The Big Social Issues Debates

The Big Social Issues Debates, heat one at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

The Big Social Issues Debates is a national university debating tournament designed to encourage young people to think and talk about some of the important public policy issues facing New Zealand. The series is sponsored by the Friedlander Foundation.
 
This year, top debaters from Otago, Canterbury, Victoria and Auckland universities faced off over moots on welfare, crime, school choice, MMP, superannuation, liquor laws, smoking and student loans during two weeks of debates in Wellington and Auckland.

The preliminary debates are held in secondary schools in Wellington and Auckland.  The semi-final and final debates are held at after-five events for young professionals and students with time for discussion and networking over pizza and beer. The debates are followed by panel discussions with industry experts and lively Q & A sessions.
 
The Business Roundtable offers cash prizes of $1000 to the winning team, $500 to the second placed team and $500 to the best speaker of the tournament.

Click here to see photos of the debates.

Results from the 2011 Big Social Issues Debate

First: Auckland University

Second: Victoria Univeristy of Wellington

Best Speaker: Stephanie Thompson