HP New Zealand (Printing and Personal Systems Group) and Rural Women New Zealand are inviting rural primary schools to compete for a share of $20,000 worth of HP products and support.

The Rural Schools Technology Competition is open to primary schools that are defined as ‘rural’ by the Ministry of Education, and have less than 300 students.

“We are really looking forward to getting to know some rural schools in great depth and be able to support them with their technology needs,” Victoria Mahan, HP Category Manager, says.

“We hope that by providing the right resources and support through the HP Rural Schools initiative, it will be another step to equipping children with the skills for a digital world.”

Judges will review all of the submitted entries, and then visit shortlisted schools in August. They will interview the school principal and meet with students in order to understand the needs of the school and how HP can assist.

HP will work with the winning schools to determine their unique technology requirements, rather than awarding a pre-determined package of prizes.

HP notebooks, chromebooks, slates and printers are prize options, including technological support for the school.

“We are delighted to be partnering in this initiative, which will offer a real IT boost to the winning schools,” Kerry Maw, Rural Women NZ education spokesperson, says.

Entries are now open, with more information found at www.ruralwomen.org.nz/rural-school-competition or www.hp.co.nz/ruralcompetition.

Entries close 25 July 2014, and winners will be announced in late September.