Speaking Up – Boys’ School Speech Finals

The Boys’ School Speech Competition challenges students from Years 3 to 8 to write and deliver a speech with courage, clarity, and conviction. Within the two broad topics set this year, what emerged were heartfelt tributes to loved ones and fresh takes on environmental and cultural issues. This much-anticipated time of year provides a platform for the boys to voice their ideas and advocate for what they feel passionate about.

For the first time in Years 7 and 8, Flash Talks were presented, joining formal speeches as the two methods of delivery. The theme The Land ( Whenua) offered our boys the chance to craft concise, impactful messages on a hotly contested issue. William Wang’s Flash Talk, The Scars of the Land, earned him not only first place in the Flash Talk category but also the title of overall winner. Ben Edery’s runner-up piece, It Stops Here!, stood out for its one liner gut punches and conviction. In the Formal Speech category, Zac Danish took first place with It’s Not Just Dirt, Bro!, a witty, insightful take on his revelation about the ground he stands on, while Thomas Bottomley was named runner-up for A Message from Outer Space. Guest judges Jude Dobson and David Riley praised the finalists’ originality and presence.

In the Year 5 and 6 competition, students also explored the Whenua theme from diverse angles, including New Zealand history, deforestation, and even life on Mars. Troy Gluckman took first place with a passionate speech on his homeland, Vietnam, while runner-up Zaid Menzies impressed with humour and personal insight into his own connection with the land. Toni Street served as guest judge and commended the boys’ confidence and delivery.

Year 4 students gave moving speeches on Tangata Tino Pai – a special person in their lives. Kaleb Shek and Cooper Gage-Brown both chose to honour their dads, with Kaleb placing first and Cooper second. Year 3 winners Liam Xue and Landon Tang also shared their heartfelt speeches. The Year 4 speeches were judged by Judy Norton, Girls’ School Head of Performing Arts and Louise Miles, Deputy Principal

Throughout the series, the finals showcased the strength of student voice across the school. The winners will represent the School at various external speech competitions adding their voices to a wider chorus of young speakers across the region.