Tauranga Girls’ College student Jemma Miri is heading to the national stage after winning the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty regional final of the Race Unity Speech Awards.

Jemma claimed the regional title on March 24, earning her place among 21 finalists from across the country who will compete at the national semifinals in Auckland on May 9, followed by the national final on May 10.

“The Race Unity Speech Awards was an opportunity to share my voice and story on an issue that affects all of Aotearoa, especially the youth,” Miri said.

More than 120 rangatahi (youth) took part in regional heats held across 14 regions in late March, with only the top speakers progressing.

This year’s speech topic, ‘Listening to Understand – Whakarongo kia Mārama’, challenges students to explore how deep listening can foster empathy, respect and stronger connections across Aotearoa’s diverse communities.

Competitors are asked to reflect on issues such as racial harmony, leadership, inclusion and how to address prejudice, while offering practical ideas for building a more inclusive society.

Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello and Tristan Hancock from the Ba’hai community organised the local regional competition.

“Multicultural Tauranga is pleased to support the Race Unity Speech Awards as it provides a powerful platform for young people to share their voices, promote understanding, and champion racial harmony and inclusion across Aotearoa,” D’Mello said.

The competition has a strong legacy.

Since 2001, it has empowered more than 3000 students reaching a global audience of millions online.

A Tauranga Girls’ College student had now won the regional competition three years in a row.

“In 2024, alumni Ansh Dhot was recognised at the nationals, receiving the Tohu Manaakitanga from the Manukau Institute of Technology’s Deputy CEO of Academics,” Tauranga Girls’ College English teacher Tess Scully said.

“Then in 2025, Aiza Mustasam – who is now our 2026 head prefect – won the regional competition.”

Tauranga had also produced one national winner – Aquinas College student Kimberly D’Mello, who took the title in 2015 with a speech on ‘Big change starts small’.

Miri’s success continued a strong run of public speaking achievements. She won first place in Tauranga Girls’ College’s Year 10 speech competition in 2024 and won the Year 11 competition in 2025.

Beyond speech-making, she is also gaining recognition in drama. At the Bay of Plenty regional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival in March, Miri received a National Shakespeare Schools Production nomination, securing a direct path to the national finals in Wellington later this year.

From there, top students may be selected to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.

As she prepares for both national competitions, support is building around her. A Givealittle page was launched by a friend to help fund Miri’s travel costs for the Wellington finals.

D’Mello said the Race Unity Speech Awards were established to promote conversations around race relations and social cohesion in New Zealand.

Judges assess speeches on content, delivery and language, with a focus on ideas that can positively influence the national conversation.

The 2026 overall winner will receive the NZ Police National Champion’s Award, and a $2000 prize to be shared by the student and their school.

For Miri, the upcoming semifinals mark the next step in what is already shaping as a standout year – and a chance to add her voice to an important national dialogue.

“The beauty of being able to listen to other youth take a stand through this competition was inspirational, and I hope to represent Tauranga Girls’ College with pride as I take on this honour,” Miri said.