Kiwis lose to England in school debating final

New Zealand finished second at the World Schools Debating Championship in the United States today, losing to England in the final.

New Zealand lost the final debate by 5-4, the closet possible margin, at the Washington DC competition.

NZ Schools Debating Council spokesman Christopher Bishop said he was very proud of the team.

"It's our best result at the world champs for 13 years.

"Debating in New Zealand schools is in very good heart, and this result proves that New Zealand students can foot it with the best in the world."

The five-person team was captain Maria English (Samuel Marsden Collegiate), Holly Jenkins (Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt), Jennifer Savage (Wanganui Collegiate), Tom Chen (Hillcrest High School) and Ben Kornfeld (King's College).

The team was selected at the national finals in May this year and was coached by Australian law student and champion student debater Julia Fetherston and Ministry of Health senior policy analyst Kevin Moar.

The World Schools' Debating Championships has been held annually since 1988.

This year's tournament involved 39 teams, including England, Wales, Scotland, India, Pakistan, the United States, South Africa, South Korea, and Japan.

New Zealand won the tournament in 1991, 1992, and 1995 and hosted it in 1994.

The 2009 tournament is in Athens, Greece in February and New Zealand will send the same team.

- NZPA