Mitiaro School recently held a speech competition focused on invasive species and recycling, two major environmental threats that the island of Mitiaro faces.
The speech competition aimed to educate students and the wider community about the threats posed by invasive species to Mitiaro’s unique biodiversity, as well as the growing need to manage waste through effective recycling practices. Students from junior and senior levels took the stage, delivering passionate speeches that highlighted the importance of protecting the island’s natural resources. Students also dressed in creative costumes made from recyclable materials, showing how waste can be reused instead of discarded into the environment.
Topics covered included the impact of invasive plants such as the mile-a-minute vine (Mikania micrantha) and balloon vine (Kōpūpū Taviri), both of which threaten native trees and crops. Students also highlighted the cultural and ecological importance of local species like the Iniao (Mitiaro fan-palm). Many speakers addressed the growing issue of plastic pollution and the need for improved waste management, presenting practical ideas such as home composting and community clean-up days.
Judges from the Mitiaro Environment Authorities (MEA), local community representatives, and a retired school teacher assessed the speeches based on clarity, relevance, and originality.
The competition was part of a wider effort to strengthen environmental education within the school’s curriculum and to promote learning and awareness across the Pa Enua. Community members who attended expressed strong support and encouraged more youth-led initiatives to tackle invasive species and improve waste management on Mitiaro. The event closed with a powerful message: protecting Mitiaro’s environment begins with education — and its students are ready to lead the way.
The Mitiaro School Speech Competition was supported by the National Environment Service (NES) to encourage students to explore environmental topics through learning, creative expression, and community participation. The outstanding students recognised for their performances demonstrated confidence, clarity, and passion in delivering their speeches — making the event a true celebration of young talent and expression.
Year 7 & 10
1st Place – Rossana Tara
2nd & 3rd Draw – Makiroa Patia & Peltonia Murare
Year 4 & 6
1st Place – Teau Ngatuakana
2nd Place – Damien Rouru
3rd Place – Macaiyah Numanga
We congratulate all participants for their efforts and commend the winners for their outstanding achievements.
1st Place Speech from Year 4&6 – Teau Ngatuakana Kia Orana Today I will be talking about environment But I will be focusing on the rubbish that’s surround us especially with the amount of rubbish we see on the island I think we all know which place I am taking about. As you can see, it is not a good example for us kids we need to live in a safe and healthy environment. So how do we reduce this problem? Firstly, sort out your rubbish at home before you take it to the dump, or dig a hole at home and put your rubbish inside for you to make a compost to grow a plant. A healthy environment makes a healthy life Kia Orana
1st Place Speech from Year 7&10 – Rossana Tara. “Iiioooooo iooooo ioooooa” Kia orana tatou katoatoa Ko taku topiki no runga I te au pu rakau e takinokino nei I to tatou aorangi Kua iki mai au e tai ua koia oki kote mara-miniti Uianga? Eaa aia manamanata ei ki to tatou aorangi? Ko teia taku manako anga, te tapoki ara aia I te rakau ki tona rau kia kore e taeria ia e te ra. Mekare e ra, kua mate te reira rakau makeke, mekare te rakau ranuinui Ko te kino teia tana ka akatupu ki to tatou aorangi. I muri mai I taku kimikimi anga oonu no runga I teia rakau Kua kite mai au e, noatu te kino o teia rakau e meitaki rai tona Te rapakau ara aia te maki toto vene o tetai au tangata Ka akapeea ria tatou I te takore I teia rakau? Mama ua utia! peia! Ki runga I te one mekare taangaanga ia te vairakau parakoti Ka akapeea ria tatou te iti tangata Me akaruke ua tatou kare to tatou aorangi e manea Me ka takore ia ka manea to tatou aorangi Ko au nei, ko Rossana Tara te anoano iatu nei kia takore ia atu teia rakau Kia vai ruperupe ua toku aorangi E uki, e uki Ieekokoooo
