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Amanjot Singh from Hastings Boys High School has been named the National Champion of the Race Unity Speech Awards for 2026 receiving the Tohu Raukura ā-Motu – New Zealand Police National Champion’s Award which recognises leadership in advancing the national conversation, talent and achievement.
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“In the courtroom of life, the most powerful moment isn’t when someone speaks. It’s when someone feels heard. In our society, too many people are unheard or dismissed, they feel isolated, because their stories are constantly filtered through stereotypes.” Amanjot said in his speech.
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Held at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae MIT in Ōtara Auckland, the Year 13 student also received the Tohu Manaakitanga – the Tohu Manaakitanga – Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec Award for Manaakitanga, and the Tohu Whetumatarau – the Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision.
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Amanjot is head boy, is in the New Zealand U18 Hockey Team and hopes to represent New Zealand one day. He also hopes to become a doctor.
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New Zealand Police Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson, chief judge of the national final, said the Police are proud to be a principal partner and sponsor of the awards since 2008. He said the judges found it very difficult and tough to try and distinguish between all the finalists.
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“All of the students were very humble, they showed their vulnerability and their speeches were very honest. It’s tremendous to witness the courage from our rangatahi as they speak from the heart and give us the gift of their thoughts – we feel enriched from that experience.”
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This year’s theme – ‘Listening to Understand – Whakarongo kia Mārama’, focused on creating an environment of respect and trust across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
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“Amanjot had a lovely manner and approach. He was very positive and when you’re talking about social cohesion, the more questions we can ask, and the more understanding that we have, the better it is as opposed to pointing the finger or pushing out blame.” said AC Tim Anderson.
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Dr Claire Achmad, Children’s Commissioner, Mana Mokopuna and MC for national final, said the six rangatahi shared deep and profound messages to us all about what we need to do better – and we need to do better at listening to understand – a key solution to better race relations in our country.
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“They have also brought forward powerful solutions that are practical – bringing down the borders between us. Sitting and taking the time to understand who you are, what is your story. Not just listening on the surface. But listening to understand.”
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Paddy Payne, national coordinator for the Race Unity Speech Awards and Baha’i representative said the weekend was so uplifting for everyone there.
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“Hearing these powerful speeches touched minds, hearts and spirits. Many speakers talked about the oneness of humanity. They made it clear that if everyone in this country really ‘listened to understand’ Aotearoa New Zealand would be transformed – not just from racism but from all forms of prejudice.”
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Jude Walcott
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National Media Coordinator – 027 474 1016
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Amanjot Singh – National Champion RUSA 2026
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You can watch Amanjot deliver his speech here: https://raceunity.nz/-TIN Bureau
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