Maori language and culture were celebrated last week at the regional Manu Korero Speech Competition. Two of our very talented students, Tūmai and Kiringāua Cassidy, won the coveted overall titles in the Te Reo Māori Senior and Junior sections respectively.

Brothers Tūmai (Year 11) and Kiringāua (Year 9) represented King's with dignity and pride at the competition.

For Tūmai, it is the third consecutive year he has won an award at the competition, he won the Junior Māori section in 2015 and 2016. His speech this year was about the contrast between the old world and the new, and what young people's responsibilities are, moving into the future.

This was Kiringaua's first attempt at the regional competition. His speech was about how Maori need to take more responsibility for the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori.

The boys will now go on to represent the Otago and Southland region at the Ngā Manu Kōrero National Competition in New Plymouth on 20th -22nd  September.

Congratulations boys.