National Nga Manu Korero Speech Competitions

Nga Manu Korero is regarded as the most significant event on the Maori education calendar for nurturing the oratory skills and providing the stage for young people to express their views and to lay down their challenges to an admiring and critical audience of peers, parents, whanau, and judges. The speech contests are intended to encourage the development of skills and confidence of Maori students in spoken English and te reo Maori. All secondary schools are invited to participate in this wonderful event, noting that the Maori section is open to all students as part of a strategy to support everyone to learn and to speak in te reo Maori. Currently, there is a strong sense of urgency within our communities to protect our indigenous Maori language so that it can be spoken and heard and understood across the current and future generations of Aotearoa New Zealanders. The commitment to ensuring the survival of Maori language as a living, spoken and dynamic treasure is captured within the essence of Nga Manu Korero. This kaupapa is precious and endearing to each of us because it celebrates who we are as a nation. Nga Manu Korero is about honouring the special and unique existence of being Maori and of sustaining our connections to the Maori world in all its glory. The national secondary speech contests are now entering their 54th year and the national finals this year will be hosted by Nga Manu Korero 2019 ki Manawatu / Horowhenua, at The Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North