Model UN assembly a team effort
Students will fight tooth and nail for the beliefs of their adopted countries at the Model United Nations Assembly.
Hosts Auckland Girls’ Grammar are prepared for the verbal onslaught that is to come.
There are three teams representing Japan, France and Palestine and the girls have made sure to do their research.
‘‘Teams know who they are and they’ve thought about their debate,’’ student Shannon Cockerton says. ‘‘You know what you’re in for.’’
Head of social sciences Margaret Cotter has been organising the event at Auckland Girls’ Grammar for 19 years.
She says most of the organisation is done by the students.
‘‘It’s a great experience for them running a real event.
‘‘They get some really good knowledge that they probably wouldn’t learn in the normal school environment.’’
MUNA has become so popular that many schools will organise their exams and schedules to fit around the event.
Almost 100 schools from across the upper North Island will descend on the school to compete, debate and sabotage one another.
‘‘On the day you have to be ready to bribe, form alliances and crush other countries,’’ student Nayo Sax says.
‘‘It makes you think a differently because you’re lot not yourself – you have to be true to your country.’’
The three teams have been meeting weekly to study the viewpoints, beliefs and recent activities of the countries they represent. When they step into the political arena from May 22 to 23 all friendships are put aside.
‘‘There’s always certain countries that people love to hate like the United States or North Korea,’’ Shannon says. ‘‘ So if you are one of those countries you had better be prepared.’’
MUNA is also a great chance to mingle with other schools.
‘‘Its a weird environment,’’ Nayo says. ‘‘ Some people will go out and try to start an argument or a fight. It’s serious but there’s a big social aspect as well.
‘‘It’s cool just getting to know a bit about people and their school.’’