Budding orators studying in Years 12 and 13 in New Zealand would have a rare opportunity of participating in a speech contest to mark Anzac Day 2013.
The successful candidate will visit Gallipoli in Turkey on April 25
ANZ Bank and the Royal New Zealand Returned & Services’ Association (RSA) are jointly organising the ‘Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition.’
Launched in 2010 (under the National Bank brand) as a partnership between ANZ and RSA, it aims to create greater awareness of the sacrifices made by those who served New Zealand in armed conflicts in other countries.
Cyril Bassett (1892-1983) was a National Bank employee throughout his working life.
He was the only New Zealander at Gallipoli to receive the Victoria Cross.
ANZ bought the National Bank in 2003 and merged the brands in 2012.
RSA was established in 1916 to provide support and comfort for the Returning Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I to provide support and comfort for servicemen, servicewomen and their families.
The Association today accounts for more than 120,000 members, including children and grandchildren of returned service personnel.
Powerful history
ANZ Retail Managing Director Kerri Thompson said that her Bank was proud to be involved in the Contest.
“The story of the ANZACs is a powerful part of New Zealand’s history and identity. It is a privilege to once again be working with the RSA to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by Mr Bassett and the many men and women who served New Zealand in wars and armed conflicts overseas,” she said.
She said that eligible students should prepare six to eight-minute speeches on ‘New Zealanders at War’, with topics ranging from particular wars or operations, profiles of servicemen or women, or aspects of war commemoration.
Great Speakers
RSA Chief Executive Stephen Clarke said that organisers of the contest were privileged to see many incredible young New Zealanders paying tribute to ANZAC veterans.
“It is through our young people that the legacy of the ANZACs will be passed to the next generation. This contest has shown that their memory, and the ANZAC values of courage, compassion, camaraderie and commitment, is in good hands,” he said.
Wanganui Collegiate School student Jonathan Brumley won the contest last year, for his speech on Sergeant Haane Te Rauawa Manahi of the 28th Maori Battalion.
Entrants will compete in regional competitions, scheduled to be held from March 9 and 11 at various centres, with the final contest scheduled to be held at the National War Memorial in Wellington on March 27.
Registration closed on February 27.
“As well as a trip to Gallipoli to commemorate Anzac Day, the national winner will also be awarded a $1000 travel fund, a trophy, a laptop computer and a digital camera. The eight regional winners will receive $1000 prize money in an ANZ account, $1000 for their school, and a place in the national finals,” Mrs Thompson said.
ANZ is the joint Title Sponsor with Radio Tarana of the Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture due to be held on July 23, 2013 at Stamford Plaza Hotel in Auckland,
