The December 2023 edition of the Friends of New Zealand Schools' Debating newsletter can be found here. If you would like to receive future copies, please sign up here.
An except from the introduction of the newsletter is below:
It was wonderful to be able to welcome – in person once again – the National Championship competitors to the Grand Final at Parliament this year. A special thank you to alumni Chris Bishop and Nicola Willis for hosting us at Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber for what proved to be a very entertaining debate on the timeless issue of whether New Zealand should become a republic. Some topics never get too old in debating!
The Foundation joins with the Council in celebrating the appointment of Sir Stephen Kós KNZM KC, a Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, as the Council’s new Patron. Sir Stephen has been a long time supporter of schools’ debating and we are delighted he has accepted the role. The Foundation also welcomes the new members of the Council, led by newly elected President, Chris Ryan. We are looking forward to working closely with the Council to continue to support and grow debating in New Zealand.
One of the Foundation’s core roles is to raise funds for schools’ debating. The Council is looking for new sponsors across the board – for the regions, the National Championships, and to support our national team to compete overseas. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please do get in touch with the Council, or the Foundation. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps. Another way you can support schools’ debating is by becoming a Friend of the Foundation, on the making of a donation. Further details are in the newsletter.
Finally, on behalf of my co-trustees Jenna Raeburn and Brooke Kinajil-Moran, I wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year, as well as a relaxing summer break with family & friends.