UPDATE

COVID-19 can't stop us running the Speech Awards and we are well underway with the 2020 Awards

Tēnā koe

Yes, the Speech Awards are still on despite COVID-19 and quarantine, and we've already held the 17 regional heats between 15 and 21 April. We weren’t able to make them available for public viewing but we can assure you we had some fantastic speeches. 

You will be able to watch the national semi-finals as they will be livestreamed publicly. They will be held over 3 evenings so you will be able to watch the 3 semis one after the other – at 7pm on Monday 11, Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 May. Each semi-final will provide 2 speakers who will go through to the national final on Sunday 17 May. Visit our YouTube page www.youtube.com/RaceUnity or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/raceunityaotearoa/live_videos to watch the livestreams. 

Details of the 22 national semi-finalists are on our National Semi-finals page.

How it will work online

Students will give their speeches live using Zoom. The judges will be judging the live speeches. We are sharing FAQs on how to present effectively online and provide ways for students to test that all will be right on the night. 

Kia kaha!

While we're distancing ourselves physically, it's even more important that we stay connected socially and keep discussing the issues facing our society. It may feel like everything has changed in the last few weeks, but it's still vital to hear you and your peers speak your mind on race relations in Aotearoa. Stay well and kia kaha!