This year Otago Boys' entered 2 speakers in the Otago/Southland Ngā manu kōrero speech competition.

Keegan Henman was entered in the senior English category, and myself in senior Māori. We were up at five o’clock in the morning to take the bus down to Invercargill, all furiously practicing our prepared speeches.

At the competition, each speaker must give two speeches. One prepared speech on their chosen topic, and an impromptu speech that they are given five minutes to prepare. The event ran smoothly and Maori people from what seemed like every part of the south came to watch and support the speakers. Māori events such as this always have a very positive, fun, interactive, and inclusive aspect and this was no exception. 

It was a great experience flying the OB’s flag at a big event like this, and our speeches went very well. The day finished up with prizegiving. Keegan was awarded 3rd place in his prepared speech and Overall in his very competitive senior English category. I was also awarded 3rd place in impromptu, prepared, and Overall in senior Māori, so a very successful day for Otago Boys'. 

I can’t wait to see who picks up from where we have left off and speaks next year.