He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He Kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.

(What is the food of the leader. It is knowledge. It is communication.)

Rutherford College was represented at the recent Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competition at Ngāti Whatua ki Orakei Marae last Friday. Our speakers were Tiare Ngata-Aerengamate (junior English) and Alison Lamdin (junior Māori). The speakers were supported by teachers, parents, whānau, senior te reo Māori students and Te Kōtuku Kapa Haka.

Tiare finished third in the junior English section. She delivered a humorous speech about the constant pressure for young people to look good and was well-received by the audience. Alison also presented a great speech about the revitalisation of te reo Māori and ways we can look after our environment.

I was very proud of both our speakers and the support that they received from their peers. They received outstanding feedback by the judges and other teachers. Ngā Manu Kōrero is an opportunity for students to talk about the important issues facing rangatahi Māori and gives them an opportunity to speak to an attentive audience.