Race Unity Speech Awards Regional Heats

CULTURE | Race Unity Speech Awards Regional Heats

Timaru Herald, Timaru Canterbury — General News | Page 3

A year 13 student from Craighead Diocesan School and a Year 11 student from Roncalli College will take part in this year's Race Unity Speech Awards regional heats on Monday.

The Central South Island heat of the competition will be held at Multicultural Aoraki, with speeches about eight minutes each. This year's topic is 'Listening to Understand Whakarongo Kia Marama; an invitation to make a difference through deep listening and meaningful dialogue to better understand diverse perspectives on race relations in Aotearoa New Zealand'.

One of the questions students taking part were asked to consider was: How can 'listening to understand' help individuals respond to the challenges of diversity and isolation in our society'?

More than 190 students from diverse cultural backgrounds have registered for the regional heats, which take place throughout the country until March 28. Those regional champions and representatives chosen will take part in the Race Unity Speech Awards National Hui, semi-finals and final weekend in Auckland on May 9-10.

The heats, in Timaru, will begin at 7pm with refreshments provided.