I had the privilege to attend the 2023 National Rotary Science and Technology Forum from 7th to 21st January, 2023. I stayed with 12 advisors and 168 other students from across New Zealand at the Waiparuru Halls of Residence in Auckland. We had our own room and there was also a food hall, games room, music room and laundry room.

During the forum we attended multiple modules to do with mostly general science, though there was also engineering, biology, chemistry, physics and applied mathematics. These modules took place at AUT, Massey and Auckland University so I was able to learn lots about the structure and style of each university, and the people organising each module really did a good job of making their lessons engaging and fun and also educational, and insightful.

Aside from the university activities, the advisors/leaders (who were mostly 19 or 20 years old) organised many different events such as visiting TVNZ, Auckland Zoo, Landcare Research Labs, and other similar events. As well as that they ran early morning activities like gym, volleyball, mindfulness and so on. There were also multiple volleyball competitions every few nights which were quite good.

Meals were superb, and on the final night we had a formal dinner which was held at Crowne Plaza where the food and drinks were delectable. We were able to watch different performances and people giving thanks. There were very cool guests attending such as Michelle Dickenson, and other university professors.

I would like to highly recommend to our year 12s to apply for the 2024 National Rotary Science and Technology forum. It really is one of the best experiences someone can have.