September 27, 2017
Future leaders show class at Manu Korero
The quality of speechmaking at high school level shows the next generation of maori leaders are ready to step up to the challenge.
That's the impression Wharehoka Wano from hosts Taranaki took away from this year's Manu Korero speech competitions in New Plymouth.
He says the speeches in both Maori and English were politically engaged and showed the strength of language from those who have come through kohanga reo and kura kaupapa.
"These are really the creme de la creme, they are our future, they are our young leaders. the election was a big thing so they challenged us in terms of getting out to vote of course and also voting wisely," Mr Wano says.
The Pei Te Hurinui Jones trophy for senior Maori speech went to Whakaue Winiata from Te Kura a-iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, the son of academic Pakeke Winiata.
Piripi Gordon from Nga Puna o Waiorea in Auckland won the Korimako senior English title.
Junior honours in Maori speech went to Ngawairere Pihama from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hoani Waititi in west Auckland, while Taranaki girl Shay Witehira from Manukura in Palmerston North was best in junior English.
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