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After Marlborough students’ excellent performance last year, the region’s first AquaBots competition was held Friday.

Tasman- based Ministry of Inspiration’s national competition brings hands-on opportunities for students learning science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Students build and adapt a AquaBot and complete three tasks testing manoeuvrability, accuracy and speed – alongside a quiz and a panel interview.

Chief Inspiration Officer Amy Cornelisen says hands-on learning experiences shows Kiwi kids how school learning adapts into the real world, since starting 11 years ago in Tasman.

“We’re reaching hundreds of students with practical STEAM orientated learning, and Nelson’s competition was getting too large with Marlborough coming over to compete and succeed.”

“Teams make their kit, then redesign and add changes to achieve their goals best, such as hooks and spikes on the front to pick up and return dive toys – and it’s on them to design how to do that best”.

Marlborough’s own competition had 13 teams entering from schools across the region as well as home-based learners.

Renwick School’s ‘Zebrabots’ won the primary division, Bohally’s ‘Angry Geese’ won the intermediate division and Marlborough Boys College’s Aquaneers won the college division.

The national competition is held in Auckland on the 1^stof December.