Four students represented MAGS at the Auckland finals of the Nga Manu Korero speech competition, held at Orakei marae on Friday, June 16.
Year 10 student Niua Pomare-Khanna came 3rd in the Junior Maori Rawhiti Ihaka category with his 12 minute speech on the importance of Maori retaining their language and cultural values. Another Year 10 student, Tayla Bamber, won the Junior English Sir Turi Carroll Award for her five minute speech titled “Education Opens Many Doors”. Tayla’s win qualifies her for the National Nga Manu Korero competition in Taranaki in Term 3.
Year 11 student Richard Mann and Year 13 student Uenuku Malesala also did extremely well in their competitive categories that included speakers from Maori immersion schools.
Head of Te Puna o Wairaka Ms Wairmirirangi Paul said the MAGS speakers were outstanding. “They presented compelling prepared and impromptu speeches in te reo Maori and English. They and the students who attended the hui in support represented the school extremely well.”