New Zealand Schools’ Debating

On Monday 11 May the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Hon John Key, hosted a reception in the Grand Hall of the New Zealand Parliament to congratulate the world champion Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools’ Debating Team.

Update: Photos from this event are now available in the photo gallery.

The speeches from the event were videoed and you can see them by clicking here or at the bottom of this post. The Prime Minister speaks first, followed by Maria English (Captain of the NZ team), Tim Clarke (Partner at Russell McVeagh), and Christopher Bishop, the President of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council.

Also present were the Minister of Education, Hon Anne Tolley, the Attorney-General, Hon Christopher Finlayson, the Minister of Revenue, Hon Peter Dunne, and Jacinda Ardern MP (a New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council alumna), along with proud family and friends.

Otago Boys’ High School defeated Columba College in Dunedin tonight to win the Otago-Southland Regional Schools’ Debating Competition, the final regional tournament of the year. Click here for a full report and photos.

Shirley Boys’ High School won the The Press Canterbury Regional Schools’ Debating Championships on the weekend. Click here for more information.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School won the Russell McVeagh Central North Island Regional Schools’ Debating Champs for the sixth time since 2000 on the weekend. Click here for more details.

Kerikeri High School have won the Russell McVeagh Northland Regional Schools’ Debating Champs defeating Whangarei Boys’ High School in the final. Click here for more details.

Campion College have emerged the victors at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Schools’ Debating Champs, held this weekend at Lindisfarne College. In the final they defeated Karamu High School to win the Toi te Taiao: The Bioethics Council Trophy. Click here for more details.

St Kentigern College defeated Auckland Grammar School in a 2-1 decision at St Kent’s tonight to win the Auckland Regional Schools’ Debating Champs. Josh Baxter (Grammar) won the Convenor’s Cup for Best Speaker. Click here for more details.