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2659 days ago

Porirua Secondary Schools Speech Contest

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

It was back to our favourite venue, the Anchor Church in Whitby, for the Porirua Secondary Schools Speech Contest on 16 June 2017.
Three secondary schools took part: Bishop Viard College, Porirua College, and Te Kura Maori o Porirua. Each provided two contestants, who were welcomed and introduced by Club President Peter Cox.
The order of speaking was decided by ballot, and the contest was run under international rules, with each contestant having a maximum speaking time of seven minutes.
Contestants chose their own topics, which tended towards the controversial. All spoke eloquently, and most spurned the use of notes. The large audience was attentive and appreciative of the students’ efforts. The students carried themselves with great pride and aplomb.
The club provided seven judges, plus a tie-breaker judge. While the judges deliberated, Mayor Mike Tana treated the audience to some reminiscences and shared a family secret with us.
All the contestants were presented with certificates of participation, and the three winners received handsome trophies, thanks to Harcourts Real Estate.
In first place was Murray Faivalu from Porirua Collete who spoke about, 'Stop trying to fit in - embrace your true self'.
Second was Siosiana Schaumkel from Bishop Viard College who spoke about, 'The Disease - racism'.
and third was Roseta Lopa from Porirua College who spoke about 'The influences of music'.
The College Cup was awarded to Porirua College.
Thanks are due to David Knight and Bill McAulay who Book presentation organised the event for the club, the judges, and Wendy Betteridge who gave each student a copy of her book “It’s your thoughts that count”.

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 71.6% Yes
    71.6% Complete
  • 25.4% No
    25.4% Complete
  • 3% Other - I'll share below
    3% Complete
2386 votes
1 day ago

Guess what? It’s riddle time in the neighbourhood!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What can travel all around the world while remaining stuck in a corner?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Kids Go Free in the holidays

Tākina

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for the school holidays? Bring your little ones to Tākina! They can explore the Free Science Discovery Zone, where they’ll have an interactive science journey.

Plus, don’t miss the chance for kids to go Free to the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit with each adult ticket. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young minds to dive into the world of science fiction and real science. Make the most of these holidays with a visit to Tākina!

More information about the free science activity

Limited capacity. Get your free Kid ticket with each Adult pass here
Book Now

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