The senior and junior awards at the inaugural Otago Southland Clash of the Colleges were claimed by the talented students of Otago Boys’ High School and Blue Mountain College.
The Agri Futures Clash of the Colleges was created to inspire the next generation into food and fibre careers.
Established by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, the team delivers Clash of the College events in Auckland, Canterbury and Manawatū, scholarships, and in-school modules that support the delivery of the agriculture and horticulture curriculum.
The Clash of the Colleges is a fast-paced, Amazing Race-style competition that offers students hands-on experience in various aspects of the rural sector.
Students work in teams of four to complete 16 hands-on modules within 90 minutes.
The modules are run by experts in their field, Otago University Agriculture and Telford SIT Agriculture students.
Agri Futures’ Daniel O’Regan said the competition included an ATV wheel change, tree identification, attaching an insulator, break fencing, feeds and weeds, drenching, handpiece set-up, wool identification, through to gumboot throwing, sulky racing, on-farm recycling, CPR and more.
“It was fantastic to see students showcasing their skills, trying new things and meeting industry representatives. A key aim of the day is that they understand there is a wide range of work opportunities across the food and fibre sector.”
Senior:
•1st Otago Boys’ High School: Dustin Young, Charlie Hore, Henry Chittock and Toby McLean
• 2nd Southland Boys’ High School: Oliver LeMon, Michael Crene, Jake Anderson and Fletcher Palary
• 3rd Taieri College: Archie Eaton, Elise Mathais, Cameron Ter Woorst and Samuel McLeod
Junior:
•1st: Blue Mountain College: Addie McHutchon, Anna Herriot, Jeremy Sanford and Angus Weir.
• 2nd: Maruawai College: Charlie Sprenger, Bryon McClintock, Tristan Nel and Jack Davidson.
The Otago Southland gumboot-throwing champion was Manaia Tiller of Blue Mountain College.
