Students from around New Zealand took the stage in Rotorua on Thursday night for Nga Manu Korero - the national speech competitions.
Waatea News reports the final results often depended on aggregate scores across a range of catergories.
The Pei te Hurinui Jones trophy for senior Maori went to Toko-aitua Winiata from Te Kura a iwi o Whakatipuranga Rua Mano in Otaki.
Rihari Ratahi from Te Wharekura a rohe o Te Whakapumau won the Korimako trophy for senior speeches in English.
Makoha Gardiner, from the organising committee, says there was a clear change in subject matter from previous years, when tribal identity was to the fore.
