Finals of school debating this weekend

Whether or not citizens-initiated referenda should be binding on government will be the hot topic for New Zealand's best school debaters gathering in Wellington this weekend.

Thirty-six top college debaters will come to the capital for the national finals of the New Zealand schools debating championships, with five preliminary rounds taking place at the Victoria University of Wellington's law school.

The grand final between the top two teams will be held in the legislative council chamber at Parliament on Monday morning, hosted by MP Peter Dunne.

With the public currently voting in a non-binding referendum on whether or not smacking should be part of good parental correction, it would be fascinating to see what arguments were put forward , said New Zealand Schools' Debating Council president Christopher Bishop.

"The final topic should make for a great debate in a highly appropriate setting," he said.

Waikato are the defending champions, having beaten Wellington in the final last year.

The best five speakers will represent New Zealand at the 2010 world schools' debating championships in Doha, Qatar.

New Zealand are world champions, having won the 2009 world champs in Athens in February.

- NZPA