The team came about through a group of parents whose children wanted to learn more about robotics. The group was headed by Martin Wightman, a science educator and teacher from Kip McGrath Queenstown with the support of the founding families (Green’s, Lines’, McLeod’s and Roberts’). It was an extension to the robotics classes that Martin had been running after school and in a couple of the local primary schools.

The team were focused on a series of Lego based robotics competitions called FIRST Lego League. Sadly just a few days before a competition in September 2017, tragedy struck and Martin suffered a fatal heart failure. Although grief stricken team members decided to continue on, ‘Wanting to make Martin proud’.

That’s when I decided take on the mantle of coaching the Robostormers. I could see how much all the children had grown from the experience and I figured as an Engineer, I could work this out!

In January 2019 the Queenstown Robotics Trust was founded to facilitate the education and support of school aged children in the fields of Engineering, Science and Technology through our competitive robotics programme.

Paula Hugens, Queenstown Robostormers Coach and Trustee of Queenstown Robotics Trust.