UoA Debating Society

The University of Auckland Debating Society was formed in 1887, making it one of the oldest clubs on campus. The Society endeavours to balance academic, social, competitive and public functions.

Over the last two years the Society has hosted events in association with different community organizations – such as the Peace Foundation on New Zealand’s nuclear free stance, a public debate between the Monarchist League and the Republican Movement for Dominion Day and a show debate with World Vision regarding New Zealand’s aid budget. We also host the University Oratory Competition to encourage excellence in public speaking as well as debating.

Within the community the Society supports and encourages the participation of secondary school students in debating. We do this through the provision of experienced adjudicators, conveners and coaches to Northland, Auckland, Waikato and National schools competitions and by running workshops in those regions. The society has a long-running relationship with Schools debating in the Auckland area, and helps to run Auckland Schools Debating, an organization that provides an ongoing regional tournament for over 300 teams from more than 40 Auckland secondary schools.

Nationally the Society facilitates the participation of Auckland students in inter-university debating competitions. In 2007 and 2008 we sent teams to four national inter-university tournaments and consistently send successful teams to the major international tournaments, including Australs and the World Universities Debating Championship.

The society works hard to encourage the high participation of minorities in debating (including through our Women’s and Minority Affairs officers). The Debating Society is home to hundreds of members from over 20 countries, from Australia and the UK to Samoa, Thailand and Zimbabwe.

Find out more about the Debating Society at http://www.debating.co.nz