The 2022 Canterbury Maatangi Whenua Geography Quiz Competition was held recently at University of Canterbury. The Maatangi Whenua is an annual competition that is held over the whole country. There were 10 rounds testing the top Year 11 Geography students. The key knowledge requirements were based around Current Geographic Events, Landmarks, Natural Features, Mapping and a wide variety of countries.

There were 20 teams, represented 15 different schools from as far afield as Culverden and Timaru. Our two SBHS teams were under immense pressure to continue to produce a top performance. With host of event, Dr Simon Kingham, Chief Science Advisor, MoT, making comment on the school’s history in the event before it started!

The usual sterling efforts from our two SBHS teams were seen in the Playdoh modelling, using satellite imagery, World Flags and General Geographic knowledge rounds. At the halfway point SBHS Blue were in 3rd place and SBHS Gold were in 10th. And at the end of the round robin SBHS Blue finished 2nd overall on 143 points. They were pipped for the title by Cashmere HS Team 1 on 150 points, with Riccarton HS rounding out the top 3. SBHS Gold finished in a creditable 11th.

SBHS Blue team members were Maia Te tohu a tu Gerrard, Ollie Eden and Blake Sincock.

SBHS Gold tea members were Rua Howden, Taine MacGregor and Toby Lorimer

LATE NEWS, Ms Richards, who is Chairperson of the NZ Board of Geography Teachers, informed us that, the Blue team’s result placed them 8th in New Zealand overall. This is an amazing achievement, ka pai Blake, Ollie and Maia.