SWAPA Secondary School Competition

The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) is interested in promoting astronomy for NZ high school students who have an interest and passion for this science.

The Society is holding its annual conference in 2018 in Christchurch from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th May.

The normal conference registration for non-RASNZ members is around $200, however the Society is waiving this cost for up to 10 young astronomers who are keen to attend and find out more about our science.

In addition, the cost of the Saturday night banquet, travel costs to/from the conference and accommodation (usually backpacker) for the Friday and Saturday nights are paid for.

To be considered students should email a short statement of no more than 300 words explaining why they would like to attend the conference and why they are interested in astronomy.

This statement should be sent to RASNZ President, John Drummond (email: john_drummond@xtra.co.nz by Thursday 15th March, 5 pm.

Please include your name, school, age, year of study at school in 2018, email address, telephone contact and science teacher’s name.
 
The winners of the competition will be selected for a clear enthusiasm for astronomy, their seniority, and good English in their submitted statement.

Alternatively, a printed version can be posted to John Drummond, PO Box 113, Patutahi 4045.

The RASNZ Students with a Passion for Astronomy (SWAPA) competition is mostly intended for students in years 11, 12 or 13, however excellent students in years 10 or below should not be deterred from applying.

Those who win the free registration/travel/accommodation will be notified around early-April 2018.