Components of Nga Manu Korero - Maori Education Trust

Today, the Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competition comprises of four sections: -

The Korimako tāonga is awarded to the student who gains the highest marks in both the prepared and impromptu sections of the Senior English contest. The first winner was Donna Awatere of St Mary's College, Auckland. [see full list of winners]

The Jock McEwen tāonga is awarded to the runner-up in the Senior English contest. The first winner was John Barrett of Te Kuiti High School. [see full list of winners]

The Kiri Moerangi Mangu tāonga (introduced in 1991) is awarded to the student who gains the highest marks in the Senior English impromptu section. The first winner was Aroha Bradley of Morrinsville College. [see full list of winners]

In 1977 the competition was expanded to include the section for the best speaker in Te Reo Māori (Forms 5 - 7). This section is open to all New Zealand students, regardless of ethnicity. The purpose of this was to encourage all secondary students to have the ability to speak both English and Māori languages.
[see full list of winners]

The Pei Te Hurinui Jones tāonga is awarded to the student who gains the highest marks in both the prepared and impromptu sections of the Senior Māori contest. The first winner was Vicky Wehi, from Waikohu College.

The George, Te Kēpa and Hamiora Stirling tāonga (introduced in 1991) is awarded to the student who gains the highest marks in the Senior Māori impromptu section. The first winner was Hinematioro Nohotima of Hillcrest High School.
[see full list of winners]

The Ngā Kete O Te Mātauranga tāonga is awarded to the female who gains the highest marks in the Senior Māori section. The first winner was Lucille Rihari of Tikipunga High School. [see full list of winners]

The Riki Ellison tāonga is awarded to the male who gains the highest marks in the Senior Māori section. The first winner was Hans Tiakiwai of Trident High School. [see full list of winners]

Both the Ngā Kete O Te Mātauranga and the Riki Ellison tāonga were introduced in 1985.

In 1980 a Junior English section (Forms 3 - 4) was added to the competition. The Sir Turi Carroll tāonga is awarded to the junior student who gains the highest marks in a prepared English speech. The first winner was Darren Apanui of Te Aute College. [see full list of winners]

In 1983 a Junior Māori section (Form 3 - 4) was added to the competition. The Rāwhiti Īhaka tāonga is awarded to the junior student who gains the highest marks in a prepared speech in Māori. The first winner was Martin Simeon of Aranui High School. [see full list of winners]