Maori orators create a warm buzz in Far North

The country's top young Maori orators took to the stage in Kaitaia yesterday vying for trophies in the coveted national Nga Manu Korero contest.
Around 800 Maori high school students from as far afield as Dunedin have filled Far North marae to take part or support their peers during the three-day annual te reo Maori and English speech contest.
Fifty two students were to have given speeches yesterday and today at the Far Community Centre.
Jacqi Brown, an organiser of the national contest, said the wairua (spirit) at the event was amazing as all contestants and supporters had a warm, special feeling.
"People are buoyant, people are excited. These students are the best speakers in the country ... They just ooze confidence," Ms Brown said.
Nga Manu Korero began around 40 years ago to encourage Maori students to speak English. However, today it is more well known for encouraging students to speak te reo Maori.
Students from as far afield as the bottom of the South Island made the trip to Kaitaia, and for many it was their first time in Northland.
Wanganui High School's Rhiannon Tihema was blown away by Ahipara's beauty, where she was staying in the Korou Kore Marae.
"The beaches are wicked," the 14-year-old said.
Kaitaia-raised teenager Ayla Nathan, 18, was impressed to see so many students in her former home.
The Tikipunga High School student was feeling relaxed after giving a six-minute speech in English on the supplied topic of "last century it was world wars, this century it is terrorism".
The confident Whangarei teenager had everyone cheering when she ended her speech with: "Last century it was war, this century it was terrorism. Next century it must be peace."
"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be because I knew I had all my whanau and friends there, but I was a bit gutted I went over time by four seconds," Ayla said.
The competition ends today. The winners will be announced in the Northern Advocate soon.