The success of a group of Auckland's top problem-solving team from an intermediate school has them facing a $25,000 problem to get into world finals in Australia.
Seven students at Royal Oak Intermediate School are well practised in solving problems.
Elijah, Jamie, Nathan, Lily, Hazel, Arolo and Joseph are part of a team that trains in challenges, which require STEM thinking (science, technology, engineering and maths).
The group of students are pretty good. They finished first in the event held in their classroom, then at the Auckland Regional Tournament of Minds, and finally at the National finals.
With wisdom beyond their years, their team mascot, a minion named Kevin is a reminder these students are young.
After winning the national competition, they're facing a problem their minds alone cannot solve.
They've progressed onto the international final in Canberra on October 14-15 and need $25,000 for competition fees, flights and accommodation.
Royal Oak Intermediate School principal Tony Coughlan told Newshub while some students' families have the means to fund the trip, many don't.
Coughlan believes in the team and even lent Kevin the mascot to them from his children.
The students have been fundraising by selling cupcakes but are hoping for support from the wider community.
For some of the students, it'll be their first time abroad and with a tight timeframe to raise the money, the school has set up a Givealittle page to help the team reach new heights on the world stage.
To donate click here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/team-kevin-is-going-to-canberra.
