitor Registration Form

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Acknowledgements: Thank you John Marsh (NZAPSE) for sharing this information, and Christine Laycock (bopsciencefair@gmail.com) for continuing this mahi.

Please contact info@bayscience.nz in the event of any errors/suggestions or if you would like to contribute a spotlight article.