University of Auckland Debating Society

University of Auckland Debating Society

Established	1887
Home Page	www.debating.co.nz
Executive Committee 2009
President	Brad Ward
Vice-President	George Minton
Treasurer	Mark Tushingham
Officers	James Ruddell Craig Riddell Max Harris Stephanie Thompson
First Year Representative	Nupur Upadhyay

The University of Auckland Debating Society is the oldest university debating society in New Zealand, established in 1887.^[1] The Society is also the oldest student club at the University of Auckland, preceding the formation of the Auckland University Students' Association (AUSA) established in 1891.^[2] The debating society is currently an AUSA affiliated club.

History

The opening page of the original 1887-1916 University of Auckland Debating Society Minute Book, describing the Society's first debate on July 29th, 1887

The University of Auckland Debating Society (Inc.) was originally established in 1887 as the Auckland University College Debating Society. It held its first debate on July 29, 1887, chaired by Sir Maurice O'Rorke, with the topic, "the payment of members of the House of Representatives is for the best interests of New Zealand."^[3].

Current Organisation and Role

The stated aims of the University of Auckland Debating Society are as follows:^[4]

A. To provide a forum for the discussion and debate of topical issues and to encourage such debate within both the University and the community at large.

B. To promote and compete in internal, national and international debating tournaments.

C. To develop the debating skills of our members.

D. Do anything necessary or helpful to the above aims.

The University of Auckland Debating Society's core function is to provide a forum to the students of the University of Auckland for the discussion and debate of topical issues - from politics, economics, and international relations to social and cultural issues. At a time of increasing disconnect between young people and civil society, this debating society provides an invaluable service. It encourages thought and debate and promotes engagement with both New Zealand's and the world's problems. An equally important function of the Debating Society is to teach young people how to effectively communicate with others, and to put their view across. The ability to speak in a public setting, and to explain one’s position with clarity and confidence, are essential to the provision of leadership. In addition, the Debating Society trains its members to think analytically, and to be wary of dogmatic thinking. Members are forced to confront their own and society's assumptions about issues, and to assess every argument and position from the point of view of both what is reasonable and what is right.

As well as serving its members, the University of Auckland Debating Society also participates in the wider community. The debating society is frequently associated with public events. In 2008, the University of Auckland debsoc contributed experienced debaters to public debates held at the University of Auckland. These include public debates for AUSA's Politics Week 2008 and a World Vision show debate. In September 2007, debsoc members participated in a public debate with members of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Monarchist League of New Zealand.^[5] The topic debated was, "that on the centenary of New Zealand becoming a dominion, it is time for us to become a republic," to mark 100 years since New Zealand became a dominion within the British Empire. Earlier that year, the debsoc was also involved with the Peace Foundation, which held a public debate on whether "New Zealand should repeal the anti-nuclear legislation," to mark the 20th anniversary of its passage into law. This debate was presented by 7th formers from Auckland secondary schools, all coached by members of the debsoc.

Tournaments and Competitions

The University of Auckland debsoc is involved in a number of national and international debating tournaments, as well as hosting its own internal tournaments. Debsoc members have participated at all levels as competitors, adjudicators, trainee adjudicators and conveners.

Internal tournaments hosted by the University of Auckland Debating Society:

• University of Auckland Pro-Am Internal Competition

• University of Auckland Development Tournament (Weekend Tournament)

National Tournaments:

• Officer's Cup held at the New Zealand University Games sports tournament ("Easters")

• North Island novice debating tournament ("Thropy")

• New Zealand University Prepared Debating Championships ("Joynt Scroll")

• New Zealand British Parliamentary Open Debating Championships ("BP")

International Tournaments:

• Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships ("Australs")

• World Universities Debating Championship ("Worlds")

Notable Former Members

His Excellency The Honourable Anand Satyanand^[6] - Current Governor-General of New Zealand.

Keith Berman^[7] - current President of the Auckland District Law Society.^[8]

Jonathan Hunt, ONZ - former Labour MP, former Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives and former New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

References

External links

• University of Auckland Debating Society website
• New Zealand Universities' Debating Council (NZUDC) website
• Auckland University Student's Association (AUSA) website