ACG Parnell has claimed first place in the 2025 New Zealand Engineering Science Competition, an extraordinary achievement that places the school at the forefront of STEM education nationwide.

The annual competition, organised by the University of Auckland’s Department of Engineering Science, is recognised as one of the most challenging and prestigious problem-solving contests for secondary school students in New Zealand. Each year, teams of three to four students from across the country are invited to tackle a complex, open-ended question that tests their ability to apply mathematics, physics, and logical reasoning to real-world problems.

This year’s competition took place on Saturday 2 August, attracting 268 teams from 79 schools nationwide. After a rigorous judging process, ACG Parnell’s Year 12 team - comprising Eric Liu, Youfu Ma, Derek Ding, and Liam O’Grady - was announced as the overall winner.

A Remarkable Achievement

For a Year 12 team to take the top prize against a field dominated by Year 13 students makes the result even more impressive. The team’s success reflects not only their exceptional academic ability but also their teamwork, strategic thinking, and intellectual perseverance.

The one-day event required students to submit a comprehensive written report addressing a major question of national relevance:

“If New Zealand built gravity batteries near wind farms, how much energy could be stored during a period of strong wind?”

The challenge called for participants to apply mathematical modelling, energy calculations, and engineering principles to explore the feasibility of using gravity-based storage as part of a renewable-energy strategy. Competitors had just one day to research, calculate, model, and compile their findings into a cohesive, evidence-based report - mirroring the analytical rigour of university-level engineering work.

Guiding Excellence in STEM

The school’s Physics Teacher, Miss Indi Sripirsan, coordinated ACG Parnell’s ten participating teams and provided ongoing mentorship in the lead-up to the competition. Her guidance played a key role in preparing the students to think critically, communicate clearly, and work effectively under pressure.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students’ curiosity, teamwork, and analytical abilities recognised on a national platform,” said Miss Sripirsan. “They showed tremendous creativity and persistence in approaching such a complex, open-ended problem. Their achievement reflects not only their talent but also their enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and real-world problem-solving. I couldn’t be prouder of the commitment and maturity they displayed throughout the process.”

Recognising Further Success

In addition to the winning team, Year 13 students Frederick Sun, Aran Chen, Cheng Hao Li, and Charles Lu also received a Highly Commended Award - a distinction given to only a handful of teams each year. Their result further underscores the strength of ACG Parnell’s science and mathematics programmes and the depth of talent within the school community.

Inspiring Future Innovators

ACG Parnell Principal, Damian Watson, praised both teams for their exceptional achievements and highlighted the competition’s value in encouraging students to see the relevance of STEM beyond the classroom.

“Competitions like this inspire students to apply their knowledge in creative ways and to think about how science and engineering can contribute to solving global challenges,” they said. “We’re thrilled to see our students leading the way and setting such a strong example for others.”

A Tradition of Academic Distinction

This latest success builds on ACG Parnell’s strong tradition of academic excellence and innovation. The school has long been recognised for its outstanding performance in national and international examinations, as well as its commitment to providing a holistic education that blends academic rigour with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Winning the New Zealand Engineering Science Competition is not only a milestone for the students involved but also a reflection of the school’s wider dedication to fostering scientific thinking and problem-solving at every level.

As Miss Sripirsan concludes, “Competitions like these encourage students to see that science isn’t just about equations or theories - it’s about using knowledge to make a difference in the world. I hope this win inspires other young learners at ACG Parnell to embrace the possibilities of STEM and to continue pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve.”