On the 15th- 16th of June, Waitaha held their regional Manu Kōrero competition. This event is special as it celebrates our rangatahi speaking on topics that are relevant to them and Te Ao Māori. Manu Kōrero hosted 23 schools across the two days. We were fortunate enough to take four speakers that had experience in previous years or were competing for the first time.

Speakers

- Junior English: Tukotahi Wetini (Year 9)

- Junior Māori: Tavita Tuliau (Year 10)

- Senior English: Hamuera Waiti (Year 13)

- Senior Māori: Maia Te Tohu a Tu Gerrard (Year 12)

We are proud of how dedicated our speakers were as they spent hours practising their kōrero in and out of school. It was satisfying to see that their hard work had paid off, bringing pride to their whānau and kura.

Results:

Tukotahi Wetini – 1st place Junior English

Tavita Tuliau – 5th place Junior Māori

Maia Te Tohu a Tu Gerrard - 3rd in Prepared, 4th impromptu and 3rd Overall Senior Māori

Hamuera Waiti – 7th in Prepared, 4th in Impromptu and 5th Overall Senior English

Shirley Boys High School – 3rd Overall (combined points out of 23 high schools entered)