University of Auckland
Debating Society

The University of Auckland Debating Society was originally established in 1887 as the Auckland University College Debating Society. It held its first debate on July 29, 1887, chaired by Sir Maurice O’Rorke, with the topic, “the payment of members of the House of Representatives is for the best interests of New Zealand“.

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We’ve listed topics debated in our early years below.  Some of these topics show that we tackled serious issues from our inception.  Topics such as “Is the influence of the State for good or evil” remain as relevant today as they were over a century ago.

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• “That the advantages of the unrestricted freedom of the Press outweigh the disadvantages,” (6 July, 1888)

• “Is any further limitation on the liberty of the Press desirable?” (13 May, 1890)

• “Is the influence of the State for good or evil?”

• “Does Education add to human happiness?” (19 August, 1891).

• “That the power of the British nation has culminated and is now declining.” (28 May, 1903)

• “Should New Zealand join the Australian Federation League?” (8 July, 1891).

 

Unfortunately our long history means that some of our topics also reflect societal bigotry.

 

•  “That the Maori race is doomed to destruction” (proposed 2 April, 1900).

• “That Chinese should be excluded from the colony” (27 April, 1888)

• “Are the present encroachments of women justifiable?” (May, 1898)

• “The Chinese invasion of Auckland” (22 May, 1889)

• “Should suffrage be extended to women?” (10 May, 1891)

 

Clearly humor was relevant in Auckland debating over a century ago, as it remains today. Less serious topics have included:

• “Is the North Pole worth finding?” (9 December, 1897)

• “That the custom of afternoon tea is pernicious,” (proposed 14 April, 1902)

• “Is life worth living?” (proposed 8 January, 1903)

 

Today we are New Zealand's largest and most successful debating society. Each year we have hundreds of members.  We won both major domestic tournaments in 2020 and 2021 were semi-finalists at Worlds' in 2015 and 2021, and semi-finalists at Australs in 2020 and 2021 (another team made the quarter finals!). In addition our novices won the north island novice championship in 2020, 2022, and 2023.