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University of Waikato finalists of IPENZ Student Design Competition
March 2005

Robert Smith and Jonas Hoffman-Vocke, engineering students from the University of Waikato, are joint winners of the Merit Prize for The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) 2005 Student Design Award for - Manufacturing Composite Lumber from Recycled Plastics in New Zealand. This award was sponsored by Meridian Energy Ltd.

Robert and Jonas undertook a detailed analysis of the plastic waste available in New Zealand.

They also researched similar processes in other countries around the world before concluding similar processes could be readily implemented in New Zealand. The submission included detailed design and costing of a local plant to convert the plastic waste stream into plastic lumber suitable for production of decking and non-structural timber.

The IPENZ Student Design is an annual award that recognises engineering excellence at the student level, and rewards innovation and entrepreneurial potential.

It is designed to encourage students to combine and stretch their knowledge and skills in innovative and entrepreneurial ways and apply them to their design work in an enterprising context.

In judging the award consideration was given to the project design, the business case and the presentation and communication of ideas.

The award consists of a trophy, cash prize and certificate/s. There is a total prize pool of $3000 ($2000 for the winner and $500 for each of the two runners-up).

Robert Smith and Jonas Hoffmann-Vocke were presented with their Merit award for the 2005 Student Design competition at the IPENZ Awards Dinner held at Auckland’s Ellerslie Convention Centre, on Thursday, 17 March 2005.

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