Simpson to Represent NZ Debating

Hamilton Boys' High student Thomas Simpson has been named Best Speaker at the Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools' Debating Championships which concluded in Wellington this afternoon. 

Thomas' Waikato team won the competition after defeating Wellington in the Grand Final, arguing that people should not have to pass a test of political literacy in order to vote. It is the second year in a row that Thomas has been best speaker, a rare achievement. Christopher Bishop of the NZ Schools' Debating Council said that Thomas was a cutting, incisive debater who spoke with real flair and passion. "Thomas' great strength is his sharp analytical mind, which is backed up by impressive poise and convincing rhetoric", said Mr Bishop.

Thomas has been selected as a member of the Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools’ Debating Team, which comprises the best five speakers of the tournament. The team will represent New Zealand at the World Schools' Debating Champs in Turkey in February 2013.
 
The other members of the team are: James Penn (Wanganui High School), Edward Foley (Wellington College), Ashley Varney (Kings College) and Jemima Lomax-Sawyers (St Mary's College, Wellington). Thomas was also in the NZ Team last year, where he was one of the team's top performers at the World Champs.

Teams from Wellington, Auckland, Canterbury, Otago-Southland, Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Central North Island, Waikato and Kahurangi-Marlborough took part in seven preliminary rounds of debates at the national tournament, confronting such issues as whether te reo Maori should be compulsory in schools, if Barack Obama should be re-elected, and if state-owned enterprises should be sold.
 
Students found out the topics and what side they were to argue only one hour before the debate. The Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools’ Debating Championships have been held annually since 1988 and are recognised as the country’s most prestigious school debating competition. The Championships are sponsored by Russell McVeagh.
 
For more information, please contact the President of the NZ Schools Debating Council, Christopher Bishop, on 027 585 3669 or president@debating.org.nz