Annual School Speech Competition 2025

What a fabulous night was had by all, it’s amazing hearing the community school speech competition has been an annual event for over 40 years…… Six local schools entered this years speech competition,  9 Juniors Year 5 & 6  and 6 Seniors Year 7 & 8 Speakers entered Paparoa Lions Annual Speech Contest.

Our very own Paparoa Lion Alistair Banks welcomed everyone to this event, it was a huge crowd with over 80 spectators supporting young family members and school students who participated in giving speeches about Rural Living (Juniors) and AI (Seniors)

The children’s speeches not only captivated their audience, they were extremely well researched, projected, funny and very insightful.  We all learnt something about how these bright young children see their world and their futures. 

Out of 15 Participants, CONGRATULATIONS go out to our 6 overall winners  

Juniors Year 5 / 6 (Rural Living).                         Seniors Year 7 - 8 ( AI )

1st   Cohan Tullett.                                                1st    Jed Holland

2nd  Chloe Boulgaris.                                           2nd   Seth Ayling

3rd   Stellar Watson.                                             3rd.   Jacob Gilmore

We would like to acknowledge all 15 of our young participants both Junior and Senior for taking part in this annual event, they were all winners in our eyes, so congratulations.

Lions Paparoa would like to say a big thank you to our Special Guests/Judges Mark Vincent (Local Councillor) and Ken Hames, we know you had a hard task in front of you choosing 6 winners with so many talented children on the night of the speech competition.

Special Thanks goes out to the crew from William Pike Challenge who served up a wonderful supper for us all, your yummy treats, savouries and warm beverages were warmly welcomed.

Thank you also to Alistair Banks, and Vicky Hilton for organising and printing our Pamphlets and certificates, and thank you Jane Bailey for writing these up before being presented.

Ruth Mason, thank you for organising the fabulous Lion Keyrings, the children loved these.

Thank you to all Parents, Principals and Teachers for helping prepare the children for their annual speech competition. Participating Schools were, Paparoa Primary, Matakohe School, Maungaturoto Primary, Tinopai School, Otamatea Christian School and Otamatea High School

Well done everyone we can’t wait to hold this event again next year.