Mā te kahukura ka rere te manu, ka rere koe

On Thursday 15th June, approximately 90 JMC and 20 Columba students spent an inspirational day at the Dunedin Town Hall for the Ngā Manu Kōrero speaking competition. 

Leo Hill was our nominated speaker after he won the school competition several weeks earlier. His topic was "Climate Change - Do you believe us now?". Leo spoke about the importance of kaitiakitanga and learning from mātauranga Māori to help us create a brighter and better future for our mokopuna. Leo spoke with mana and presented an excellent speech. 

It is a significant part of Māori tikanga in this competition that speakers are supported by their school. This support upholds and uplifts both the mana of the speaker and the school. All students taking te reo from Year 9-13 or in the kapa haka were involved. They have spent the last few weeks learning haka and waiata to be able to tautoko our speakers. It was wonderful to see so many up on stage representing our school with such energy and mana.

It was really great to hear so many of the boys at the end of the day say what an exciting time they had and many are keen to give the competition a go over the years to come. We look forward to watching our contribution to te taha Māori and whakataetae Māori grow over the years to come. Ka mau te wehi!