28 May 2024

New Zealand's best young debaters set for the world stage

From Nights, 10:18 pm on 28 May 2024

The New Zealand Schools Debating Grand Final was held last night at Parliament.

Clara Ballantyne from Columba College in Dunedin has been named captain of the New Zealand team, while Luca Ririnui from Mount Maunganui College took home Best Speaker.

They're forming part of the New Zealand Schools Team heading to the world championships in Serbia in July of this year.

They join Emile Donovan.

Five students in school uniforms pose for a picture behind a wooden rostrum in Parliament's debating chamber.

The New Zealand Schools' Debating team will compete at the World Schools Debating Championships in Serbia in July 2024. Photo: Lynette Jones Photography