Saint Kentigern Debaters Triumph in Auckland Schools Debating Grand Final

The 2024 debating season has been golden for the College Premier Debating team. After a series of impressive performances throughout the season, the team claimed victory in the prestigious Auckland Schools Debating Grand Final, held in September. Facing off against Kristin School, the team debated the moot ‘This House regrets the rise of identity politics,’ successfully affirming the motion with a well-constructed argument that highlighted how identity politics can sow division and shift focus away from policy.

The winning team of Fiona Yan, Kyden Chan, and Hamish Stewart-Webb demonstrated their exceptional debating prowess, with Hamish Stewart-Webb being named Best Speaker in the Grand Final. This victory caps off a season where Saint Kentigern consistently ranked at the top, matching Kristin in terms of wins, opponent strength, and speaking points.

Throughout the knockout rounds, the team’s skill was undeniable, securing decisive victories over formidable opponents. In the quarterfinals, they bested Mount Roskill Grammar, and in the semifinals, the team, consisting of Alan Chen, Kyden Chan, and Hamish Stewart-Webb, convincingly defeated ACG Parnell, advancing them to the Grand Final.

The season also saw several individual accolades for Saint Kentigern debaters. Alan Chen was ranked 1st in the Premier Advanced division and was a part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team that travelled to Syria for Worlds in July. Additionally, Tim Bacchus claimed 3rd place in the Premier Junior category, further cementing the strength of our debating programme.