They were taking part in Ngā Manu Kōrero National Speech Competition, held in Dunedin for the second time.
Regarded as one of the most significant events in Māori education, the secondary school speech competition is made up of a junior and senior section in both te reo Māori and English.
Ōtākou home school pupil Te Atarau Cassidy placed third overall in the senior te reo Māori section.
He chose to speak on the environment and its impact on one’s reo and the effects of climate change.
"I think climate change is a big thing for everyone, for the whole planet, because if we don’t fix it then we’re all screwed."
He does not plan to compete again but was glad he took part and improved his speaking skills.
"You want to get out there, but you also don’t want to because you get nerves and stuff."
He was encouraged to take part by his sister, Maia Rakete-Gray, who competed in previous years.
"I didn’t want to do it at all.
"My sister told me that I had to do it and she bribed me with stuff to make me do it."
He competed in the junior te reo Māori section and spoke on his experience moving to an English environment to continue playing rugby.
South Otago High School pupil Jorja Andrews competed in the junior English section.
She chose to do her speech on being unapologetically Māori.
"It’s a strong topic for me. I believe I am unapologetically Māori," Jorja said.
She was glad the competition was held in Dunedin as it gave her a "sense of belonging".
Mount Aspiring College pupil Anataia White competed in the senior English section.
She felt as though the competition boosted her sense of confidence.
"I competed in Manu Kōrero. I spoke in front of all these people and all the people watching on the livestream and everything.
"You just feel more centred in yourself."
