Last year, he became the Otago-Southland co-ordinator of the National Bank Cyril Bassett VC speech competition and was surprised by how few year 12 and 13 pupils in the two provinces entered.
What was "more surprising", there were no pupils from North Otago secondary schools.
Now, he wants to turn that around and has launched an appeal aimed at boosting entries for this year.
Entries are now open for the competition and he has sent out a circular to all Otago and Southland secondary schools urging them to enter. The subject this year is "New Zealanders At War".
The prize for the pupil who wins the national contest in Wellington on March 30 is impressive - a trip to Gallipoli to attend this year's Anzac commemorations which includes a $100 travel fund, laptop and digital camera to record their experiences.
To make the national final, contestants have to win their regional final, which will them a $1000 National Bank account and $1000 for their school.
