Here is a link to the students’ speeches, Ngā Manu Kōrero - Morning Speeches Day 2: Dunstan starts at the video time c.14.18.  The waiata we sang to support our speakers was “Tēnei te mihi”, composed by ex-Dunstan student Bri Scarfe, words by Rere August, in honour of Koro Bill Houia.  

Lead photo: waiting in the wings before going on stage. 

Gallery: red standouts - speakers on stage for the awards ceremony.

On the Friday we had a very early start and were at the Town Hall for 7.30am, going on stage at about 8.15am.  Zavier Robb spoke in the Junior English (Sir Turi Caroll) section, Taylor Roscoe-Bell in the Senior English (Korimako), and Pania Geary delivered her speech in te reo Māori (Pei Te Hurinui).  All of our Dunstan speakers received positive and encouraging feedback from the judges and all have said they would do it again!

A big mihi to Te Ao Hurihuri and Uruuruwhenua Health Inc who supported this trip financially, and thank you to Family Works / Presbyterian Support Otago who provided a New World voucher for our kai.

We couldn't have gone on this trip without our adult helpers: Whaea Louise McKenzie, Matua Tim Riwhi, Whaea Zain-Star Kavanagh, Whaea Heather Taylor, as well as Whaea Carolyn Campbell who supported us when we were there. E kore e mutu te mihi ki a koutou katoa. 

 And thanks also to Matua Nick Meissel, drama, who gave some helpful advice to our senior te reo student, even though he was very busy with his play, Matua Dan Beck who played guitar for our final practice, and also to Whaea Tash Hayes, English Dept, for her feedback on our developing speeches, and Whaea Maria Affleck and Matua Reece Goldsmith for coming to listen to us.  We also had useful feedback from Whaea Francie Diver, Whaea Louise, Matua Mari (Murray) Radka, Koro Sam Smiler, Whaea Mary-Anne, and support from Grace Gibbons, Uruuruwhenua Health.

 Whaea Zain-Star and Matua Tim Riwhi ensured our tautoko waiata group performed well and special thanks to Zain-Star for teaching us how to go on stage, how to sit, and how to move!  We reckon we were the best dressed and best seated group on the day!

 Well done to all of our speakers who held their own on stage, even when terrified!  And to the students who fully lived up to the spirit of "tautoko", ka mau te wehi!