A local Maori school has achieved a proud first after a student won a regional secondary speech competition.
Te Wharekura o Mauao Year 10 student Olivia Mokomoko came first in her section at the regional Mataatua Nga Manu Korero speech contest at Mangatapu Marae recently.
Although the school had been to nationals twice in the past five years in the English section, it was the first time a student had represented the school and region at nationals in the Maori section, a big achievement for the school, assistant principal Heywood Kuka said.
Miss Mokomoko's section, junior Maori language, required her to write and present a 12-minute speech in te reo on the topic 'ko maua ko taku hoe', where she spoke about the impact her ancestors and modern leaders have had on her life.
Originally from Opotiki, the 14-year-old said she found it interesting researching and learning more about her family history, but said her favourite part was having everyone watch her.