The O’Shea Shield is an annual public speaking competition for the 17 Catholic secondary schools in the Wellington and Palmerston North dioceses.

The competition includes the following events:

• Debating
• Scripture Reading (English)
• Scripture Reading (Māori)
• Junior Prepared Speech
• Impromptu Speaking
• Oratory
• Religious Drama
• Religious Questions

The Drama section is always performed on the Saturday night, with a crowd made up of all the other participants from other schools. Each year there is a new selection of passages from scripture that each school must base their piece on. There is usually a great mix of serious and comedic pieces, and pieces that combine music, drama and dance. A definite highlight of the competition. 

In 2025 our piece was based on the theme "Pilgrims of Hope".  We chose a scripture from Romans 5:3-5:  "… suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope".  Our 5-minute drama showed that despite our suffering, Hope is always within us to guide and strengthen us along the way.

We are looking forward to hosting the competition in 2026.

O'Shea Thoughts

I believe O'Shea Shield is a very worthwhile event to participate in. Not only do you grow your knowledge and your speaking skills, but you get to spend time with people you may not otherwise. No matter how you feel you did in your event, the sisterhood is always there to support you and the memories you make will last a lifetime.

Emma Theelan - Religious Questions Participant 2019