2024 MOANA OCEANIA SOIL JUDGING COMPETITION
28 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER 2024
ROTORUA, New Zealand
Want to develop your skills and knowledge in practical soil description and classification for understanding and interpreting soil and land use capability? Then join us at the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition! This years event runs just prior to SOILS ROTORUA 2024, the joint NZ-Australia Soil Science Conference, and offers the opportunity to learn alongside students, early career and experienced soil scientists, and soil enthusiasts, from around the South Pacific and beyond.
What is Soil Judging?
Soil Judging Competitions are an opportunity to learn more about soils, soil in the landscape, soil characteristics and the story of soils in your own backyard – in this case the volcanic wonderland of Rotorua, New Zealand. Participants spend three days in the field learning how to describe and classify soils and interpret their appropriate land uses. The first two days are aimed at teaching and familiarising participants with the procedure and the third day is a competition day, where participants can put their skills to the test.
See this video of the 2023 Darwin Soil Judging Competition to learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oiwj8drlMo&t=1s
MOANA OCEANIA
In Aotearoa New Zealand and other island nations, 'Moana' means ocean or vast space. The definitions of Oceania vary, but broadly encompass the nations of Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. By adopting the name 'Moana Oceania,' we aim to encapsulate the collective spirit of the lands, waters, and diverse cultural expressions of these nations. We extend a warm welcome to all, including newcomers, to join us in Rotorua 2024!
WHY ATTEND?
Hear From Previous Participants
Entry
ENTRIES OPEN IN APRIL 2024
Entry is open to any student or professional interested in soil science. Some education institutions and companies put together teams of 3-4 people, plus a coach. If you are entering as an individual, we’ll match you with a team. No experience required.
Cost is $50 per person. This covers the cost of a participant shirt, transport between Rotorua and the soil judging sites, and morning tea and lunches for the 3 days. The registration fee does not include accommodation.
Receive future updates and notifications by registering your interest.
Training
Free online soil description and classification training will be made available later on in the year for all registered participants. Register your interest to receive updates on these training opportunities.
2024 Schedule
Training
THURSDAY
28 Nov 2024
Welcome BBQ dinner
Friday
29 Nov 2024
Practice day 1
Saturday
30 Nov 2024
Practice day 2
Sunday
1 DEC 2024
Competition day
Prize giving will be on Mon 2nd Dec 2024 at the 2024 Joint Australia & New Zealand Soil Science conference morning tea.
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for finding their own accommodation. A number of accommodation options are available in Rotorua, but we suggest you book as soon as possible. We will provide a list of recommended accommodation options here on the website – details to be made available when entries open.
FAQ
Watch this space for answers to FAQ, including: How can I find sponsorship? How can I access NZ soil resources? Do I need a Visa?
Contact details
Please direct any questions on the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition to sjc@nzsss.org.nz.
Sponsorship opportunities
The 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition offers great sponsorship opportunities. Contact us at admin@on-cue.co.nz for more information if you are interested in sponsoring this event.