Blue Mountain College pupil Tom Hancox (16) entered his timber storage unit in the ''Toolbox Challenge'' competition which tasked pupils with designing and building a piece of furniture.
Part of the requirement of the competition was to include a curved component and hidden storage compartment in the design.
In a video highlighting his storage unit's features, Tom joked the hidden compartment was to store his ''extra chromosome''.
Tom's design is one of 15 finalists in the competition. The winners will be announced on November 11 but as of yesterday, Tom's design was at the top of the leaderboard on the official website for the public vote.
The finalists were also being judged by industry professionals.
The box was on display at school but once he had it back in his possession he was likely to use it to store several items on his bedroom floor, he said.
Technology and design teacher Martin Murrell said it was impressive Tom was able to compete on a national level - with schools which had more money and resources.
The entire technology materials class made their own furniture unit but Tom's was selected as one of the best to compete in the finals, Mr Murrell said.
Competenz schools and careers manager Joanne Verry said the challenge was designed to build excitement around trade-based subjects.
''It's a fun way for students to work towards unit standards while gaining exposure to an industry-based challenge,'' she said.
The competition was open to all schools which offered engineering or furniture subjects to year 11, 12 and 13 pupils.
The winner of the people's choice award will receive an iPad mini.
First place, as judged by industry professionals, will win each pupil in their respective class a drive socket tool set.
The public can vote at www.toolboxchallenge.co.nz.
