Rotorua's Amy Davidson and Kingi Biddle took part in this week's Toastmasters International 2020 Virtual Convention.
Amy was one of tens-of-thousands of Toastmasters from around the world who entered the contest.
Amy won her club contest at Pioneer Toastmasters and then the area contest.
When New Zealand went into level 4 lockdown due to Covid-19, Amy did not let that stop her.
She embraced the opportunity to excel in the online environment, and using only her mobile phone, went on to win the division contest, district contest and region quarterfinals, qualifying her to compete in the semifinals of the World Championship of Public Speaking.
Kingi Biddle presented an educational speech with the title The Messenger, which reflected on the storytelling world of the Māori people of New Zealand.
His elders taught him the art of storytelling, which he shared as a gift to his listeners.
Fifty thousand audience members from around the world connected to the platform and could learn from the Rotorua resident how to weave stories into all areas of their lives.
Not only was Kingi a World Championship of Public Speaking finalist in 2011, he became first runner-up in 2013.
His home club, which he considers part of his family, is Taniwha Hunters in Rotorua.
Tracing his genealogy to the Rotorua area since 1350 means, in his own words that, "I know who I am, who I come from, and where I belong".
He and his wife, Wendy, have four children and three grandchildren, and continue the legacy of raising their family amongst their people.
If you would like the opportunity to unleash your potential and gain confidence as communicator and leader, call 0800 PEOPLE to find a club best suited to you or visit www.facebook.com/d112toastmastersnz.
