Tuesday, October 10, 2017
TE KURA o Te Whanau a Apanui School principal Te Rahui August Sutherland, left, is proud of Manaia Sorenson, a year 11 student representing the school and Mataatua region at the big event. Photo supplied
Ross McCullough
YEAR 11 student Manaia Sorenson did Te Kura o Te Whanau a Apanui School and the Mataatua region proud in August, coming away from the Nga Manu Korero 2017 national speech competition with a fourth placing.
Together with three others from Te Wharekura o Ruatoki, Manaia represented her school and the Mataatua region at the event held in New Plymouth. She placed fourth in the Korimako or senior English section.
School principal Te Rahui August Sutherland said after winning the Korimako section for senior speeches in English at the Mataatua regional competition earlier in the year, Manaia, of Te Whanau a Te Ehutu, had qualified for the nationals.
Her speech topic resonated with many as she discussed the benefits of learning in an iwi-based school – a key factor in “her essential guide to achievement.”
Manaia was the only speaker from the Year one to 13 state school at Te Kaha at the competition.
Ms August Sutherland said it has been a busy year for Te Whanau a Apanui with students taking to the stage for the first time at the Nga Manu Korero regionals and nationals, as well the secondary schools kapa haka regionals for Mataatua.
Two teams also participated in the renowned Opotiki district schools’ Delamere Cup kapa haka competition.
She said it was crucial that students competed and attended these prestigious events on the Maori calendar.
“There are lifelong lessons to be gained from participating in these competitions, not only for the competitors themselves, but also for the next generation who are watching.”