Ngā Manu Kōrero began life as the Korimako Speech Contest in 1965. The focus then was encouraging public speaking in the English language across senior Māori students. In 1977 it was decided to add a senior Māori section, open to all ethnicities, in memory of Dr Pei Te Hurinui Jones. Later, a junior English (Sir Turi Carroll) and junior Māori (Rāwhiti Īhaka) sections were added.

 

Today, regional competitions are held across 15 regions, which select their top speaker in each of the four sections above to compete in the national final, which will be held in Whanganui from 16-18 September 2025. We expect to host 60 speakers (30 te reo Māori speakers, 30 English speakers), together with supporting kura, whānau, tumuaki, kaiako and the wider public. Given that this is the 60th year of the competition, it is anticipated that 2-3,000 people will come to Whanganui for the national final.

 

The two key forums involved in promoting this kaupapa amongst secondary schools in the region are the Kāhui Kaiako Reo Māori (Māori language teacher clusters) in Whanganui and Taranaki.  Nationally, the competition is the responsibility of the National Committee, consisting of 15 regional representatives, and hosted within the NZ Post Primary Teachers’ Association. Judges, comperes and venue managers have been approached and have confirmed their attendance. Many of these people are past competitors, and acknowledge the impact that this competition has had on growing confident speakers and leaders.

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The aim of the competition is to foster oratory skills and confidence amongst secondary school students, with te reo Māori sections being open to all secondary students, and the English sections reserved for Māori students. Such skills are important from a te ao Māori perspective, as traditionally, knowledge was orally passed from one generation to the next. Today, there is still a strong emphasis on growing and promoting Māori performing arts, including whaikōrero, reo pōhiri/karanga, waiata and other genre. The competition, therefore, has become a breeding ground for emerging leaders, and provides a platform for Māori youth to voice their opinions in a safe environment, whilst also extending and harnessing public speaking skills, which will hold them in good stead on the marae, in the workplace, within political settings and further afield.

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This year (2025), Ngā Manu Kōrero celebrates 60 years since its inception, and this is the second time it will be hosted in Whanganui.