Programme

The Draw

Guidelines for each event:

Oratory

Junior Prepared Speech

English Scripture Reading

Impromptu Speech

Te Reo Māori Scripture Reading

Religious Drama

Debating

Religious Questions - Guidelines

Religious Questions - Document

Results

Points List

About

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

We are delighted to be hosting O'Shea Shield 2026.  The theme this year is 'Returning to the Heart', drawn from Pope Francis' final and cyclical letter 'Dilexit Nos', which forms part of our Religious Questions document.  This event is open to the public and we look forward to seeing you here.

The Drama section is always performed on the Friday 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. Tickets for the Drama section are free but limited in number. Tickets will be available from the school office during the competition.  All other events have open entry.

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