Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Art & Entertainment | Book Reviews | Education | Entertainment Video | Health | Lifestyle | Sport | Sport Video | Search

 

Speech wins Rotorua Boys High student trip to Gallipoli

Speech wins Rotorua Boys High student trip to Gallipoli

Rotorua Boys High School student Jack Potaka has taken top honours in the national final of the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition, winning a trip to Gallipoli to attend ANZAC Day commemorations.

Jack’s speech beat seven other Year 12 and 13 regional finalists to win the competition in Wellington today. Jack’s prize includes a trip to Gallipoli for the 2014 ANZAC day commemorations, a $1000 travel fund, trophy, laptop computer and digital camera.

The prize was presented by The Governor General, Lt Gen, The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, RSA National President Don McIver and ANZ Head of Corporate Affairs Peter Parussini.

The 16-year-old student impressed the judges with a passionate speech about the first fully qualified Māori pilot in the RNZAF, Porokoru Patapu John Pohe.

Jack delivered an inspiring speech entitled ‘The Forgotten Hero’ detailing Porokoru’s determination to learn to fly and his successful career in the Air Force before he was shot down in Germany, captured and later executed.

Ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.