NZ wins world school debating champs

The Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools’ Debating Team has won the World Schools’ Debating Championships after defeating England in the Grand Final, in Athens.

The Kiwis beat England by a 6-1 margin, proposing the motion “That all illegal immigrants should receive amnesty”.

New Zealand were runners-up at the 2008 Championships, losing on a 4-5 decision to England, so this is great utu!

It is the first time since 1995 that New Zealand has won the Championships, and the fourth time since 1988, making New Zealand the second most successful country ever to compete in the tournament.

The team comprised Maria English (Captain, Samuel Marsden Collegiate), Holly Jenkins (Sacred Heart College), Jennifer Savage (Wanganui Collegiate), Tom Chen (Hillcrest High School) and Ben Kornfeld (King’s College).

Maria English was also ranked as the world’s second best student debater – a great achievement as she has only just finished Year 12/6th form.