Kōtuitui Speech Comp

Thursday, 11th September 2025 at 9:40am

Celebration of student voice and oral language:

Green Bay High School proudly hosted the Kōtuitui Oral Language Competition yesterday (Thursday, 11 September 2025). This event gave students from across 12 different school contexts the chance to showcase their speaking skills while strengthening connections between local schools and their communities.

This was the first time that a speech competition has been established within the Kōtuitui Kāhui Ako with the inclusion of a Whakataetae Manu Pīrere (Te Reo Māori element). This inclusion acknowledges the importance of creating space for Te Reo Māori to be nurtured and strengthened, and highlights the importance of language in shaping identity and reinforces our collective commitment to nurturing Te Reo Māori within Kōtuitui.

As part of the Kōtuitui Kāhui Ako - a network of twelve schools from the Waitākere Ranges to New Lynn - this competition reflects our shared vision: to lift aspirations and raise educational achievement for every learner. Sharing knowledge and listening to student speeches helps bind us together, building stronger relationships and a sense of belonging. As the whakataukī reminds us, “He waka eke noa” — we are all in this waka together.

A special thank you to all the school leaders, speech judges, staff, whānau and students who have worked hard to create such an impactful day where community spirit is evident.