South Africa-born Year 12 student crowned national champion at New Zealand’s Race Unity Speech Awards
Jordyn Joy Pillay, a Year 12 student of Indian origin from Ormiston Senior College in Auckland, has won the 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards, emerging as the national champion among six finalists from across New Zealand, reported rnz.co.nz.
“This is the biggest achievement in my life – it’s topped everything I’ve done so far,” Pillay said.
The finals, held at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae in Otara last weekend, marked the 25th edition of the prestigious event, organised annually to promote race relations and unity among high school students. The awards are rooted in a post-1997 initiative by the Baha’i community and Race Relations Office following racially motivated attacks, and are now a key part of New Zealand’s Race Relations Day celebrations on March 21.
-
This year’s theme, “The Great Ocean of Diversity”, inspired participants to reflect on the lived realities of inclusion
-
“Crafting my speech made me realize that I’m not just speaking for myself, but for others who have felt unseen or unheard,” said Pillay
-
Pillay moved to New Zealand recently and was competing in a major event for the first time
In addition to being named national champion, Pillay was also honoured with the Tohu Whetumatarau – Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision. Her proposal for a culturally inclusive curriculum—where diverse histories and cultures are integrated into every lesson—was praised for its practical impact.
Auckland’s Zara Oliyath also wins dual honours at the competition
Another standout at the event was Zara Oliyath, a Year 12 student from Diocesan School for Girls in Auckland, originally from Delhi, India. She received both the Tohu Ahurea Rau – Multicultural NZ Award for Diversity and the Tohu Auahatanga – Speech NZ Award for Delivery. Quoting a Malayalam proverb from her childhood—“Naanathwathil ekathwam” (unity in diversity)—Oliyath said the competition gave her hope and reinforced her commitment to inclusivity in Aotearoa.
Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers, who served as chief judge, praised the courage and clarity of the finalists: “The competition provides a platform for young people to share their thoughts on important societal issues.”
Nick Moss of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of New Zealand added: “All the speeches aligned with the values we share – the unity of humankind.”
