Previous Best Speakers

Previous Best Speakers 2021-02-04T11:24:32+00:00

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)