College’s Māori leaders speak up at Ngā Manu Kōrero for first time
20 Oct 2025
For the first time, Christ’s College ākonga (students) have stood on the stage at Ngā Manu Kōrero ā-Motu, representing the kura (school) with mana at the prestigious national speech competition.
Committed to shaping young Māori leaders in tandem with nurturing te reo, National Ngā Manu Kōrero has provided a platform for Head Prefect Ihaka Cate and Year 10 student Pewhairangi Morgan to speak on issues concerning them and their respective whānau.
The Head of Māori & Indigenous Studies Matua Keri Campbell highlights the significance of the boys’ achievements as the first College students to share their views, debate major issues, and draw on their whakapapa (heritage) at this pinnacle event.
Ihaka and Pewhairangi had won the Senior and Junior English Regional Competition, respectively, delivering powerful kōrero (speeches) to secure their places at the national showpiece.
College kaitautoko (supporters) Lochie Horne and Nikau Davies – Kaea Kapa Haka Senior Leaders – and Junior Leader Kiniwai Morgan, who is also an “amazing orator”, have joined Ihaka and Pewhairangi in Whanganui.
“We are incredibly proud of all these boys for their hard work, confidence, and excellence in representing our kura at such an auspicious event,” Matua Campbell says.
“We also appreciate the families for their ongoing support and those boys who have travelled to tautoko (support) their brothers. They have demonstrated mana (pride), whakaute (respect), and herenga (commitment) throughout our journey.”
