The pair, both graduates of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre's programme for gifted and talented science pupils, have been selected to represent New Zealand at an international young scientists' conference in South Korea later this month.
While at the conference, organised by the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation body, they will present the results of a survey they carried out last year into benthic macrofauna - tiny animals which live on the sea floor.
Helen and Turoa were back at the marine studies centre on Friday to meet the Minister for Research, Science and Technology, Pete Hodgson, and some of the year 10 pupils involved this year with the gifted and talented programmes.
The centre runs four programmes, one for local primary school-aged children, another for year 10 pupils from Dunedin schools, a third for year 10 pupils from small rural schools across the lower South Island, and a research trip on board the University of Otago's research vessel Polaris II for year 11 pupils.
The pupils are matched with senior marine studies students from the university and carry out real research and scientific analysis.
Both Helen and Turoa said being involved in the programme had opened their eyes to the career possibilities of science.
Helen said she planned to become a marine scientist, while Turoa said he wanted to study medicine.
Marine studies educator Steve Cutler said three of the programmes were funded by the Ministry of Education for three years.
This was the final year for the current round of funding and he hoped to be able to persuade Mr Hodgson to approve more.
New Zealand's approach to providing stimulation and additional programmes for talented pupils was "piecemeal and all good intentions", he said.
"The children are responding really well to the programmes.
"It would be sad if they fall by the wayside."
Funding from the Todd Foundation would enable the rural schools' programme to continue for 2009 and 2010, he said.
Mr Hodgson spoke glowingly of the programmes on Friday.
In a statement, he said it was "wonderful" pupils had the opportunity to do real science in an authentic setting .
"Science is our future and it is programmes such as this that get the kids really engaging with the natural world around them."
