The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC
Speech Competition
The National Bank RNZRSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition, took place in 2010
for the first time and commemorates one of New Zealand’s, unsung heroes – Cyril
Royston Guyton Bassett (1892-1983).
The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition took place in 2010 for the
first time and is a partnership between the RSA and The National Bank. The speech
competition aims to promote among young people a deeper understanding and appreciation
of the sacrifices made by those who have served New Zealand in wars and armed conflicts
overseas.
The competition is a national competition for year 12 and 13 secondary school students.
Regional Finals are held in eight regions with a national final to decide the overall
winner. Entries open in February, Regional Finals are held in March and the National
Final is held prior to Anzac Day.
Cyril Bassett was the only New Zealander to be awarded a Victoria Cross during the
WW1 Gallipoli campaign - the highest honour given for gallantry in the Commonwealth
- and was also a career-long National Bank staff member (1908-1952).
The Winner of the 2010 competition was Meaghan Li of Macleans College, Auckland
whose speech was based on the Unknown Warrior, a New Zealand serviceman whose remains
were repatriated from the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery on the Somme in France for
burial in a new tomb at the National War Memorial in Wellington.
Each Regional Winner received $1,000 prize money in a National Bank account, a framed
Certificate and Youth membership to the RSA. The Regional Winner’s school also received
$1,000 and a military history book for their school library.
The National Winner received a trip to Gallipoli as a guest of the RNZRSA on the
official New Zealand delegation for the 95th ANZAC Commemorations; a further $1,000
Travel Fund, a laptop and digital camera to record their experience; and a winner’s
trophy.