EPro8

The EPro8 engineering, problem solving and innovation competition was held this year at Paraparaumu College.  Students from all over the lower North Island came together to attempt to make clever constructions using all manner of engineering and electrical equipment.  Two teams represented Ōtaki College:  Papaya, featuring Carole Luu, Ellie Maddaford-Wood, Manaia Russell and Darpad Pednekar and the Pickle People, made up of Arlo Matheson, Sam Auld, Ash Harker and Lance Filimaua.

Their first task for the evening was to create a barrier arm and a car to go through it.  Both teams got off to a flying start and led the competition in the first stage of the build, working quickly and efficiently to meet the design specifications.  As they progressed, the task became more challenging:  the barrier arm had to be motorised, laser sensors had to be affixed to recognise the car and a time-delay fitted to lower the barrier.

By the end of the evening both teams had performed creditably.  Papaya finished in fourth position, just missing out on qualifying for the grand final.  The Pickle People, however, cruised through to the final in second place.

The final was never going to be easy:  the twelve best teams from the field of 48 were pitted against each other.  Sam was unable to attend meaning the Pickle People were down to a team of 3.  Their first task was to construct a replica of the runaway mine cart from the Raiders of the Lost Ark.  They worked well and surely and steadily worked their way through the challenges.  Unfortunately they were competing against some focussed and efficient rivals.  Although the Pickle People held their own for much of the competition, they could not maintain the pace and did not scoop the big award.

Both teams represented the college with pride and can be well pleased with their performances.  Congratulations to all involved.