Rotorua Boys' High head boy Rehua Selwyn was happy with the way he had spoken at this year's Nga Manu Korero national finals.
His sentiment was shared by judges who placed him first-equal in the prepared speech, senior Maori section of the prestigious competition that concluded today.
Held at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth over three days this week, Rehua was one of four competitors from Rotorua secondary schools to take the stage.
He described competition at the national event as "next level".
"But I was amongst the best speakers in the country, I had to expect that."