At the National Debating Championships

Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni

Thank you Chris.

Greetings: The Honourable Peter Dunne, Anna Livesey, President of the New Zealand Schools Debating Council, representatives from Russell McVeagh, finalists and invited guests.

What a stimulating way to begin the week. We have just witnessed extraordinary talent, where a challenging topic was handled with great aplomb. It was inspiring.

Debate is an art form and this morning we have seen young people who are already well versed in the art.

But it is also much more than that - it is the corner stone of our democracy. Debate is fundamental to the very process of reason which keeps us a free, compassionate and competitive country.

New Zealand has fostered great debating talent over the years, in our court rooms, our diplomatic and political circles and in business.

It is thanks to this power of word and well-reasoned argument that we make an impression on the world that belies our small size.

Judging by the debate we have just witnessed, we will continue to hold a privileged role in world affairs through the effect of our spoken word. In this sense, the debate was not only stimulating; it was a measure of what leadership we can expect for New Zealand in the future.

I would like to thank Russell McVeagh for their ongoing sponsorship of this event. As a firm of lawyers, Russell McVeagh clearly recognises the importance of healthy and informed debate. [Sir - over to you as to whether you wish to name the sponsor]

I imagine they also boast former debating champions in their midst. After all, debate is an intrinsic part of the law in New Zealand.

Congratulations again to this morning's debaters, and to all those students who participated in what I am sure was a highly competitive tournament.

For those who will go on to represent New Zealand, I wish you the best of luck.

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa