Student science projects from across the Bay of Plenty impressed judges at this year's NIWA Bay of Plenty Regional Science and Technology Fair.

Projects included innovative ideas for biodegradable fish hooks and handy pumpkin cutters for the kitchen, but it was a Katikati student's idea that won judges' hearts.

Students attempt a selfie while judges deliberate. Photos: NIWA.

Katikati College's Fergus Chinnery was awarded the NIWA premier prize of a cup and $600 for his project: Can I Increase the Odds?

The project examined the cleaning and harvesting of seeds from selected clover plants in order to increase the odds of finding a four leaf clover on one plant.

The fair was held in Rotorua from August 21-22 and is a major event for the Western Bay of Plenty region and 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. Entries are received from schools in Taupo, Reporoa, Rotorua, Tauranga, Katikati and Mount Maunganui.

Fergus also received the Otago University Summer School Award for the best application of scientific method and the Don Raynor Memorial Award. Mount Maunganui Intermediate student Ben Tustin received the Kiwanis Reserve Award for second overall winner which saw him awarded a cup and $400.

His project was entitled Trouble at C and also won the Rotorua District Council Mayoral Award for health and welfare.

More than 170 projects from students in Years 7-13 were entered in the competition from across the Bay of Plenty.

NIWA biologist and science fair co-ordinator Tracey Burton said NIWA was delighted to be involved in the Bay of Plenty fair – one of five around the country that NIWA sponsors – and congratulated all winners for the innovative thinking.

The full of list of winners is available at www.bopscifair.org.nz

Science fair entrant Alex Trask from Tauranga with his project – a kitchen tool that cuts pumpkin into ‘workable chunks'.

Aidan Thomsen with his project ‘Hooked On' – the invention of biodegradable fish hooks.