The Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society has a long and distinguished record of success over the years. Click the links below to see who has won the following titles.

NEW ZEALAND TOURNAMENTS

Joynt Scroll
The University of New Zealand Debating Challenge Shield
Presented by JW Joynt esq. MA
For the winners of the New Zealand Universities’ Prepared Debating Championships

The Joynt Scroll was first presented in 1902 (by a Victoria lecturer, JW Joynt) and has been competed for by NZ University debating societies ever since. It is the most prestigious debating title in New Zealand. Click on the above link to see the winners from Victoria since 1902.

Officers Cup
For the winners of the New Zealand Universities’ Impromptu Debating Championships

The Officers Cup is presented to the winning team in the debating tournament held annually as part of the NZ University Games sports tournament, which also doubles as the NZ Universities’ Impromptu Debating Champs. The tournament is colloquially known as “Easters” by debaters. Click on the above link to see the winners from Victoria since 1986.

Vice-Chancellor’s Cup
For the winners of the New Zealand British Parliamentary Open Debating Champs
Donated by the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society

The Vice-Chancellor’s Cup was donated by the Debating Society to be the trophy for the third major NZ tournament. It was named in recognition of the support given by the Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, Professor Pat Walsh, to the Debating Society’s hosting of the 2006 Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championship. Click the link above to see the winners from Victoria since 2004.

President’s Cup
For the Best Speaker at Joynt Scroll

The President’s Cup was donated by Andrew Stockley, President of the New Zealand Universities’ Debating Council from 1985 to 1988, upon his stepping down from the role. Click the link above to see the winners from Victoria since 1988.

Dame Catherine Tizard Cup
For the Best Speaker at Officers Cup

The Dame Cath Tizard Cup was named after the then Governor-General of New Zealand when it was first presented in 1996. Click on the above link to see the winners from Victoria since 1996.

David Lange Cup
For the Best Speaker at the New Zealand British Parliamentary Open Debating Champs
Donated by the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society

The David Lange Cup was donated by the Debating Society in 2006 to commemorate the death of former New Zealand Prime Minister, and noted parliamentary debater, David Lange, who died in 2006. Click on the above link to see the winners since 2004.

Russell McVeagh Cup
For the Most Promising Speaker at New Zealand University Debating Tournaments

The Russell McVeagh Cup was donated in 2002 by Russell McVeagh to reflect their sponsorship of New Zealand university debating. It is presented at each Joynt Scroll and Officers Cup tournament. Click on the above link to see the winners since 2002.

McLeod Trophy
For the winners of the North Island Universities’ Novice Debating tournament
In memory of Paul McLeod (1980-2002)
Donated by the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society

This cup was donated by the Society to commemorate the death of Paul McLeod, a popular Vic debater whose life was tragically cut short by a car accident in 2002. It is awarded to the winners of the North Island novice tournament, otherwise known as “Thropy”.

Centennial Cup
For the Best Adjudicator at New Zealand University Debating tournament
Donated by the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society during the centenary year of the Society in 1899

The Debating Society donated this cup in 1899, its centenary year. It is presented at each Joynt Scroll and Officers Cup tournament. Click on the above link to see Victoria winners since 1999.

Sir David Beattie Cup
For the winner of the public speaking competition held as part of Officers Cup

This cup, first presented when Sir David Beattie was Governor-General, is for the winner of the public speaking tournament held at Easters each year. Click on the above link for the winners from Victoria since 1986.

Bledisloe Award
For the winner of the oratory contest held as part of Joynt Scroll

This prize (actually a cup) is for the winner of the oratory contest held at Joynt Scroll each year. It is named after a early Governor-General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe, who was a noted philanthropist and lover of oratory and debate. Click on the above link for winners from Victoria since 1932.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

Victoria attends a range of international tournaments and has done very well them throughout the years.

World Universities’ Debating Championships
The pinnacle of any debater’s career, Worlds is the largest debating tournament on the planet, with nearly 400 teams competing in it in recent years. Click the above links to see which Vic teams and individuals have done well over the years since 1982.

Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships
Australs, as it is known, is the regional championship for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and is the second largest debating tournament in the world. Click the above links to see which Vic teams and individuals have done well over the years since 1975.

WELLINGTON TOURNAMENTS

Victoria also takes part in competitions within Wellington organised by the Wellington Speaking Union.

Parliamentary Shield
For the winners of the Premier debating grade in Wellington.

The Parliamentary Shield was presented in 1909 by the Wellington Members of Parliament to be the trophy for Interclub debating within Wellington and was soon regarded as the country’s premier trophy.

Victoria Shield
For the winners of the knock-out impromptu debating competition in Wellington, formerly known as the Management Cup.

The actual Victoria Shield was donated by the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society in 2000 to replace the Management Cup. The Management Cup was presented by Mr Don Harden, a past President of The Wellington Speaking Union, who, before moving to Australia was very active in local speaking events.

VICTORIA COMPETITIONS

There are also a range of internal competitions that Victoria organises for its own members.

Plunket Medal for Oratory
For the winner of the Plunket Medal Oratory Contest

The oldest and most prestigious prize for oratory in New Zealand, the Plunket Medal has been occurring annually since 1905. The original medal was donated by Lord Plunket, then Governor-General of New Zealand, and a noted philanthropist. The contest is organised by the Debating Society and open to all enrolled Victoria students. Individuals can enter as many times as they like, but can only win the contest once.

Pro-Am Cup
For the winner of the Victoria Pro-Am tournament

Pro-Am is a day-long tournament where experienced Vic debaters team up with novices. It has been held annually in the first trimester since 2001. Since 2008 there has also been a British Parliamentary style Pro-Am held in the second trimester. The winner of each tournament is deemed to be the best novice of the competition and has their name engraved on the trophy.

The Victoria Trophy
For the winners of the Victoria Championships grade

The Victoria Champs grade is the grade for all Victoria debaters of any experience. Teams are deliberately mixed up to be a mix of new and older debaters.

The Life Members’ Trophy
For the winners of the Victoria BP Grade in the second trimester

In the second half of each year an internal BP competition is held, which anyone can enter.