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Download AudioThe Ngā Manu Kōrero National speech competition kicked off today at the Edgar Centre in Ōtākou .
Former Pei Te Hurinui Jones finalist and Ngāi Tahu descendent Tūmai Cassidy says 60 contestants are representing 15 regions across the motu, and they’ve each come with hundreds of supporters.
He says it’s an opportunity for the next generation of kaikōrero to get their whakaaro out to the entire motu.
It’s a nerve racking experience, but it’s also a kaupapa that brings people together.
“I think it’s just a celebration of our identity and our culture. That’s one of the key reasons why Ngā Manu Kōrero, is just so important,” he says.
Today it’s the Pei Te Hurinui Jones and Korimako contests for senior Maori and English speech respectively, and tomorrow will be the junior contests for the Te Rāwhiti Ihaka and Sir Turi Carroll trophies.
Radio Waatea will simulcast the event from 10am to 7pm.
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