This week, Dunedin hosted the National Manu Kōrero Speech Competition. He Waka Kōtuia were there over the three days to participate in the pōwhiri and support speakers from the group, including Kingsmen, Te Atarau Cassidy on the Wednesday, and Zane Rakete-Gray on Thursday. 

Zane has spent countless hours writing, memorising and rehearsing his 10 minute speech in te reo Māori, about the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a Kura Kaupapa Māori to an English-medium high school. His hard work paid off with a lively and fluent delivery, impressing judges and audiences alike. Ka rawe!