For what is thought to be the first time, the Otago Daily Times Extra! Central South Island years 9-10 current affairs quiz ended in a draw, with a final question needed to decide the winner in Timaru last night.
A boys' team from Mt Hutt College - Angus Spittal, Jacob Ermio and Eddie Millichamp, all 15 - dead-heated with a Timaru Girls' High School team made up of 15-year-old triplets Emile, Madison and Hannah Secoy.
The deciding question was: "How many New Zealanders died in World War 2"?
The Mt Hutt boys came closest with their answer: 10,000. The correct answer was 12,000.
"It was a complete guess," a delighted Eddie said afterwards.
The boys found the questions hard at first, but Jacob said that as the quiz went on they became more motivated and started doing well.
Third was a Mackenzie College team comprising Cameron Dobbs, Hamish Johnson and Hamish O'Connor.
Event organiser Trish Rowe said 60 teams participated, an increase on last year's 44.
"The first night also went really well and host school Timaru Girls' High School had a lot of support.
"The children really enjoy it - anyone can take part. Spelling quizzes are OK if you are a good speller."
Schools from North Otago, South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury took part in the contest.
- By Chris Tobin
