Listening to Understand
Whakarongo Kia Mārama

This was the theme for 2026.

At this year’s Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui, six outstanding high school students shared their lived experiences and reflections on how Aotearoa New Zealand can become a better, more inclusive place.

These students had already come a long way — progressing through their regional competitions before reaching the national final. The day before the final, they also took part in a hui, where they had the opportunity to connect with one another, reflect, and deepen the kaupapa behind their speeches.

Their speeches were a powerful reminder that listening is not simply about being quiet while someone else is speaking. Real listening means making space for another person’s story, especially when their background, culture or experience is different from our own.

Through their honest reflections on racism, identity, belonging and hope, these young speakers reminded the audience how much we still need to learn from one another in Aotearoa New Zealand.

When people truly listen, they begin to see beyond labels, assumptions and stereotypes. They can better understand the values we share, while also recognising the barriers and biases that still exist within our communities and systems.

This is where real change can begin — through honest conversations, open hearts, and the courage to listen before judging.

The Race Unity Speech Awards and Hui are organised by the New Zealand Bahá’í Community. The awards began in 2001 in memory of Hedi Moani and are held in support of Race Relations Day.

In 2026, the event is also supported by a number of partners and award sponsors, including NZ Police, the Human Rights Commission, Multicultural New Zealand, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, MIT & Unitec, Speech New Zealand, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, and others.

Congratulations to all the speakers and award recipients.

 

Tohu Raukura ā-Motu
NZ Police National Champion’s Award

Awarded to the overall winner of the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards

Recognises leadership in advancing the national conversation, talent and achievement.

Tohu Manaakitanga
The Manukau Institute of Technology & Unitec Award for Manaakitanga.

Is for a speaker who demonstrates manaakitanga through ngakau (compassion) and aroha (empathy) in overcoming prejudice and building bonds of kotahitanga (unity).

 

Tohu Whetumatarau
Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision

Is for a speaker who helps listeners to envision Aotearoa’s future as a multicultural society founded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

 

AWARDED TO:

Amanjot Singh — Hastings Boys High School

 

Tohu Māramatanga
Bahá’í Community Award for Insight

Honours a speaker for insights into the oneness of humanity and constructive approaches to overcoming racism in Aotearoa.

 

AWARDED TO:

Sisilia Misa — Middleton Grange School

Tohu Ahurea Rau
Multicultural New Zealand Award for Diversity

Honours a speaker for empathy and understanding of the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of Aotearoa.

 

AWARDED TO:

Kylie Arada — Southern Cross Campus

 

Tohu Auahatanga
Speech New Zealand Award for Delivery

This award Is given to the speaker whose creative and engaging delivery captures the audience’s attention.

 

AWARDED TO:

Paora Tavake — Dilworth School

 

Tohu Aumangea
Hedi Moani Memorial Award for Advocacy

For a speaker who shows us how to stand up for our rights and the rights of others.

 

AWARDED TO:

Lukas Strohmeier — Francis Douglas Memorial College

Tohu Manukura i Te Reo
Māori Language Commission Award for Te Reo Māori

Recognises the speaker who uses te reo Māori most eloquently and effectively in their speech.

Tohu Eke Panuku
Human Rights Commission Award for Impact

Recognises a speaker for offering an effective practical suggestion for ending racism and improving race relations in Aotearoa.

 

AWARDED TO:

Malak Tamimi — Queen’s High School