Premier Debaters Win Holyoake Cup

Congratulations to three Year 13 members of the Premier debating squad who talked up a storm on Monday night to win the Holyoake Cup. Committed and confident debaters, Rachel Worthington, Keshini Ketheeswaran and Oscar Sims won this presentation debate, contested in front of a packed Rotary Club audience in the Exhibition Room at Waipuna Conference Centre.

Held annually since 1983, the prized cup is challenged for each year by the debating teams of Saint Kentigern, Pakuranga and Edgewater Colleges. A founding member and president of Rotary at the time, Noel Holyoake, bequeathed the cup and, as is customary, each of the members of this year's winning team was awarded $100 by sponsors, Keith and Betty Holyoake for their achievement.

In the light of the current unfolding humanitarian crisis in Europe, the moot 'that New Zealand is a welcoming country' was highly topical. This was successfully affirmed by the College team against Pakuranga College in a clear victory. The debate was judged on the standard of the presentation, argument, rebuttal and content. Well done Rachel, Keshini and Oscar.

We now look forward to the Junior Debating team contesting the finals of their competition next Monday night at Westlake School.