Secondary Schools Speech Past Competitions

2010

2008

2007

2006

2010

Winner - Meaghan Li

Watch her speech

Meaghan Li

The National Final of The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition 2010 was held at the National War Memorial, Buckle Street Wellington on 1 April 2010.

The Winner of the National Final was Meaghan Li of Macleans College Auckland whose speech was based on the Unknown Warrior, a New Zealand serviceman whose remains were repatriated from the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery on the Somme in France for burial in a new tomb at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

She said she was "speechless" at winning the competition and also paid tribute to her fellow competitors.

"I am just stoked. It's extremely humbling, and was not expected. It is an absolute honour considering those who spoke today. I'm pleased and proud to be representing New Zealand on this trip."

Veteran’s Affairs Minister Judith Collins announced Meaghan had won after the eight regional finalists delivered their speeches. 

Meaghan will travel to Gallipoli as an RSA representative on the official New Zealand delegation to Turkey for the 95th Commemoration of the Anzac Landings at Gallipoli.

The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition is a partnership between the RSA and The National Bank, aimed at promoting among young people a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who have served New Zealand in wars and armed conflicts overseas.

It is also a tribute to Cyril Bassett, VC, (1892-1983) who was the only New Zealander at Gallipoli to be awarded the Victoria Cross, and who worked his entire career at The National Bank. Members of his old regiment, the 1st New Zealand Signal Regiment, also attended the national final.

RSA president Robin Klitscher was "dumbstruck" with the talent and said that Meaghan’s speech about the Unknown Warrior was excellent, and brought home how connected young people are to our Anzac Heritage.

"It will be a great pleasure to accompany Meaghan, an outstanding young New Zealander, to Gallipoli and I know that she will appreciate the significance of being there this Anzac Day."

ANZ New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Jenny Fagg said the standard of speeches was impressive and a credit to the students and to their schools.

"Congratulations to Meaghan and to all the talented young finalists from around New Zealand who gave us speeches of such high calibre. The National Bank is immensely proud to be part of this competition in honour of Cyril Bassett VC who was one of hundreds of National Bank staff who served New Zealand overseas, many paying the ultimate sacrifice."

Meaghan will also receive an additional $1,000 for travel expenses from The National Bank; a laptop and digital camera to record her experience.

Regional winners of The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition won a National Bank account worth $1000, and youth RSA membership, while their school received $1000 and a military history book.

The 2010 National Finalists were:

Click on a name to watch a speech

2008

Winner - Raphael Mobegi

Watch his speech

Raphael Mobegi

The National Final was held in the Legislature Council Chamber, Parliament on Monday, 25 August 2008.

The National Final Winner was Raphael Mobegi of Karamu High School, Hastings, whose speech addressed the meaning of New Zealanders' service and sacrifice throughout our history, and paying special tribute to the memory of a New Zealand soldier in World War I who was killed trying to save a fellow soldier. In accepting the title, Raphael, who migrated to New Zealand from Kenya eighteen months earlier, expressed his delight but also how privileged he felt to be able to honour the memory of New Zealand service personnel.

In recognition of the 90th Anniversary of the Armistice speechmakers were encouraged to embrace New Zealand’s contribution to the First World War, either in its totality or to profile an individual New Zealander’s experience, to examine its legacy or an aspect of its commemoration. The subject matter ‘New Zealanders at War – Honouring Their Service’ also enabled students to embrace New Zealanders who had served in any conflict overseas.

Each District Finalist was presented with $1,000 prize money, an engraved RNZRSA Plaque and a RSA Junior Membership Badge. Their respective schools each received a copy of The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History together with a cheque for $1,000. Raphael received a further $5,000 prize money as the winner of the RNZRSA National Secondary Schools Speech Competition Trophy for 2007. His school also received a further $1,000.

Raphael plans to use the prize money to support his studies at Victoria University in 2009 where he intends to study law and music. We wish Raphael all the best for the future.

Runner up was Colleen Merrick of Garin College, Nelson and 3rd place went to Scott Summerfield, Ashburton College.

Raphael delivered his speech at the National Council Meeting in October 2008 as a special guest of the RNZRSA.

The 2008 National Finalists were:

2007

Winner - Chloe Muggeridge

Chloe Muggeridge

The National Final was held in the Legislature Council Chamber, Parliament on Wednesday, 5 September 2007.

The National Final Winner was Chloe Muggeridge of New Plymouth Girls’ High School, speaking on the subject of the life and death of Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone on Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli, on 8 August 1915.

In recognition of the 90th Anniversary of Passchendaele, speechmakers were encouraged to embrace New Zealand’s contribution to this Campaign either in its totality or to profile an individual New Zealander’s experience, to examine the legacy of Passchendaele for New Zealand or an aspect of its commemoration. The subject matter ‘New Zealanders at War’ also enabled students to embrace New Zealanders who had served in any conflict overseas.

Each District Finalist was presented with $1,000 prize money, an engraved RNZRSA Plaque and a RSA Junior Membership Badge. Their respective schools each received a copy of the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History together with a cheque for $1,000. Chloe received a further $5,000 prize money as the winner of the RNZRSA National Secondary Schools Speech Competition Trophy for 2007. Her school also received a further $1,000.

Chloe delivered her speech at the National Council Meeting in October 2007 as a special guest of the RNZRSA. We wish Chloe all the best for the future.

RNZRSA thanks the Lion Foundation, Toastmasters NZ, all the contestants, their families and supporters at the regional and national finals for their involvement.

The 2007 National Finalists were:

2006

Winner - Ereti Williams

Ereti Williams

The RNZRSA National Secondary Schools Speech Competition Final, held at Parliament, and won by Ereti Williams, Tauranga Girls' College representing the Waikato – King Country – Bay of Plenty District, was summed up by the National President John Campbell in one word "Stunning!".

Ereti Williams won $5,000 and is the inaugural winner of the RNZRSA National Secondary Schools Speech Competition Trophy, to be competed for on an annual basis.

Each Finalist was presented with the following prizes for winning their District Finals: $1000 and an inscribed 90th Anniversary Commemorative Plaque, an RSA Junior Membership Badge, and the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History for their school.

The RNZRSA thanks the Lion Foundation and all the contestants, family and supporters at the regional and national finals for their involvement this year and eagerly looks forward to the 2007 Competition.

Since winning the Speech Final Ereti Williams delivered her speech at the Formal Opening of the 2006 RNZRSA National Conference in front of the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and 500 delegates and guests as well as live on the Na Ratou, Mo Tatou Let's Honour Them Together Anzac Day Broadcast on Maori Television. We wish Ereti all the best in the future.

The 2006 National Finalists were: