Annual projects of the Kiwanis Club of Roto Whenua Inc.

NIWA Bay of Plenty Science & Technology Fair

Thursday and Friday, 20th/21st August 2009

This major event for the Western Bay of Plenty region is co-ordinated by the Kiwanis Club of Roto Whenua. NIWA is the major sponsor and judging is overseen by members of the Royal Society (Rotorua Branch). Entries are received from schools in Taupo, Reporoa, Rotorua, Tauranga, Katikati and Mt. Muanganui.

For more detailed information about the Science Fair go to the BOP Science Fair website.

NIWA is a major sponsor of the Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Nelson, and Bay of Plenty Science & Technology Fairs. This sponsorship is part of a long term commitment to enhancing science and technology for young New Zealanders. As part of this commitment, NIWA also sponsors the NIWA Discovery Room, an interactive marine discovery centre at Kelly Tarleton's Underwater World.

The Royal Society of New Zealand branches normally coexist with universities or research centres within our larger centres. Membership is open to any persons with an interest in science.

The Royal Society was founded by Charles II in England in 1660, to promote research in to science and technology. The Royal Society has participated in and funds many research projects in areas of geophysics, astronomy, medicine, biology, chemistry and the establishment of standards in areas of weights and measures. The Royal Society has played a very significant role in the history and development of the science and technology that now dominates modern life.

Realise the Dream. Every regional Science and Technology Fair is given the opportunity to send nominations from their regional fair to a selection panel for consideration for entry to Realise the Dream.

This is a 5 day event for students who have demonstrated excellence in research or technological practice. Held at Victoria University in December, participants attend skills workshops, lectures and visit scientific institutions. Students from Realise the Dream may be invited to attend international science and technology events, or be eligible for tertiary scholarships.

Santa Parade Saturday 5th December 2009
The parade starts from Rangiuru St and winds through the town centre, ending up at the Village Green. Local businesses, schools and organisations are invited to enter floats for this event. Prizes are awarded in various catagories for the best floats. Following the Parade, Santa will be in his groto on the Village Green. 

Lake Rotoma Swim Waitangi Day
Club members assist the Kiwanis Club of Whakatane with this event which is often a Swim New Zealand Open Water Championship event.

Cancer Society Relay for Life 29-30th March 2008
Club members will enter a walking team and cook breakfast for the particpants.

Rotorua Marathon Saturday 2nd May 2009
One of the biggest and most scenic Marathon events of the country. The 2009 event is the 45th run and commemorative medals will be presented to runners. The route takes runners and walkers right round Lake Rotorua in a clockwise direction. The club mans the first and last drinks stations of this popular event.

Adopt a Highway
This is an on going project for the club. At approximately two month intervals, we clean up Tarawera Rd from the Princess of Wales Health Camp, up to the Blue Lake, a popular tourist destination. The club also supports the Rotorua District Council's "Keep Rotorua Beautiful" campaign. Members give lectures to schools in the region about the problem of litter in the environment.