Christ’s College win Senior Press 2012
The 2012 Russell McVeagh Canterbury Schools’ Debating Regionals’ Champs (“Press”) were held over the weekend of the 19th and 20th May at the University of Canterbury, with 14 teams and 10 schools participating. It was the first Press competition since 2010, due to the earthquakes of 2011.
There were five preliminary rounds with the first two rounds on the motion “This House would pay teachers based on their performance”. The weekend also saw limited preparation debates on “That we should legalise performance enhancing drugs”, “That we should farm endangered species” and that “That we should use the death penalty as a punishment for the worst crimes.”
Four schools reached the semi-finals: Christ’s College, Christchurch Girls’ High School, Villa Maria College and Burnside High School.
In the semis, on the motion “This House deplores the rise of internet activism”, Christ’s defeated Christhhurch Girls’ by 3-0 and Burnside bested Villa Maria by a 2-1 margin.
The Grand Final was on the motion “This House would abolish the Maori seats”. Christ’s College, affirming, won in a narrow 3-2 decision.
Winners: Christ’s College (Press Debate Cup)
Alex Gregory
Austin O’Brien
George Mander
Runners-Up: Burnside High School (President’s Cup)
Chris Brunt
Daniel Coats
Liam Boardman
The following prizes were given out:
Most Promising Speaker: Ben Maguire (St Bede’s College)
Highly Commended:
Nasif Azam
Brittany Rea (Rangi Ruru)
Victoria Rea (Rangi Ruru)
Reserves to the Canterbury Schools’ Debating Squad:
Laura Maskill (Villa Maria College)
Gen Rogers (Christchurch Girls’ High School)
Canterbury Schools’ Debating Squad:
Sophie Crews (Villa Maria College)
Daniel Coats (Burnside High School)
George Mander (Christ’s College)
Robbie Morrison (Christchurch Boys’ High School)
Austin O’Brien (Christ’s College)
Sophie Maher (Burnside High School)
Canterbury Speaking Union Trophy for Best Speaker: Daniel Coats (Burnside High School)