NZ Schools' Debating Championships

For more photos at this event, click here. 

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.  

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the morning (Sign).
I then specifically greet you: Hon Peter Dunne, Minister of Revenue and host of today’s event ; Christopher Bishop and Desley Horton, President and Executive Officer respectively of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council; Hamish McIntosh and Odette Woods of Russell McVeagh Solicitors; sponsors of this event; student debaters; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to attend the Grand Final of the 2010 New Zealand Schools' Debating Championships.  This is the fourth time that Susan and I have had the opportunity to attend the Grand Final and we have been impressed, once again, with the quality of debate just witnessed.  I offer congratulations to the speakers and to each team collectively for debating in a robust and good-natured manner.

I speak as Patron of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council, and as someone who, from secondary school days forward, has been enthusiastic for debate and debating.  In this brief slot I want to say a little about the importance of debate in maintaining a healthy democracy.

I recognise this time from many debates which I have witnessed, when the adrenalin is still coursing from the event just concluded and the adjudicators are avidly conversing, jotting and adding up.  To draw another analogy, the main course has finished and the dessert is anticipated and what is called for is a sorbet – something crisp, sweet, interesting and most importantly – able to be finished quickly if needed.

As to that, we are situated right now within the national home of robust debate, the New Zealand House of Representatives. Within Parliament Buildings, New Zealand’s chosen representatives debate issues on a range of subjects concerning New Zealand, its people, and the collective prosperity of both.  Debate takes place in the Debating Chamber, and in select committees, whilst the Government and its Cabinet meet next door in the Beehive, the Executive Wing.

This room is a reflection of debate and of our country’s colonial past and linkage with the Mother of Parliaments at Westminster.  Consider for a moment this room which housed the Legislative Council or Upper House until its abolition in 1950.  Since then it has been used for formal occasions such as the opening of Parliament following a general election and the receiving of important guests such as members of the Royal Family. 

It is a statement of New Zealand with its sheathing of New Zealand rimu timber panelling, and its supporting by pillars of Oamaru stone.  The Royal Seal of colonial times past on the pediment behind me has been replaced by the New Zealand coat of arms on the lectern in front of me.  The fleur de lys carpet reflects the United Kingdom Parliament and the maroon carpet that in the House of Lords, contrasting with the green going with the chamber in the House of Representatives – like in the House of Commons.

Holding the Grand Final debate in the Legislative Chamber here in Parliament is therefore a very fitting setting and I am confident that every student here acknowledges the linkage it represents. 

Debating plays in an informed and effective democracy.  If another’s viewpoint, is not challenged we become vulnerable to a state of apathy which is detrimental to the individual and to the community.

British Prime Minister of the modern era, Margaret Thatcher, a woman (putting aside politics) with great vision, noted the significance of debate, particularly in relation to matters before Parliament when she said:-

“I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that's not their job.”

It should be said that while we have had the top two regional teams displaying the discipline and art of debating here today – in an admirable manner - there are also many debaters here from many schools that practice and take part in regular debating in 2010.

Your presence here today indicates a wish to examine some of the options that will be available for your lives in the future.  As such your presence also demonstrates that you are someone with the potential to play an influential role in society.

I urge you to draw on that potential, and on the confidence that has been shown by your teachers, parents, mentors and fellow students to put you in this situation.

You have been acquainted with some critical skills which you can develop through debating to play a part in framing the discussions of the nation’s future direction.  If you gain the insight that there is generally more than one way to argue any issue and that there are many advantages in remaining flexible, open-minded and open-hearted, this experience will have been worthwhile. 

The 17th century English poet, John Milton, who remains generally regarded as one of the pre-eminent writers in the English language, made a good point about debating when he wrote:-

 “Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.”

On that note, may I extend thanks for once again for inviting Susan and I to such an enjoyable occasion and I look forward to the next instalment in 2011 – assuming of course that the invitation will be extended!

I look forward to making the presentations to the prize-winners very shortly. 
Once again, congratulations to all participants in these championships.  Best wishes are due too, to the teachers and coaches, the sponsors, parents and supporters. 

And on that note I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.   

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.