31 May 2000

A simultaneous video debate in Christchurch and Adelaide will take place on Friday 2 June.

It will be an inaugural sister cities World Environment Day "virtual" debate between two schools.

Christ’s College of Christchurch and Christian Brothers College of Adelaide will debate the topic: The United Nations is doing enough for the environment.

In Christchurch, the Christ’s College team will be speaking in the video conference room at the Christchurch School of Medicine at 12.30pm on 2 June. Adelaide’s Lord Mayor, Alfred Huang, will give an opening address and Christchurch’s Deputy Mayor, Lesley Keast, will give a welcome to contestants.

The chairman of the Christchurch Adelaide Sister City Committee, Vincent Chew, will present awards to Christ’s College debaters.

Since 1998 Adelaide has hosted a secondary schools’ World Environment Day debate in its city. As Adelaide is the international host city for the World Environment Day this year, it was decided to enhance the global aspect of competition by inviting a Christchurch secondary school to a formal debate.

The result will be the live debate on Friday - but divided by the Tasman Sea.

Austin, Texas, has told Adelaide it is interested in such a debate and a three-way debate may take place next year – on video.

Christ’s College emerged from a round of heats last weekend. Students taking part are xxxx.

Further information:

• Sue McFarlane
  International Relations Co-ordinator
  941 8959