Welcome to the Otago University Debating Society website
OUDS provides a welcoming forum to debate topical issues affecting New Zealand and the world. Whether it's debating at the Commerce building, competing in national and international tournaments, drinking at the Cook or carving up the local karaoke stage at Vivace, we can guarantee there's something for everyone at the society.
We cater to novice debaters and seasoned veterans alike, with plenty of opportunity to learn from some of the best debaters in New Zealand and to take part in a variety of debating events. As well as the chance to develop strong debating skills, OUDS also offers an extremely friendly environment in which you can get to know a variety of people and enjoy a wide range of social occasions.
Interested? We meet in the Commerce Building, room 2.20, every Tuesday at 7.00pm, and would love to see you there.
You can contact us by emailing oudsvp@gmail.com.
News
Tuesday 22th September
BLUFF CUP FINAL! - See you there
Tuesday night debating
Come along to the Commerce building (room 2.20) at 7.00pm on Tuesdays to experience the phenomenon that is OUDS. As is customary, debating is followed by a trip to the esteemed Captain Cook Tavern, where members can enjoy the benefits of cheap drinks and free food.
OUDS Represented in Woman's Debate
Recently, three of the society's members, Hana Nyhof, Danielle Duffield and Emma Keast participated in the Women's Week debate. Hana chaired, while Danielle and Emma represented opposing sides debating whether a gender representative should replace the women's representative on the Otago University Students' Association Executive.The debate was successful and enjoyed by all involved. In fact, it was so successful that the Otago Daily Times ran a story on it!
BYO Dinner
EPIC night. Karaoke, wine, Japanese food, more wine and more karaoke. 'Nuff said.
Joynt Scroll Teams Selected
Over the last week and a half the Society has been busily selecting the teams which will represent Otago at the National Prepared Debating Tournament, Joynt Scroll. Joynt is the most prestigious event in the New Zealand debating calendar; it is a prepared, 3v3 debating tournament, with points of information and 9-10 minute speeches. It will run from Saturday 29th August to Monday 31st August, at our very own University of Otago. This means the tournament is very accessible to anyone who is keen, both from a timing (it is in the first 3 days of mid-semester break) and cost perspective. It is also going to be a fantastic opportunity to welcome debaters from across the country to the wonderful place we call Dunedin, and show them a good time.1. This House would admit Turkey into the European Union
2. This House would abolish the concept of intellectual property
3. This House would allow minors to have sex change operations
4. This House would place a constitutional limit on the size of government as a percentage of GDP
5. This House would refuse to buy fair trade
Semi Finals: This House would allow the judiciary to strike down laws that breach the New Zealand Bill of Rights
Grand Final: This House would let endangered languages die
Congratulations to those who did make teams. To those who are not debating at Joynt, come along anyway and support the Otago contingent; there will be some great debating, and some even better nights out, so do pop along if you are in town. Debates will be in Commerce Building on Saturday and Sunday the 29th and 30th August
Claytons: the pursuit of knowledge, debating and wallabies
On July 24th, the most anticipated event on the OUDS debating calendar began. Claytons is a development tournament where speakers from Otago and Canterbury battle it out over two intense days in the bustling metropolis of Waimate. However, the debating is just the beginning. Over the course of the weekend, Waimate comes alive as debaters unleash their wilder sides in the grassy, wallaby-filled farmlands of Waimate.This year Otago sent a number of teams, all of whom performed well, and developed a lot over the weekend. Congratulations to Paul Hunt, who was named Best Speaker of the tournament. On the social front, no wallabies were caught (well, not this year anyway), but everyone involved had a great weekend. The highlight was definitely the late night star-gazing session/massive spooning session on the frosty grass outside the accommodation.
The next event on the calendar is Joynt Scroll, the National Prepared Debating Tournament that Otago is hosting from 28-31 August. Team selection is under way, and it is all shaping up to be an epic tourny. Look forward to seeing you all there.
