Kiringāua Cassidy and Te Kahurangi McLean went to Gisborne last week, with a small crew of supporters, to compete in the prestigious Ngā Manu Kōrero Nationals.

A crowd of thousands from around the country gathered at the Gisborne Events Centre to hear two and a half days of speeches in Te Reo Māori and English.

Te Kahurangi participated in the Junior English Section, charming the crowd with his charisma and humour. Months of preparation paid off with a polished performance. Underlying the jokes was a serious message about how mana is earned, which resonated with the audience.

In the Junior Māori Section, Kiringāua’s speaking ability was on full display. He presented his phenomenal twelve minute speech in Te Reo, mostly memorised and partly improvised, on the national stage, and had the audience and judges alike entranced, amused and nodding in agreement. He was awarded with the second place trophy in the Junior Māori Section. This is only the second time a South Islander has gained a placing in that section and the first time the winner has come from south of Nelson. He was a mere half a point away from a perfect score.

Former King’s student Tūmai Cassidy also competed in the Senior Māori Section, putting in a highly accomplished performance.