Debating

Havelock North High School offers students the opportunity to join a debating team.  Currently there are seven junior, two intermediate and five senior teams, all participating in the Hawke's Bay Inter-school Debating competition.

Throughout the competition teams debate such moots as 'Science is a Menace', 'Cell Phones are an Affliction', ' Lawyers are Parasites' and 'Movies are New Zealand's Best Export'.

Debating is an excellent vehicle for developing critical thinking skills, confidence and the ability to think on ones feet.  It engenders discipline and encourages teamwork.

Past results in competitions show that Havelock North High Schooll students are up with the best in Hawke's Bay. 

All debates are held in school time and do not affect other co-curricular activities.

Mooting

Mooting is similar to debating, but in the context of arguing a hypothetical court case.  In a team of three, the mooters will argue their case before a judge and use real case law in support of their argements.

Havelock North High School has competed in the Waikato University Schools' Mooting Competition against schools from Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton and New Plymouth.  In 2007, Havelock North High School ranked first in the competition and in 2008 they were awarded second place.