| When The 2025 Speech Awards, for year 11 to 13 students, will take place between Thursday 20 and Thursday 27 March. |
In the vast and surging ocean every element is dependent upon a multitude of other elements to maintain the vibrancy, health and beauty of the whole: without the tiny krill, the majestic blue whale would not survive. Without the whale fertilising the phytoplankton, the krill would not survive.
This interdependence and collaboration is also essential in the human world if we are to create a united and harmonious society. The contribution of each unique culture, belief system, and pūrākau (narrative); of each individual, whanau and community, is needed. It will take unity of action to eradicate racial prejudice and to create a vibrant tapestry of humanity for the betterment of future generations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You must address at least two of the following five questions in your speech:
What personal qualities, attitudes, values, and perspectives should we develop to better contribute to Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau – the Great Ocean of Diversity?
If the principle of embracing our shared humanity was universally acknowledged, what changes would we observe in the behaviour and practices of our institutions, communities, and government?
How does the concept of essential human unity enrich our understanding and identity of race? How does it foster a sense of whanaungatanga, or kinship, with diverse cultures?
What challenges does a diverse society face, and how can we navigate these challenges effectively to ensure every voice is heard?
What cultural and spiritual resources from Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau can you draw upon to actively dismantle racism and promote race unity in Aotearoa New Zealand?
You must also include at least one of the following proverbs or quotations in your speech:
Mā te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau – In unity, we have strength.
…the social unity of the human world, may be likened to an ocean, and each member, each individual, a wave upon that same ocean. - Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’i writings
A relevant whakatauāki, whakataukī, quotation, or proverb from your own faith or cultural background.
Language – Speeches can be delivered in English and/or te reo Māori. Speakers are welcome to speak in other languages as well, so long as this content is repeated in either English or te reo Māori.
Length – Speeches should be around 8 minutes long. Timing signals will be given at 7 and 8 minutes. The judges may take the length of a speech into account if it is very long or very short.
Equipment – Handheld microphones and lecterns are not used. Speeches will be amplified at the national final using a lapel microphone.
National champion: $2,000 to be shared: $1,000 each for the school and the winning student
Other awards: Other awards of up to $500 will also be presented - more information to follow
www.youtube.com/RaceUnity – this is the YouTube channel for the Race Unity Speech Awards. Have a look through the finalists’ speeches from previous years to get inspiration for your own speech. How can you build on what has already been said?
unteachracism.nz – this website is designed for teachers but includes an engaging video from Taika Waititi talking to his 8-year-old self.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/398168/new-zealand-s-racism-far-more-casual-than-elsewhere-says-academic – Ekant Veer speaks of navigating racism throughout his life as an Indian man born and raised in the UK and now living in NZ.
belong.org.nz/passthemic/anti-racism-resources – information and guidance to give you the tools and confidence to help challenge racism, gathered by Belong Aotearoa.
www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/land-of-the-long-white-cloud/story/2018721660/land-of-the-long-white-cloud-episode-3-recognising-racism – Andrew Judd, was elected Mayor of New Plymouth in 2013. He gives an interesting perspective of a Pakeha ‘recovering racist’ and how laws and policies are often built on racist ideas.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYmonkA4e80 – listen to rangatahi Tāmati Cunningham speak of his tūrangawaewae and how this helps him be his best self.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/333077/new-zealanders-suffering-in-silence-from-racism – finally another Taika Waititi video, he asks us to give nothing to racism.
The purpose of judging the Race Unity Speech Awards is to find the speeches that will help move forward the public conversation about race relations in Aotearoa, so they can be heard by as many New Zealanders as possible.
Speeches are judged according to three criteria:
Content (50%) – How could the views and ideas in your speech advance race relations in Aotearoa? Judges will be especially interested in your practical suggestions for improving race relations.
Delivery (30%) – Did you deliver those views and ideas in a way that was memorable and impactful for the audience? Judges will be particularly keen to see creative and engaging approaches to delivery.
Language (20%) – How accurately and effectively did you use language to convey those views and ideas? Judges will look at all the languages you use in your speech, with some consideration given to whether you’re speaking in a second language.
The top speakers in each region advance to the national level. The top speaker at the national level receives the NZ Police National Champion’s Award, with a prize of $2000 ($1000 for the speaker and $1000 for their school).
Special awards are also offered at the national level to recognise speeches for specific types of excellence, each with a prize of $500. For example, in 2022 special awards were offered for best use of te reo Māori; the best practical suggestion for improving race relations; and the most creative and engaging delivery, among others.
Students have participated in the Speech Awards since 2001
People have listened to these speeches in person
Views of these speeches online
Police officers, academics, government officials and other people of influence have served as judges of the Speech Awards
