'This lad puts Maori like me to shame'- Student's pronunciation speech goes viral

Finnian Galbraith of Kapiti College wrote a speech on Te Reo for a speech competition last year. Photo / YouTube

A high school student's speech on the importance of pronouncing Maori words correctly is causing a stir on social media.

Finnian Galbraith, from Kapiti College, Paraparaumu, wrote a speech on Te Reo for a speech competition last year.

The year 11 student decided to revisit the speech and post it on YouTube two days ago, because he felt strongly about the topic.

"I see this as a big issue and I believe it is very important that we take action," he wrote.

Do you know anyone else doing exciting things to promote te reo Maori, perhaps a school or workplace or sports club doing something in Maori Language Week next week? Send us an email

The speech was shared on Facebook by Michael Riley, a teenage budding politician from New Plymouth, and has been liked and shared hundreds of times.

Comments in support of Finnian's speech were flooding in, including people saying "ka pai young man" and "This young lad puts Maori like me to shame".

The original YouTube clip has been viewed more than 30,000 times.