Wāhine redefining Māori oratory excellence at Ngā Manu Kōrero 2025

More than a hundred rangatahi stepped up to the lectern in Whanganui last month to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Ngā Manu Kōrero, Aotearoa’s most notable secondary school Māori speech competition. 

This year’s Ngā Manu Kōrero marks a significant increase in wāhine Māori leading the way in Māori oratory. The prestigious Pei Te Hurinui Jones title was won by Te Kahurangi Teinakore-Huaki from Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa, and the top three placings in Rāwhiti Ihaka were also won by three wāhine – Atareta Milne, Taaroto Tuaupiki and Malea Procter. 

This isn’t just a win for these wāhine and their whānau, but a powerful reflection of the growing strength and presence of wāhine Māori in the world of Māori oratory, a space that has historically been dominated by men.   

Malea Procter from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri o Māui in Gisborne, delivered a moving speech about breaching certain tikanga to be successful. “Tāne mā, ki te kore e eke i a koe, tukuna ki te mea mōhio. Tāne mai, wahine mai.” This reinforced the idea of making way for the best speakers to take the pae, man or woman. 

Te Mātāwai, along with the Māori Education Trust, proudly sponsored the scholarships for winners of the two reo Māori sections – Rāwhiti Ihaka (Junior Māori) and Pei Te Hurinui Jones (Senior Māori).  

Supporting kaupapa like Ngā Manu Kōrero is crucial as it creates a space for rangatahi to express their views, challenge topical issues, and grow their oratory skills.  

The future of te reo Māori and whaikōrero is in strong, capable hands.