Since 2007 the Best Speakers at the Russell McVeagh Waikato Schools’ Debating Championships have been awarded the Ward Cup, donated by Jordan and Zach Ward, former Waikato debaters. Jordan is a former Nationals winner (2001) and member of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating team, and Zach is a former coach of the winning Central North Island team (2002):
Winners of the Ward Cup for Best Speaker:
2020: Travis Palmer (Hamilton Boys’ High School)
2019: Dominic Beaton (St John’s College)
2018: Nicholas Goodman (Hamilton Boys’ High School)
2017: Nicholas Goodman (Hamilton Boys’ High School)
2016: Amy Spittal (Waikato Diocesan)
2015: Cheska Saavedra (Hamilton Girls High School)
2014: Fintan Walsh (John Paul College)
2013: Olivia Maxwell (Hillcrest High School)
2012: Thomas Simpson (Hamilton Boys’ High School)
2011: Thomas Simpson (Hamilton Boys’ High School)
2010: Tyrone Barugh (St Paul’s College)
2008: Tom Chen (Hillcrest High School)
2007: Toby Shephard (Hamilton Boys’ High School)