For the second year in a row, Oli Kirke has won the top spot at the Sanford Science and Technology Fair with his project H2OVERLOAD.

Oli has been working on his project since December 2022, researching how extreme soil moisture levels have an affect on flooding. The focus of the research was during the summer and winter months where drought and maximum saturation have led to flooding. 

Oli received the following awards:

- Overall First in Fair

- First in the senior student category

- First in the Environment Canterbury (senior student)

- Opuha Water prize for senior student category

Oli now has the opportunity to represent South Canterbury at the NIWA Canterbury-Westland Science Fair, where he will present his project to a panel who will ask questions about his idea and research. We wish you all the best Oli.