Karamu High School student's korero lands her in the history books
A Karamu High School student has become the first from her school to win the Ngā Manu Kōrero Te Matau a Māui Speech Competition in more than 30 years.
Not only did Year 11 student Lena Ormsby win the Senior English competition for her school for the first time since 1989, but fellow pupil Halo Siloata placed second in the Junior English category.
Ngā Manu Kōrero is a Māori speech competition for secondary school Māori pupils that first began in 1965 and encourages fluency in Te Reo Māori and English.
The accolade and the significance for the school has both humbled Lena and taken her by surprise. “I am really grateful to have had this opportunity to share an important message, and to everyone who has supported me along the way.”
While she is no stranger to speech competitions, having won the Hawke’s Bay heat of the 2021 Race Unity Speech Awards earlier this year, she says the Ngā Manu Kōrero Te Matau a Māui Speech Competition was “powerful”.
Prior to each speech, members from her school’s Kapa Haka group were able to tautoko her. “I can’t explain it, it was just so much more powerful, and everyone was close and connected through the Māori culture.”
It was the first time she presented an impromptu speech, and it was one close to her heart – “We must speak the Māori language in order to not forget it”.
“With the guitar, I likened each string to a person, and just one note isn't enough, that we all need to strum together.”
Her prepared speech, “Ban the Box”, spoke of her family's experience with racism, experiences she has had as a Māori person “who doesn't exactly look Māori”, and her belief that in today's multicultural society this 'tick one box only' system is antiquated, divisive and hurtful”.
Principal Dionne Thomas congratulated both students.
"It was a very successful day for Karamu, full of incredible messages, positive vibes, pride and passion.
"Our awesome support group that were chosen to tautoko our speakers also showed immense passion and pride."
Lena now heads to the national secondary speech contest in Palmerston North from September 21-23.
