The recent Ngā Manu Kōrero competition held in Invercargill was a rich learning experience and opportunity for all involved.
Waerea te rangi, waerea te papa, waerea tēnei kaupapa kōrero kia rongo. Ko ngā kupu kia mārama kia whita. Ka puritia ō roto ka tiaho ō waho. Tēnei au te haramai nei.
The above sentences express the wish for an audience to clear their minds. It calls upon them to listen deeply and to understand what is to be said with openness and without judgement. This was the opening of Senior Reo Māori speaker, Dan O'brien's kōrero who spoke on the topic "Ake ake ake, Toitū te Tiriti" (Forever more, long live the Treaty of Waitangi). In his kōrero we learnt of the events in Aotearoa that have marginalised, both consciously and unconsciously, tangata Māori in education. Dan spoke of the importance of Te Tiriti and the vital need as a Tangata Tiriti (treaty partner) to uphold the promises and principles of the treaty, to provide equitable access to resources and of course to speak te reo, whether or not you are Māori.
Daniel was John McGlashan's first ever senior reo Māori speaker at Ngā Manu Kōrero. He spoke with sincerity, integrity and a passion for creating a better future for our country. Dan's speech was 12 minutes long (no cue cards allowed) followed by an impromptu all in te reo Māori.
Another first in the reo Māori category, was our first ever Junior reo Māori speaker, Kura Mātakitaki Stevens. Kura spoke on the topic "Ngā Purakau Māori, he kura huna kei roto" (The Māori myths are hidden treasures within). In his kōrero, Kura explained the lessons we learn from the stories we have been told and how these can guide us in our lives. Kura's kōrero was particularly special as it was all in Kāi Tahu dialect.
Our final speaker was Mikae Hape who entered the Junior English section. Mikae spoke on the topic "Our stories transcend myth and legend". Mikae presented a humorous speech about how we learn from the myths and legends and presented a few home truths for life in the boarding house and learning to do things the right way the first time! Mikae also spoke about his personal journey in learning more about Māori legends and the role these lessons had played in guiding his whānau.
To say we are incredibly proud of the speakers, is an understatement. All three of these young men represented John McGlashan with mana. They spoke on complex and, at times, confronting topics and did not shy away. Ka poho kererū katoa mātou i a rātou.
The boys were supported by senior members of the reo Māori classes and kapa haka. All boys upheld our mana as a school and came away inspired by the many speeches, waiata, haka and kaupapa Māori that events like Ngā Manu Kōrero have to offer. It was a truly special trip.
Of course, trips and events like this cannot occur without the wonderful village that goes in to supporting the students and the school. We would like to give special thanks to those in our community who have helped our speakers take the stage. Neihana Matiu, Komene Cassidy (and whānau), Andrew Morrison and Matua David Beazley - e rere ana te mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa. Nā koutou ngā kaikōrero i tautoko, i ohooho (We thank you all so much for it was you all that supported and inspired our speakers). Big thanks also go to the "camp parents" of the trip, Ray and Jilly O'brien. Thank you for always ensuring the boys were fed (Whaea Clark has now learned just HOW MUCH teenage boys eat...4 dinners for some!), for doing washing and ironing shirts and being an amazing support for both students and staff.
Manu Kōrero is always an event that holds space in our minds for weeks after it has occurred. It reminds us of the incredible strength, talent and capabilities of our upcoming generations and of those that have come before to pave the way so that opportunities like this can happen. We are already very much looking forward to 2025.
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