New Zealand Schools' Debating Championships

May 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).

May I then specifically greet you: Hon Peter Dunne, Minister of Revenue and host of today’s event; Christopher Bishop, President of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council; Hamish McIntosh and Jan Blair 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 2009 New Zealand Schools' Debating Championships. I have been a long-time debater myself, since school and university days and I well recall the adrenalin of waiting and performing, the cascade of good ideas and not so good ideas to contribute, and the camaraderie which has all of the enjoyment of sport as well as intellectual endeavour.

Now, a number of years later, because of another important role, I am Patron of the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council, and, in that capacity am hugely pleased with the quality of the debate we have witnessed this morning. I am sure that everyone in the audience shares the respect I express for the expertise of the speakers - demonstrated to great effect in this especially appropriate environment.

It is within these Parliament Buildings, that our elected representatives, in the House, or in committees, debate the concerns of the times, the approach taken by the Government, and the legislative or financial responses under consideration. Some individuals are recognised and remembered for the quality of their debating contribution. Three names of wonderful debaters that spring to mind include Rt Hon Jim McLay, now New Zealand’s permanent representative to the United Nations, or former Prime Minister David Lange, who died four years ago this week or Dr Michael Cullen. They are matched in every respect by the current Members whose Parliamentary membership began last November and who now share a role that maintains the central framework of our nation.

And also in this complex, is the Executive Wing, which New Zealanders not always with affection call ‘the Beehive’, where Cabinet meets. As this is a Monday morning, it is meeting as we speak. Around the Cabinet table Ministers are considering each issue that has made its way through Cabinet Committees and onto the agenda. The Ministers will be talking through their potentially differing perspectives, and they will reach the decisions that will create the Government’s position. A little later in the day, at Executive Council, as the Head of State’s personal representative, I will be formally advised by Ministers to sign various documents that have been generated by their discussion.

The point I make will be clear to those who believe that constructive debate is a necessary part of an informed and effective democracy—as I do. There could not be a more fitting place to hold the Finals of your Championships. I am sure that all of the students here will be susceptible to that argument. Every student debater in this Chamber has also honoured the discipline and art of debating, by the work undertaken to reach this point.

Your presence here today is a step towards and even a precursor of what may be available to you tomorrow. Your participation and support of debating in this context demonstrates that you have the potential to play an influential role in our society.

I urge you to develop that potential, which is also underpinned this morning by the confidence that has been shown by your teachers, mentors and fellow students.

I urge you to use the critical skills with which you have been acquainted and have developed through debating to play a part in framing the discussions of the nation’s future direction. The knowledge that you gain will make the point that there is always more than one way to argue an issue and that the benefits of being flexible and open-minded will be a determining factor. It becomes important to recognise and to defend the right of individuals to articulate their perspectives. Likewise, no less important, is the matter of assisting those who are less articulate to find their voices, and then listening to them.

English writer G.K. Chesterton, a man whose reasoned works, produced in the early years of the 20th century, were widely respected, even among those who did not agree with his conclusions, made this point well when he said: “People generally quarrel because they cannot argue.”

There is real truth in his statement. The well-turned argument, civilly made and supported by sound analysis, increases understanding. Good argument encourages lasting resolution. Bickering does not increase either, as every parent, and perhaps every Speaker of the House of Representatives, is occasionally reminded.

Let the words of another contemporary writer, however, be a warning here. The words were those of the well-known Miami Herald Pulitzer Prize winning columnist since 1983, Dave Barry, who put the following satiric view in this way:

“I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don’t even invite me.”

May I reflect that it is accordingly a matter of some little relief that I continue to be invited to gatherings such as this one and because of the interest I hope I make obvious, I sincerely hope that the invitation will be extended again next year. By which time we will all know, of course, whether the team to be announced today will have successfully defended New Zealand’s newly enhanced world champion status.

I look forward to making the presentations to the prizewinners very shortly.

In finishing, may I repeat congratulations to all participants in these championships. Best wishes are due too, to teachers and coaches, 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 good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.