Voices of Unity, Boys' School Speech Finals

The annual Boy’ School speech finals once again showcased the impressive oratory skills of our students. This year, the theme was ‘Kotahitanga,’ meaning unity, and the speeches delivered were nothing short of inspiring.

First to take the stage were the Year 4 students with their Flash Talks on the theme ‘Tūrangawaewae’ or ‘A Place to Stand.’ The youngest speakers elaborated on places where they feel empowered and connected. Presenting in front of classmates, supportive families, and the judges, Deputy Principal Louise Miles and Girls’ School Head of Drama Judy Norton, the Year 4 finalists were confident and polished. Carter Lin spoke about "Home," Troy Gluckman on "Piha Beach," Dylan Ormond on "Langs Beach," Zaid Menzies on "Rotorua," and Arthur Mamo on "Russell." With the winter closing in, all the talk of beaches certainly had our audience shivering with a longing for the upcoming summer! Troy Gluckman emerged as the winner, painting a vivid picture of Piha Beach, while Carter Lin secured the runner-up position with a heartfelt speech about his home.

Next, the Year 7 and 8 students took the spotlight, addressing the theme "Unity / Kotahitanga" from various perspectives, such as nature, sports, and music. Eleven senior boys demonstrated a commanding stage presence as they delivered their speeches flawlessly to a hall filled with students and families. The adjudicators, Kate Laurence and Jo Raymond, faced a tough challenge in selecting the winners. Ultimately, Hugo Wells was awarded the top prize for his insightful speech on "Unity in Social Media," with Austin Watson and Finn Staples being named joint runners-up.

The Year 7/8 finalists and their topics were: Blandon Phillimore-Smith (Man O'War Jellyfish), Finn Staples (Rise and Fall of the Wall), Thomas Bottomley (The Rallying Cry), Charlie Montgomery (A World Without Unity), Alex Morris (The Way Football Unites), Hugo Perry (One With Nature), Hugo Wells (Unity in Social Media), Stanley Maher (Money Makes the World Go Round), John Tu'ipulotu (Names), Liam Cooper (Do Better, Work Together), and Austin Watson (Together We are Music).

Finally, the Middle School finalists from Year 5 and 6 rounded out the Boys’ School Speech Competition with flair. Each boy selected a topic that was meaningful to him, passionately exploring how it resonated with the theme "Unity / Kotahitanga." Demonstrating incredible confidence, the eight finalists captivated an audience of fellow students, teachers, and supportive parents. Matthew Collins won with his engaging speech on the "Unity of Laughter," while Tom Bowkett earned the runner-up spot for his insightful talk on "Fishing." The judges gave a special mention to Edward Moon for the content of his complex and thoughtful speech on "Neurodiversity."

The Year 5/6 finalists and their topics were: Jack Holy (Unity of Food), Tom Bowkett (Fishing), Jayden Huang (The Beehive), Jay Hughes (Unity in your Neighbourhood), Matthew Collins (Unity of Laughter), Edward Moon (Neurodiversity), Jordan Metcalfe (Unity Within Great Sports Teams), and Isaac Arrowsmith (Unity of Emergency Services).

A special thank you to Year 5/6 competition adjudicators JoAnn Wordsworth, Saint Kentigern College’s Head of Faculty – English, and Chris Hodder, our College’s Head of English – Years 8 & 9 and Debating Coordinator, for their careful consideration and valuable feedback to each participant. Congratulations to all our finalists for their impressive performances.