PRESS RELEASE
28 August 2013
Te Radar puts science on the map
Comedian and TV personality Te Radar has confirmed that he will again host the KuDos Hamilton Science Excellence Awards
Evening, which is being held at Claudeland’s Conference and Exhibition Centre on September 26.
The KuDos Awards recognise top science achievements in the Waikato region. With hundreds of PhD scientists, the Waikato
is a hothouse for innovation in the science industry.
There are 16 finalists for this year’s awards in seven different categories. Finalists’ research ranges from topics such
as risk factors of heart disease to creating plastic from blood meal.
After Te Radar’s performance as MC at last year’s award event, his presence guarantees this year’s science finalists
will be given kudos for their achievements in a lively style. The KuDos Awards hold special importance for the New
Zealand celebrity, who grew up on a Waikato farm.
"These awards not only celebrate excellence, but they allow people to see the wealth and variety of world-leading
science being done in the Waikato region. I, for one, had no idea just how much there was and I was simply
flabbergasted.”
The Waikato-born star has always had a personal interest in science. As he was growing up he kept updated with science
trends in his dad’s New Scientist and National Geographic Magazines.
“My favourite thing about science is how people go out and say “I’m gonna solve this”.”
Past KuDos Award winners have been commended for valuable findings and research in the medical, environmental and
agricultural sectors that affect New Zealand and the world.
Hamilton Science Awards Trust Chairman, Bob Simcock, said, “The recent announcement by AgResearch of its migration of
jobs to other cities in New Zealand makes the work of the Hamilton Science Awards Trust and The KuDos Awards more
important than ever.
“It is essential Hamilton and the wider Waikato community continues to promote, value, and celebrate the contribution of
our local science community. The Trust will continue to play its part by celebrating scientists at the annual Kudos
Awards."
Now in its seventh year, the KuDos Awards combines the recognition of science achievements with a black tie dinner and
an awards presentation.
Tickets are open to the general public and can be ordered at www.thekudos.org.nz.
-ENDS-