Rotorua Lakes Council Community Wellbeing Advisor, Felicity Jansonius-Bidois says the app design contest winners range from 13 to 16 years old and are from John Paul College, Rotorua Boys High School, Rotorua Lakes High School and Western Heights High School.
“Techweek and Youth Week launching at the same time was really exciting for us so we came up with the competition because the leaders of today are already here in our community.
“We’re fortunate to have support from our local community and especially Matt Browning who has now built three apps for free to support this kaupapa that ignites the technology and innovation passion in our rohe.”
The winners were interviewed on National Techweek TV last week briefly detailing their ideas and the impact their app could have on the community.
The waste minimisation app is a tool to help people easily identify what can and can’t be recycled, composted or sent to landfill in your area by using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Connecting hunters and landowners with pest problems is the idea behind the pest eradication app that will help contribute to New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 goals.
The mental health app will combine wellbeing tools such as breathing exercises, where to get help and daily affirmations into an easily accessible platform.
Mr Browning says it’s humbling to see the students see their ideas become a reality.
“We couldn’t have selected a better group of smart young innovators – I knew they were out there. It’s been a great experience connecting with other local innovators to empower our youth and provide them with tools to make a difference in our community. This process has shown us our young people have the solutions to issues in our community.”
The three apps have been built and the students will meet regularly to test, refine, create content and market their apps to the community.