Otago Sweep at Debating Nationals 2026

Team Otago wins at the Debating Nationals. Trinity Catholic College's Chē, in Year 13, captivated the audience with his robust arguments as the third speaker of the team. Also, Ziva, in Year 11, provided phenomenal support in the reserves while skilling up to bring the knowledge back to Trinity and prepare herself for future nationals.

This was Chē's second win at nationals in three years, as he was on the 2024 national winning team. This is a very, very, rare achievement, according to the coaches of his team. What made Otago's win even more spectacular is that it is only the third time in 40 years that they have secured this win, as North Island teams tend to dominate this prestigious competition.

A special mention needs to go to the Columba College students in the team for their contribution to the Otago sweep. Emily Roy was awarded tied best speaker and a place on the New Zealand team, and Beth Elder made the New Zealand team as a reserve.

This is a fantastic outcome for Otago, and Trinity Catholic College is immensely proud of the team and their achievement on the national stage!