Young Orator Wins Second Title at Ngā Manu Kōrero Competition

Fourteen-year-old Pou Ariki Hemara-Daniels captured the spotlight once again at the 60th anniversary of the Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition held in Whanganui last week. Hemara-Daniels, who attends Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rangi Āniwaniwa in Kaitaia, successfully defended his title by winning the Sir Turi Carroll Junior English category, solidifying his status as one of Aotearoa’s leading young orators.

The Ngā Manu Kōrero competition, regarded as the most prestigious speech contest for secondary school students in New Zealand, celebrates the diverse voices of young speakers. It is divided into four categories, two for junior competitors and two for seniors. The junior categories include Rāwhiti Ihaka Junior Reo Māori and the Sir Turi Carroll category, while the senior categories feature Pei Te Hurinui Jones Senior Reo Māori and Korimako Senior English, which includes the added challenge of an impromptu speech.

Hemara-Daniels aims to tackle this increased difficulty as he prepares to enter the senior division next year. Reflecting on his recent experience, he emphasized the importance of physicality in delivering a compelling speech. “Physicality can be a major point deduction or a major point enhancement,” he explained. “The tidier your actions, the better the judges can grasp your kōrero.”

Despite feeling nervous before taking the stage, Hemara-Daniels found ways to manage his anxiety. After engaging in some exercises and drinking water, he felt ready to “smash the stage.” He admitted, “Before I got on, not going to lie, I was actually really, really nervous; the pressure was way higher than last year.”

His speech, titled “Welcome to Hawaiki,” required substantial adjustments. Initially, for the Te Tai Tokerau regional competition, the topic was “Welcome to the Far North.” Hemara-Daniels explained, “I had to change most of it in the span of like three days because we’re not in the Far North anymore, but hei aha.” He elaborated that Hawaiki is not merely an island; it symbolizes a deep connection to the roots of the Māori people.

In his view, the concept of Hawaiki Hou, or modern Hawaiki, underscores the importance of reconnecting with heritage. “It’s more of the new world that us rangatahi and all the people that are here today can create for our future generations,” he stated. He envisioned Hawaiki as a place where families do not have to choose between basic necessities, saying, “Hawaiki is a place where our tamariki are fed and happy, where whānau don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and leaving the lights on.”

After winning back-to-back titles, Hemara-Daniels expressed pride in his achievements but views this success as a stepping stone. “In the future, I want to keep building these skills and use my voice for the benefit of my iwi and my wider community,” he said. His aspiration is to inspire other young people to believe in themselves and reach their potential.

He concluded with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I just want to mihi to my whānau, my kura, and my teachers who stood by me and supported me all the way. Because these wins aren’t just mine; they belong to all of them too, because they believed in me and encouraged me.”

The Ngā Manu Kōrero competition continues to thrive as a platform for young talent, fostering a new generation of skilled orators across New Zealand.