Media release

Friday 31 May 2013

Wellingtonian of the Year joins Judging Panel announced for Eureka! The Sir Paul Callaghan Awards for Young Science Orators

The Convenor of the second Eureka! Symposium, Francis Wevers has today announced Wellington entrepreneur and philanthropist, Neville Jordan is one of the eminent New Zealanders who have agreed to judge the national finals of the Sir Paul Callaghan Awards for Young Science Orators on 12 July.

The full panel is: Massey University Chancellor, Dr Russ Ballard, Chair of the Academy of the Royal Society of NZ, Dr Stephen Goldson, Broadcaster Kim Hill, Business NZ Director Catherine Beard and entrepreneur and engineer Neville Jordan.

Eureka! was set up to identify and foster young leaders who, through their knowledge of science, technology, engineering or mathematics, their entrepreneurial vision, and their persuasive communication skills, will bring about the New Zealand foreseen by Sir Paul: “the most beautiful, stimulating and exciting place in the world in which to live.”

On Friday July 12, 2013 in Wellington, 12 students will have emerged from a comprehensive selection process and will have 12 minutes to demonstrate their passion for the innovative science and technology which they believe will deliver real value for New Zealand.

Candidates will be judged on their ability to demonstrate:

1. Knowledge of an area of science, technology, engineering or mathematics;

2. How their area of knowledge and interest can be (or is being) applied to enable tangible benefit to New Zealand’s economic, environmental and social wealth and wellbeing, so helping deliver on Sir Paul’s ambition for New Zealand;

3. The presence and capability to communicate clearly, succinctly and persuasively to a general audience comprising people from business and the political arenas as well as the wider public;

4. Insight, thoughtfulness, clarity and agility in responding to questions on their presentation.

They will be required to answer questions from the panel of distinguished judges to make sure they have the knowledge and understanding to underpin their rhetoric.

The event is organized by the Rotary Club of Wellington .

The twelve finalists will be decided this weekend and an announcement will be made about who the finalists are on Tuesday, June 4th. The Judging Panel is not involved in selecting the finalists as a separate selection process involving 7 highly qualified members of the Rotary Club of Wellington will make these selections.

ends

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