Nerves tested in speech showdown

Parekura Pewhairangi from Te Aute College takes the stage during Nga Manu Korero. Photo / Glenn Taylor

The room was electric with nerves as 30 senior secondary school finalists took the podium at Nga Manu Korero yesterday.

New Zealand's largest and longest-running educational competition for Maori students aims to promote excellence in the delivery and use of English and Te Reo.

This week Te Matau-a-Maui welcomed more than 2000 people to Pettigrew Green Arena for the event, which has not been held in Hawke's Bay since 1992.

Parekura Pewhairangi from Te Aute College and Sarah Morton from Hastings Girls' High School kicked off the competition about 8.30am yesterday.

"It's definitely hard being the one who sets the benchmark," Parekura said. "I don't have any specific strategy [for nerves] but I always try not to focus on it ... talking to people to get your mind off things, those are the main ones."

Each senior finalist delivered a prepared speech as well as an impromptu speech, which they selected from a list of topics and had five minutes to prepare.

"That's the most nerve-racking part, so it was good to get it out of the way early."

This was Parekura's third time speaking at Nga Manu Korero - but he learnt something every time and was able to apply those skills to school and everyday life.

"In my senior years I have stepped up more, it involves having to speak publicly in front of the boys."

Being able to see how others approached the competition was another positive, while large numbers of entries showed Te Reo Maori was alive and well.

"I think the level has risen again this year which really shows our language is in a good state."

Today, the competition continues with junior speakers, before a prizegiving in the afternoon to reveal the overall winners.