We had a great speech competition held on 26th September at Auckland Deaf Society.

Most of the speeches were within 3-4 minutes and ALL were very effective presentations. It must have been hard for the judges who were Krista Clifford, Saynab Muse, Angela Gordon and Carole Coade.

The presentations were phenomenal. Information was certainly shared.

First prize NZSL research goes to Meghan Coppage for ''Genocide', a discussion about threats to our first language NZSL. There was a broader discussion as examples to support the main view point about NZSL being at risk. It was a powerful spine-tingling speech.

First prize in spoken English, Blaine Windley delivered an astounding presentation of how humans are at fault for de-forestation. The speech was about the environment and that we should be aware of what we are doing to our planet Earth.

First prize goes to Brooklyn Teauere-West who talked about comedian Robin Williams as a role-model for humour. I am sure Brooklyn will become a great Deaf comedian in the future. It was a thought-provoking presentation and a beautifully signed presentation.

Last but not least, Henare Browne won the NZSL storytelling about Snapper Fish. It was a hilarious rendition and truly funny story. Henare showed skilful and advanced signing.

Other presenters also gave very good speeches eg;

Senia Temalu’s story on what it is like to be a refugee was a powerful presentation.

Chetan Badhan made us aware of the impact of plastic waste crisis. So a reminder to all, please be aware of what you do to your rubbish.

Amy Whittaker talked about relationships and tolerance of those of the rainbow spectrum.

Hozua Lopez's presentation was unique in that he was enacting stories from a newspaper and it was visually very interesting.

Anuishka Singh talked about the Tangiwhai Rail disaster and this was a moving presentation.

Tahlia Coward discussed about how we have broken the golden rules and made things difficult for future generations. This was a thought-provoking topic.

Huge thanks to our wonderful MCs Henare Browne and Heremia Teepa-Rawiri who gave up their time to get the show on the road. They were fabulous MCs and yet so relaxed on stage.

I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to those who actively supported the speech competition and made this once again, a successful event. Alice Bennett took on the bulk of the work from power-points, slides and programme. Alice was right on cue and still worked on the night even though she was feeling rather ill! She worked really hard to ensure this was a great night. Many thanks to the regional staff, Catherine Eichmann and Judith Sosich who supported the regional students to participate in this event.

Also a special thanks to Taryn Banks of Auckland Deaf Society who ensured that everything would be ready for the night and co-ordinated meetings with the speech competition team. A special thanks also to the tutors and teaching staff who coached students and the MCs.

Thank you to our wonderful NZSL interpreters who willingly pitched in to support our students. Lastly, our thanks to the film crew, Grace Covey and photographer, Georgia Lopez who also gave up their time to support this important event.

Thanks also to those who were involved in this competition in small ways eg; presenting the cups, certificate writing and summing up. These people were Kaori Kobayashi, Margaret Carr and Tom Purvis who closed the night and gave a note-worthy summation. Anyone else who has given support small or big way, big thanks from us.

Thank you to Michael Wi who stepped in to do the Karakia at the beginning and the end.

Sarah Cameron