The Massey Gravity Bike Team, won four classes within the competition, and were the winners of the following competitions for bikes: The Street Circuit, Gymkhana, Drag Race and the Economy Run. There were many different designs and vehicles entered and a variety of races entered. The team on the day was led by Denver Woolley 13TBC, and ably assisted by David Chea 13MDF and Ben Fuller 9TRJ. Other team members involved during the year were Mathew Francis 12KVS, Troy Jeffries 9KBE and Leon van Vugt 12HRE.

At Massey High School we have had a small team of six dedicated students working on designing and building electric bike(s), made for the regional final. The students have worked at lunchtime and after school to build a bike and then to fit a supplied electric motor to motorise the bike. They also have to programme the controller of the motor to maximise certain performance aspects of the motor, such as top speed, economy, mobility, etc. Skill development days were held during the year on weekends and after school, at Unitec and University of Auckland to help develop the skills needed.

The Evolocity vehicle programme in schools addresses three 21st century needs. The appreciation of communities to understand the merits of electric vehicles. The need to turn more young people onto the joys of engineering to help fill NZ’s engineering skills shortage and for all people to live more sustainably. Evolocity team members develop real-world skills in mechanical and electrical engineering, electronics, programming and communication.

Many thanks should also go to Mr Swindells at the MHS Metal Workshop, who provided key tips and input to the team throughout the year. Thank you also to the parents of the students involved and to Mr Viskovich and Mr Hackett for their organisation.