Scion Research is a Crown research institute that specialises in research, science and technology development.

Dr Tara Strand from Scion came to speak to Team Kahikatea last year when the Port Hills fires were on. This year we were lucky enough to be invited out to a farm site near Darfield, where Scion were conducting a series of 'burns' to investigate how fires moves and behaves.

During the day, Scion had a series of activities for the learners to be involved in. Kahikatea were able to get their hands on and use valuable equipment to measure wind speed, temperature, relative humidity and ground temperature to identify hot spots in fires. As well as this, we were able to hold different types of fuels such as dry what or lush branches to ascertain what fuels would burn fastest, view and discuss drones close up, learn about a fully functional fire engine as well as use the hoses, and learn about the fire pyramid, fire behaviour and fire fighting efforts.

In addition to hands-on learning, Scion provided us with a delicious lunch and even lit a test burn patch for us to see how they will conduct their actual experiments and investigations into fire behaviour. We were shocked at just how quickly the area went up in flames and the intense heat that radiated from it.

We are thankful to Scion for inviting and hosting us for the day, sharing information about fire behaviour, letting us use their equipment, and sharing their expertise and knowledge with us. It was a fabulous day!